Zukunftswiesen Summit - Tradition trifft Innovation

What Zukunftswiesen Summit - Tradition trifft Innovation does

Zukunftswiesen Summit is organized by ZM Germany UG (haftungsbeschränkt), a small German entity headquartered in Schrozberg, Baden-Württemberg, with a team of approximately 11 founders, entrepreneurs, and students. The business is built around a single product: a two-day annual innovation summit hosted at Arena Hohenlohe in Ilshofen, scheduled for April 26-27, 2027. The event targets five intersecting audience segments — Mittelstand companies, innovative startups, students and young talent, executives and C-level decision-makers, and political/policy stakeholders — convened around themes of innovation, digital transformation, AI implementation, and startup-corporate collaboration. Programs are delivered through multiple stages (THE LÄND Stage, THE INNOVATIONS Stage), keynote panels, pitch battles, workshops, a Jugend macht Zukunft youth prize, and a Wirtschaftstag track.

The underlying technology surface is minimal: a content- and ticketing-focused website (zukunfts-macher.de) plus social channels, with no disclosed AI/ML, data platform, or proprietary software asset. The defensibility sits in people, partnerships, and place — the patronage of Bundestag member Christian von Stetten, a 70+ partner ecosystem spanning corporates (Festo, ebm-papst, Würth Elektronik, thyssenkrupp, Syntegon), VCs (HTGF, Capnamic, Mätch, D11Z), industry associations (IHK Heilbronn-Franken, SüdwestMetall), ecosystem operators (Plug & Play, IPAI, Campus Founders), and the physical anchor in the Hohenlohe world-market-leader cluster.

The revenue model is event-cyclical and dependent on two streams: tiered ticket sales across four price points (Student €49, Startup €89, Mittelstand €249, Executive €399) and exhibitor/sponsor packages sold on direct and partner-referred channels. Media presence in national outlets (Tagesschau, FAZ, BILD, WELT, Caren Miosga, Markus Lanz) amplifies the marketing flywheel at effectively zero paid-media cost. There are no disclosed funding rounds, recurring subscription contracts, or multi-year revenue commitments, meaning revenue concentration in a single annual execution point is structurally high.

Name

Zukunftswiesen Summit - Tradition trifft Innovation

Legal name

ZM Germany UG (haftungsbeschränkt)

Website

https://zukunfts-macher.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2025

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Zukunftswiesen Summit is an annual two-day innovation summit organized by ZM Germany UG, convening German Mittelstand companies, startups, investors, students, and political decision-makers at Arena Hohenlohe in Baden-Württemberg to debate innovation and transformation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Innovation Events

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Executive Summits & Invitation-Only Forums (MPAGAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Product & Innovation Summits (Roadmap, Launch Readiness, Innovation Days) (THAHAMAG), Meeting & Conference Planning & Coordination (HSACADAA)

Keywords

• Business innovation summit
• Corporate networking events
• Startup corporate matching
• Mittelstand business conference
• Venture capital events

Headquarters

HQ city

Schrozberg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from selling tickets across multiple tiers: Student (€49), Startup (€89), Mittelstand (€249), and Executive (€399). Each tier provides different access levels and benefits including 2-day access, networking areas, executive lounge, and side events.
2. Exhibitor & Sponsor Packages: Revenue from exhibitor and sponsor booth sales. Exhibitor packages provide direct access to over 3,000 attendees, qualified leads, Innovation Area presence, live demo opportunities, and included Mittelstand tickets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Zukunftswiesen Summit is an annual two-day innovation and future conference held at Arena Hohenlohe in Ilshofen, Germany, connecting Mittelstand companies, startups, investors, political decision-makers, and students. The event features keynotes, panel discussions, pitch battles, workshops, and networking areas across multiple stages, with 600+ speakers and 1,500+ participants. Revenue is generated through tiered ticket sales (Student €49, Startup €89, Mittelstand €249, Executive €399) and exhibitor/sponsor packages.

Product overview

Zukunftswiesen Summit is a single-product event offering centered around an annual two-day innovation summit held at Arena Hohenlohe in Ilshofen, Germany. The event connects Mittelstand companies, innovative startups, investors, politicians, and talents from the world market leader region. The core offering consists of the summit itself with multiple stages (THE LÄND Stage and THE INNOVATIONS Stage), featuring keynotes, panels, pitch battles, workshops, and networking opportunities. Revenue is generated through tiered ticketing (Studenten-Ticket 49€, Startup-Ticket 89€, Mittelstandsticket 249€, Executive-Ticket 399€), exhibitor/sponsor packages, and specialized formats like the 'Jugend macht Zukunft' youth prize and the Wirtschaftstag track. The event has grown to over 1,500 participants, 600+ speakers, and 100+ exhibiting brands.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Zukunftswiesen Summit The main annual innovation and future summit event connecting Mittelstand companies, startups, investors, politicians, and talents in the world market leader region of Hohenlohe, Germany. Held at Arena Hohenlohe in Ilshofen, featuring keynotes, panels, pitch battles, workshops, and networking across multiple stages.
• Exhibition & Sponsorship Packages Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities offering direct access to over 1,500 participants, qualified leads, Innovation Area presence, live demos, and networking formats with included Mittelstand tickets. Available for companies and brands to engage with the summit's audience of Mittelstand, startups, and executives.
• Jugend macht Zukunft Prize Youth innovation prize program powered by IHK Heilbronn-Franken, awarding young entrepreneurs and talents at the summit to recognize the next generation of innovators and founders.
• Wirtschaftstag Economy Day track featuring the Wirtschaftsregion Heilbronn-Franken x ZWS collaboration with panels on digital administration and regional transformation.
• 4P Capital Family Office & Investor Private Lunch Exclusive investor lunch at Landhotel Kirchberg for private markets discussion with entrepreneur families, hosted by 4P Capital Founding Partner Xavier Sarras during the summit.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,500+ attendees from companies, startups, politics, and science
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Tourismus Baden-WürttembergflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026State ministry supporting the summit as a key economic event in Baden-Württemberg, supporting the world market leader region.
• FestocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal automation technology company participating as a partner, connecting with Mittelstand and startup ecosystem.
• ebm-papst GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading fan and motor manufacturer engaging with the innovation and startup community through summit partnership.
• IHK Heilbronn FrankencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChamber of Industry and Commerce supporting the regional business community, powering the 'Jugend macht Zukunft' prize.
• Würth ElektronikcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerElectronics component manufacturer from the Würth Group participating in the summit ecosystem.
• VR Bank Heilbronn Schwäbisch HallcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional cooperative bank supporting the economic development of the world market leader region.
• SüdwestMetallcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMetal industry employers' association representing and supporting companies in southwestern Germany.
• VR Bank HSH (Eberhard Spies)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional bank with CEO Eberhard Spies serving as speaker and supporter of the summit.
• AI Strategy InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI strategy organization with CEO Tristan Post participating as speaker on AI implementation in Mittelstand.
• Start-up BWcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBaden-Württemberg's startup initiative supporting the startup ecosystem presence at the summit.
• Campus FounderscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup accelerator with Director Patrick Burkert participating in discussions on startup-corporate collaboration.
• Plug & PlaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation platform facilitating startup-corporate collaboration, with workshop presenter Robin Mayer.
• IPAI (Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI innovation hub with Business Development Julian Thoma participating as speaker and moderator.
• NXTGNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate innovation network with Senior Advisor Anja Hendel and Venture Partners Lucia Tovenrath and Franz Molnar participating.
• A11minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic consulting partner with Associate Partner Korbinian Richter presenting on digital challengers.
• Q SummitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner innovation summit network with cross-promotional relationship.
• PitchloadminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStartup pitching network partner for event cross-promotion.
• bvik (B-to-B Video & Content Marketing)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerB2B marketing association partner for content and video marketing collaboration.
• MIT REAPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMIT's regional economic development program network partner.
• Techniker KrankenkasseminorOthersGerman health insurance company serving as official health partner of the summit.
• Christian von StettenflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPatron (Schirmherr) of the Zukunftswiesen Summit since its first year. Member of Bundestag, Chairman of Parliamentary SME Circle (PKM), providing political patronage and support.
• Friedrich Naumann StiftungminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPolitical foundation with Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Karl-Heinz Paqué participating as speaker.
• Sigma HoldingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustrial holding company partner in the region.
• Giebel GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustrial company partner from the region.
• Leonhard WeissminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstruction and infrastructure company partner.
• SyntegonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProcessing and packaging technology company partner.
• thyssenkrupp automotive (Falk Nüßle)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerAutomotive division of thyssenkrupp with CEO Falk Nüßle participating as speaker on the future of mobility.
• Würth ModyfcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWorkwear and safety equipment company from Würth Group with Sales B2C Manager Florian Kasten participating.
• DYNOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStartup with Co-Founder & CEO Luis Weber participating as speaker.
• Dynamo SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital solutions company with Founder Matthias Rathgeb presenting on digital transformation.
• Müller | Die Lila LogistikcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLogistics company with CEO Michael Müller participating in leadership discussions.
• GessmanncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustrial company with CEO Alwin Ehrensperger presenting on startups within dinosaurs.
• Founder InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal startup accelerator with Program Director Mercedes Bankston and Chairman Adeo Ressi presenting on Silicon Valley learning.
• WEGVISORminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany with Founder Titus Lindl presenting on leadership in crisis times.
• Generation CEO e.V.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork of young CEOs supporting next-generation business leaders.
• Verband der Unternehmerinnen in Deutschland e.V.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation of female entrepreneurs in Germany.
• Führungsfrauen Raum HeilbronnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork of female leaders in the Heilbronn region.
• Brand einscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading German business magazine with CEO Holger Volland participating as speaker.
• CofaceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCredit insurance and business information company with CEO Jörg Diewald presenting on data and technology.
• GörgminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw firm with Associate Partner Dr. Valentin Zipfel presenting on AI and law.
• Top Leader AcademyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeadership development academy partner.
• YFN (Young Founders Network)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork for young founders cross-promoting with the summit.
• German Data Science SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerData science professional society supporting AI-related content at the summit.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• DMEXCO: Major European digital marketing and tech expo in Cologne with strong sponsorship and exhibitor monetization. Comparable in targeting decision-makers, brands, and tech partners, but more digital-marketing focused and at significantly greater scale.
• Hannover Messe: World-leading industrial trade fair in Hannover targeting Mittelstand, manufacturers, and industrial technology buyers. Highly comparable Mittelstand-focused B2B event at massive scale, providing the established incumbent benchmark for ZWS's regional Mittelstand positioning.
• Web Summit: One of the world's largest tech conferences, drawing tens of thousands of startups, investors, and corporate executives. Comparable in cross-pollinating startups, corporates, and capital, but globally scaled rather than regionally anchored.

Emerging players

• Campus Founders: Heilbronn startup accelerator partnering with ZWS on startup-corporate collaboration programming. Comparable in the regional Baden-Württemberg startup ecosystem and as a co-development partner for founder-related programming.
• Plug and Play Tech Center: Global innovation platform and corporate-startup connector referenced as a ZWS partner. Comparable in running curated startup-corporate matching programs and participating in the regional Mittelstand innovation theme ZWS targets.
• Founders Foundation: Bielefeld-based founder-support organization referenced as a ZWS partner and cited speaker; runs founder enablement programs intersecting with the Mittelland/startup ecosystem ZWS targets. Comparable as an emerging organizer/curator in the German Mittelstand-startup bridge space.

Others

• MÄTCH VC: German venture capital firm listed as a ZWS financial partner with active speaker presence. Indirectly comparable as a capital conduit that connects into the ZWS ecosystem and serves similar Mittelland/startup audiences.
• IHK Heilbronn-Franken: Regional chamber of commerce powering the 'Jugend macht Zukunft' youth prize at ZWS. Comparable as a regional Mittelstand institution and ecosystem convener, though as a public-sector body rather than commercial event operator.

Direct peers

• OMR (Online Marketing Rockstars): Large-scale digital marketing and tech conference in Hamburg with 40,000+ attendees, exhibitor zones, and tiered ticket pricing. Comparable flagship event model targeting executives, startups, and partners, though at materially larger scale.
• Bits & Pretzels: Annual founders and startup conference held in Munich each September, drawing 7,000+ founders, investors, and corporates. Direct peer in the German B2B innovation/event space with tiered tickets, sponsorship packages, and a regional anchor focus on the German startup Mittelstand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/zukunfts-macher
• Instagraminstagram.com/zukunfts-macher
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zukunftswiesen-summit

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zukunftswiesen Summit - Tradition trifft Innovation