About the event
HSV TECH & INNOVATION DAY 2026 will become an incredible experience for all Founders, Builders, and Tech & AI enthusiasts. With many attendees across the HSV business family, exciting keynote speakers, and countless inspiring conversations, new connections, and real opportunities. This year's edition is using the energy and innovation power of the startup ecosystem in Hamburg and the North to discuss three themes: innovative solutions to improve stadium experience, sustainability and AI tools / solutions that prepare corporates for the future. We are creating a place where ideas turn into opportunities, partners of the HSV business network and new minds build relations, and people who believe in the future come together. And the best part: you can join us. Apply with your pitch until October 13, 2026. After the jury review, the selected startups invited to pitch their ideas at the HSV Tech & Innovation Day will be informed by October 18.
Agenda
- 14:00 Start with a warm welcome at Volksparkstadion
- Pitches of selected startups
Moderated by NMA in front of the HSV Business Club
- Award for the best startup pitch
By the jury
- Keynote: Decisions under pressure, what venture building can learn from scouting
Sebastian Dirscherl, Head of Scouting, HSV
- 18:00 HSV vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
Enjoying the cup game
- Networking
Across startups, corporates, and ventures
- until 21:00 Dinner in the VIP area
Volksparkstadion
What we're looking for
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Stadium Experience
Innovative dispensing technologies, food innovation, clever concepts for queue management and stadium navigation, or digital companions: solutions that deliver real impact.
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Sustainability
Conserving resources and securing the future: the circular economy, intelligent waste and recyclables management, smart route management, new materials with lower resource consumption, or cradle-to-cradle concepts that keep the big picture in view.
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AI Tools & Smart Solutions
From AI-powered energy optimisation to smart solutions for logistics, maintenance and monitoring, through to tools that make data, regulation or customer behaviour usable: if your technology simplifies processes and better prepares companies for the future, tell us about it.
The jury
Dr. Miriam Putz
Head of Innovation & New Markets · Handelskammer Hamburg LinkedIn ↗Dr. Paul Elvers
Chief AI Officer · FUNKE LinkedIn ↗Dr. Sebastian Flegr
Direktor Strategie, Innovation & Digital · HSV LinkedIn ↗Nichlas Walsted
Co-Founder · Swap Language LinkedIn ↗Nico Lumma
Managing Partner · NMA LinkedIn ↗Sina Gritzuhn
Co-Founder & Managing Director · Hamburg Startups LinkedIn ↗
How startups are judged
Each juror scores every startup from 1 to 10 on:
- Innovation
- Business Model
- Team
- Impact
- Investability