On June, 17th, the Born Global Startup Festival returned to Leipzig with its largest edition to date — bringing together 289 participants from 77 countries to celebrate international entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration.
Hosted by the Start-up Initiative SMILE and the SEPT Competence Center at Leipzig University, the festival provided a platform for aspiring and active international founders in Germany to connect, learn, and grow.
The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Utz Dornberger, Director of the SEPT Competence Center, who emphasized the growing importance of supporting international founders and their integration into Germany’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Inspiring Stories and Expert-led Workshops
The program featured impactful insights from international founders based in Leipzig and closely connected to Leipzig University through research or alumni networks.
- Emma Haley (Co-founder of Megunto)
Megunto is developing a platform that realistically simulates oral exams and offers personalized learning tailored to individual needs and institutional branding. - Felipe Engelberger (Co-founder of AI-Driven Therapeutics)
AI-Driven Therapeutics uses artificial intelligence to accelerate protein design and transform the drug discovery process. - Washington Logroño (Co-founder of Pacífico Biolabs)
Pacífico Biolabs is creating sustainable, fungi-based meat alternatives that integrate seamlessly into existing food systems.
Participants also took part in a set of parallel sessions, tailored to the needs of early-stage founders:
- Session 1. Beyond the Research Contract: Future Funding – Hacks, Strategies & New Horizons
with Christian Scheffler (Start-up Initiative SMILE) and Maiia Deutschmann (Projektträger Jülich, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH – GTI)
A deep dive into post-research funding pathways and practical strategies for securing startup support in Germany. - Session 2. Business Idea Quick Validation & Pitch Training
with Norhan Othman (Co-Founder & Head of Partnerships – Startup Migrants UG)
Focused on fast-track validation methods and practical guidance to improve startup pitching skills. - Session 3. Using AI for Market Research
with Sebastian Benad (Management & Cultural Studies – Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz)
Introduced AI-driven approaches to identifying market trends, analyzing competitors, and understanding target groups.
Honored Guests from Kenya
The festival was honored by the presence of distinguished guests from Kenya:
Stella Mokaya Orina, Kenyan Ambassador to Germany
Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, Minister for Cooperatives and MSMEs
Their visit highlighted the growing global interest in Germany’s startup support ecosystem and international cooperation opportunities with Kenya.
Beyond the formal program, participants also had the chance to explore and experience the Process Living Lab from SMILE, got inspired by the International Founders Wall, discovered personal stories through the EntreAction Video Stories, and enjoyed a live art performance by Badania – SKIN Design Studio.
Opportunities for Founders in Leipzig
To conclude the formal program, Jazmín Ponce Gómez (SMILE) presented the many opportunities available for international talents looking to launch their businesses in Leipzig — from advisory support to training and network-building activities.
The day ended with a sunny summer celebration, featuring networking games and informal exchange — sparking conversations and connections that will continue well beyond the event.
Thank You to Everyone Involved
A heartfelt thank-you to all the participants, speakers, and workshop leaders — and especially to the SMILE organizing team.
More than just a gathering, the Born Global Startup Festival 2025 sparked new connections, empowered international talent, and built a stronger startup community in Leipzig!
Free admission to the event was made possible through the co-financing of SMILE by the European Union and the Free State of Saxony.
