Network Summit: AI Meets SMEs

Network Summit InnoPartner

The best innovations emerge where new ideas meet real challenges. That is precisely what the Network Summit on 30 September 2026 at innoWerft.

Together with InnoPartner Kraichgau and the Smart Industries Network We are creating a space where start-ups, companies, research institutions and technology providers can engage in dialogue with one another. For founders, this offers the opportunity to present their solutions, forge valuable contacts and discuss specific use cases with potential customers or collaboration partners.

AI as a topic of conversation – and innovation as the goal

How are AI agents changing the software landscape? What opportunities does Vibe Coding open up? And how can companies use their data confidently and securely?

Our interactive topic hubs are dedicated to these and other questions. Instead of traditional talks, you can look forward to open discussions with experts and participants from the business world and the start-up scene – practical, up-to-date and focused on today’s challenges.

Bringing innovations to the fore

On the Start-up Marketplace As an innovative start-up, you can showcase your solutions to SMEs. Take this opportunity to receive direct, real-world feedback, make contacts with potential customers and engage in dialogue with companies that are actively seeking new technologies and strong partners.

Network, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities

The Network Summit brings together people who want to drive innovation – whether they’re from a start-up, an established company or a research organisation. Take this opportunity to expand your network, discover new perspectives and perhaps lay the foundations for your next collaboration.

📅 Wednesday, 30 September 2026 | 4.00 pm–7.00 pm
📍 innoWerft Walldorf, Kleinfeldweg 54, 69190 Walldorf

Do you develop innovative solutions or want to connect with companies looking for new technologies? If so, the Network Summit is the perfect opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable insights for your start-up.

A focus on five key technologies

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub focuses on five areas of technology that are of particular importance to the region’s competitiveness:

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use in production, logistics, quality management and data-driven services
    • Cyber security: Critical infrastructure protection, industrial IT security and secure data rooms
    • Industry Tech: IoT applications, sensor technology, automation, data analysis and networked production processes
    • Sustainability and energy efficiency: CO₂ reporting, energy-saving potential in production and buildings, and drivers for the circular economy – all measurable through key digital technologies
    • The Metaverse and Extended Reality (XR): Virtual and augmented reality as platforms for collaboration, training and product development, digital twins and immersive experiences

AI-powered matching platform: The right partner at the touch of a button

A key component of the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is the AI-powered matching feature. Companies and start-ups can describe their specific requirements or technology needs. The AI then identifies suitable Contact person and offers from the region’s partner network.

The aim is to match a specific need with a suitable contact as quickly as possible, and for this to lead to a concrete collaboration.

Events, funding opportunities and venues all in one place

In addition to AI-powered matching, the Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides a continuously updated overview of regional events, funding opportunities and workshops.

Also available Spaces for meetings, co-working and innovation projects across the entire metropolitan region are consolidated on the platform.

In this way, the Digital Hub makes the region’s various services and areas of expertise visible and accessible via a single digital portal.

Working together for innovation in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is supported by a regional network. Consortium partners are the innoWerft, the City of Mannheim and the 5-HT Chemistry & Health.

As associated partners support the Heidelberg Technology Park, the IHK Rhine-Neckar, the Economic Development Unit of the Rhein-Neckar District Office, the Heidelberg Economic Development Agency, the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, the Mannheim University of Applied Sciencesthe NEXT MANNHEIM and that Smart Industries Network the project.

Together, the partners bring together regional expertise and services relating to key digital technologies.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Skilled Trades and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg promoted.

Discover the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub now

The Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides start-ups, businesses and research organisations with shared digital access to services and expertise relating to key technologies in the metropolitan region.

You’re a founder and would you like to use the Digital Hub for your start-up? Explore the platform and find out which services and contacts might be relevant to your idea!