How can Europe navigate competition and collaboration while maintaining its values and democratic principles? Speakers examine the geopolitical landscape, rising importance of technological sovereignty, and the imperative for European unity to sharpen Europe´s global economic and geopolitical competitive edge.

Competition sparks innovation. Collaboration makes lasting impact possible. Today’s leaders need both. Herbert Hainer has seen this dynamic up close - steering Adidas through fierce global rivalries and guiding FC Bayern Munich, a club built on teamwork and shared purpose. In this keynote dialogue, he reflects on how rivals can become partners when clear rules and trust are in place, how common standards create fair ground without weakening ambition, and why true leadership means knowing when to compete hard and when to join forces. Drawing lessons from business and sport, Hainer will show why leadership today means competing with ambition but advancing through collaboration.

Entrepreneurs from the BMW Foundation’s RESPOND Accelerator Energy Cohort #6 present innovative solutions for renewable energy generation, energy storage, and battery lifecycle technologies – the building blocks of a resilient, decentralized energy future.

Read more about the startups here.

An engaging conversation exploring the gap between early-stage innovation and full-scale commercial deployment. Industry pioneers and successful entrepreneurs share insights on scaling challenges, regulatory hurdles, and the support systems needed to transform European startups into global leaders. The discussion examines how Europe can create conditions for innovation to flourish at scale, showcasing the role BMW Foundation’s RESPOND program can play in this.

Entrepreneurs from the BMW Foundation’s RESPOND Accelerator Energy Cohort #6 present solutions driving industrial transformation through electrification, low-carbon production, and innovative materials – the carbon-neutral future of heavy industry starts here.

Read more about the startups here.

An intimate fireside chat about one of Europe's most significant opportunities: shaping the future of zero-carbon economies. This session explores how Europe can turn climate challenges into competitive advantages through innovative technologies and business models that close the carbon loop, creating sustainable economic growth.

Entrepreneurs from the BMW Foundation’s RESPOND Accelerator Energy Cohort #6 present solutions for CO₂ capture, conversion and value creation – from direct air capture to bio-based material flows and chemical recycling.

Read more about the startups here.

A forward-looking synthesis connecting today’s startup innovations to broader trends shaping the future of energy leadership. The panel explores how advanced technologies - AI-driven grids, new energy sources, dynamic markets, and powerful computing - will transform Europe’s energy systems over the next 10–15 years to meet rising industrial and digital demands. Experts will share insights on what it takes for Europe to become a truly resilient, efficient, and independent leader in the global energy transition.

Enjoy informal conversations with outstanding Leaders and Experts from science, politics, civil society and business.

An engaging interview providing insights into the policy landscape and political dynamics shaping Europe's future. This conversation sets the stage for implementation-focused discussions by examining the political and institutional context for European leadership.

Leaders from business, policy, and civil society engage in an open dialogue about what it really takes to advance European prosperity in a fragmented global economy and amidst growing populism.

Session 1 | Net Zero Transformation: Building up an Integrated European Innovation Ecosystem ​​

Session 2 | Leading Global: Developing New International Partnerships Amid Global Geoeconomic Fragmentation​

Session 3 | Reimagining Urban Resilience: Climate Innovation, Societal Cohesion, and Connectivity

A thoughtful examination of whether European approaches to balancing economic growth, social cohesion, scientific innovation and democratic governance can serve as a global model for sustainable development for other geopolitical blocks around the world.