Startup mission to GITEX EUROPE in Berlin

GITEX EUROPE

GITEX EUROPE is one of Germany's most significant international startup tech exhibitions. With this year's theme "Advancing Europe's Digital Future in Partnership," the organisation wants to promote cooperation, knowledge exchange, and matchmaking.

The exhibition is a platform for startups to promote groundbreaking and innovative products or services. It also offers opportunities to network and do business with companies, investors, and organisations.

The three-day exhibition offers a diverse programme focusing on many tech sectors. This year, the organisation expects 60,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitionists, 1,500 startup companies, 1,200 investors, 500 speakers, and 300 official delegates from 100 countries.

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Berlin organises the Icebreaker networking event for mission attendees prior to the start of the exhibition, on 20 May.

Why take part?

This startup mission aims to support promising Netherlands-based startups and innovative enterprises in growing their businesses internationally. By joining this mission, you will have access to a platform to showcase your product to a German and European audience. You will also be able to connect with potential customers, investors, partners, and other startups. Together, we will put the Dutch startup ecosystem on the map!

Joining GITEX EUROPE offers you the exciting opportunity to:

• present your product or service to a large German and European audience;
• validate or test your product or service;
• expand your German and European network;
• meet potential investors;
• gain knowledge about the German market and opportunities to collaborate.

During the mission, there will be plenty of occasions to exchange knowledge and experiences about the German and European markets with Dutch and international attendees.

For whom?

We invite startup companies from the following sectors:

• artificial intelligence (AI)
• quantum computing
• space & dual use
• biotech
• consumer tech
• cyber security
• digital cities
• finance & digital assets
• future health
• future mobility
• smart manufacturing
• sustainable tech
• deep tech

Selection criteria

You can join this mission if you meet the following criteria:

• Your product or service is high-tech, innovative and potentially disruptive;
• Your product or service fits within GITEX EUROPE's focus sectors;
• You have started or are ready to scale-up internationally;
• You have registered your startup with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

If you do not meet the criteria mentioned above, you can give us a convincing reason why you should join this mission. Tell us in your application why your startup should be part of the Dutch delegation.

Startup missions are vital for the growth and development of startups. Therefore, it is essential to prepare for this mission and attend every part of the programme in order to be successful. With that in mind, we ask you to attend the preparatory meeting, the Icebreaker networking event at the embassy, and the programme of 21 – 23 May. If you are not able to attend for any reason, please consider selecting a colleague or reconsider your participation.

Participation fee

The participating fee for this startup mission is €500 excluding VAT per startup, a maximum of 2 persons per company. The fee covers:

• access to the mandatory preparatory meeting 2 weeks before the mission;
• access to the Icebreaker networking event at the Dutch embassy in Berlin;
• entrance to GITEX EUROPE for two persons;
• usage of the NL Lounge as your meeting place;
• matchmaking with potential investors, companies and organisations;
• access to all side events and network activities;
• local support provided by the Startup Liaison Officers of the Netherlands Embassy in Berlin and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Travel and accommodation are at your own expense. This also applies to meals and drinks unless specified otherwise.

Note: You can cancel your application up to one month before the start of the mission. After which we will charge you the full participation fee.

Register

Register for this mission, and do so before 3 March. Every participant must register separately.

We will notify you whether you have been selected 1 week after the closing date.

We will select up to 25 startups for this mission. RVO considers it essential that companies fit the mission's focus. Therefore, registration does not automatically mean that you will participate in this mission.

We encourage women's entrepreneurship. We do not select participants based on gender. But we challenge you to look for women participants within your organisation to participate in this mission.

Register

Responsible Business Conduct

The Dutch government emphasises responsible business conduct (RBC) and endorses the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These guidelines state the RBC standards for internationally active entrepreneurs. Following the OECD guidelines is one condition for participation in this mission.

More information

For more details about this mission, please contact:

Marie-Jeannine Citroen
Project leader GITEX EUROPE 2025
Phone: +31 6 2941 3906
Email: marie-citroen@rvo.nl

Please visit the GITEX EUROPE website for general information about the exhibition.