How can the German automotive industry translate its long-standing strengths into the digital and climate-neutral mobility of the future – an era characterized by digitalization, sustainability, and new partnerships? And what role do startups play in the transformation of mobility? These questions were explored at the Future Tech Day 2025, hosted by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) on November 4th at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Berlin. The agenda included various keynote speeches, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. High-profile figures from politics, business, and the startup scene gathered with the goal of shaping the future of the automotive industry through collaboration.

A new era of mobility for the future

At the start of the event, VDA President Hildegard Müller emphasized the importance of innovation as the driving force behind transformation: "It was companies with innovative ideas that made the German automotive industry what it is today. The car was invented in Germany, and it has been further developed here many times. Even today, our industry is strongly positioned in the major future topics."

Müller also emphasized the important role of startups:

"I am convinced that the companies in the German automotive industry will successfully shape climate-neutral and digital mobility. And I am certain that startups are important partners on this path. Beyond the political and economic challenges, we must also ask ourselves: How can we ensure that we remain a highly innovative industry? And this is precisely where startups can help and bring fresh impetus to the industry."

Müller clearly identified the aforementioned political and economic challenges: "Comprehensive and bold reforms are needed to ensure that our region regains its leading position. This means: lower energy prices, reduced taxes and levies, faster permitting processes, a significant reduction in bureaucracy, open markets instead of protectionism, and technological openness instead of restrictions—the list of necessary measures to improve international competitiveness is already well-known."

Strengthening competitiveness—incentives from Brussels and Berlin

Political incentives were heard not only from Berlin, but also from Brussels. In her digital keynote, the EU Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, emphasized the need to strengthen European technological sovereignty: "Germany plays a key role in the automotive industry. The transformation is crucial for the success of the entire European automotive industry – and we are ready to actively support this change."

Building on this, Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary for Digital Affairs and Public Sector Modernization, emphasized in his keynote address: "The digitalization of German industry will only succeed if startups and established companies combine their strengths. Startups provide the agility and technological innovations, while medium-sized businesses and established industries possess market knowledge and scalability. This combination secures Germany's competitiveness in the global market."

Venture Clienting and AI: How companies grow with startups and digitalization

As a pioneer of venture clienting, Gregor Gimmy, founder of the BMW Startup Garage, offered a fascinating perspective on how established companies can boost their innovative strength not only through their own research but also through the targeted integration of ideas from the startup scene: by systematically scouting for suitable startup solutions to their problems, engaging with them as equals, quickly developing joint prototypes, and ideally becoming the startups' "venture clients." A win-win situation for both sides.

What once began as an experiment is now proving to be a successful strategy that breaks down old corporate structures and brings fresh impetus to companies.

And while many are still talking about artificial intelligence in buzzwords, Thuy-Ngan Trinh shed light on the buzzword jungle with her presentation, "From Bullshit Bingo to Business Impact – AI You Can See and Feel in P&L." She showed how AI—when used correctly—can be not just a vision, but a measurable competitive advantage. This could enable SMEs, in particular, to make the leap from being digital observers to a proactive, shaping role.

Networking as a success factor: Speed dating with venture capital providers

Another highlight of the day was the VC speed dating event, where founders met investors from the mobility sector. Promising connections were made within minutes—from initial encounters to concrete discussions about potential collaborations.

In the afternoon, a panel discussion took place with representatives from corporate venture capital (CVC), OEMs, venture capital firms, and the startup scene. The discussion focused on how to successfully implement innovation strategies in an increasingly complex mobility ecosystem. One key takeaway was that openness, speed, and the courage to experiment are crucial factors for shaping the sustainable mobility of the future.

To conclude the day, selected startups presented their solutions for the mobility of tomorrow at the Mobility Innovation Award Pitch, presented by Plug and Play. The pitches were judged by a high-caliber jury consisting of Lars Biermeyer (Corporate Strategy & Innovation Ecosystem at HELLA), Daniel Willenbrink (Investment Manager at Leap435), and Florian Messner-Schmitt (Head of Corporate Innovation at TRUMPF).

Congratulations to the winning startup Compredict, which has also won an exclusive stand at the 10th anniversary of the next EXPO Days by STARTUP AUTOBAHN on July 2, 2026.

Conclusion: Cooperation is the key to the future

The Future Tech Day 2025 impressively demonstrated that the major challenges of our time—from digitalization to technological sovereignty—can only be mastered through close cooperation between industry, politics and startups.

With around 150 participants, top-class speakers from politics, business, SMEs, and the startup scene, and a strong content agenda, the event impressed both the audience and participants alike. The message of the day: Only those who embrace cooperation can shape transformation—and write success stories.