On November 13, 2025, YPOG hosted its Grand Opening Conference – Tech Vision Munich at the Isarpost in Munich. The event brought together leading tech visionaries, investors, and decision-makers to explore the future of technology and innovation. Among the highlights was a dynamic panel discussion on artificial intelligence and its impact on German businesses.
Panel 1: AI
with Anne Decker, Tobias Haar, Philipp Klöckner and Benedikt Flöter
The AI panel offered a deep dive into both achievements and challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises. The discussion made one thing clear: confidence, data, and skills are the three essential ingredients for successful AI adoption. German companies are showing increasing openness to integrating AI into core areas such as sales and production. However, true success requires more than enthusiasm – it demands strategic change management, high-quality data, and targeted upskilling for employees.
Another key question explored was whether to build AI solutions in-house or adapt existing ones. This decision remains critical for companies seeking efficiency and scalability. The panel also emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty: leveraging data effectively and creating legislative frameworks that strengthen Europe’s independence. While the AI Act provides guidance, achieving sovereignty will require additional measures, such as local token production and a balanced approach to regulation and innovation.
In practice, AI is already transforming operations by automating repetitive tasks, supporting knowledge work, and improving service quality. Yet, the human element remains indispensable – AI can accelerate processes, but human expertise ensures meaningful outcomes. Looking ahead, building a robust European AI infrastructure and supporting open-source projects will be vital to unlocking AI’s full potential.
Panel 2: Defense Tech
with Florian Köhler, Prof. Dr. Rafaela Kraus, Dr. Jakob Stöber, Dr. Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß and Dr. Benjamin Ullrich
One of the most thought-provoking sessions was an exclusive panel on how Europe can safeguard and strengthen its strategic autonomy in an ever-changing world.
The discussion underscored a clear message: progress requires transformation. Clinging to existing systems – both technologically and conceptually – hinders innovation. Europe needs the courage to challenge established structures and embrace change. Accelerating technology transfer emerged as a critical priority, as the continent’s security depends on how quickly cutting-edge solutions can move from concept to practice.
Panelists stressed the importance of looking beyond traditional systems and welcoming new players and technologies to meet future challenges. Breaking down gatekeepers and structural barriers is essential to ensure that innovations reach operational environments without delay. Rapid access to advanced solutions is not just a strategic goal – it’s a necessity, whether for Europe’s armed forces or in Ukraine, where freedom is being defended on the frontlines. Defence procurement must align with tomorrow’s warfare, not yesterday’s battles.
The conclusion was clear: Europe’s defence capabilities hinge on how swiftly and effectively innovative technologies can be integrated into real-world operations. Modernizing existing structures and embracing new approaches is no longer optional – it’s imperative.
Panel 3: Life Sciences
with Dr. Claudia Ulbrich, Dr. Frank Hensel. Dr. Konstantin Petropoulos, Dr. Christoph Eckert and Jörg Schrade
Biotech is a true game-changer technology. It will shape our future and help tackle global challenges such as disease, hunger, aging, and environmental pollution. In 2024, Bavaria’s biotech sector attracted around €910 million in venture capital, with a trend toward larger financing rounds for fewer companies. Despite Germany’s excellence in basic research, there is still a gap in translating science into market-ready innovation – particularly in technology transfer, startup creation, and clinical studies.
To overcome the “valley of death,” biotech needs more seed investments and a cultural shift toward entrepreneurship, stronger networks, and less fragmentation. While public funding exists, finding lead investors remains difficult, and more private capital and courage are essential to strengthen this “market of life.” Companies must define their strategy early and position themselves for potential buyers – not only in pharma but also in cross-over areas like civil and defense sectors.
Successful commercialization requires not just scientific expertise but also strong sales skills and an entrepreneurial mindset. Regulation can slow innovation but also open doors to international markets, while AI and data science accelerate processes without replacing human expertise.
Panel 4: New Energy
with Daria Saharova, Kilian Zedelius, Maximilian Dekorsy, Philip Specht and Dr. Carolin Raspé
The discussion focused on how companies can turn rising energy costs into an opportunity for innovation in times of volatility and transformation. German industry has faced immense pressure, with 63% of companies reporting a loss of competitiveness during the energy price shock. Yet, the energy transition began long before recent crises, highlighting the need for long-term strategic change. Panelists emphasized that businesses must rethink energy procurement and consumption – aligning production schedules with periods of lower energy prices and using decentralized assets like battery storage to store energy when it’s most affordable. Beyond cost savings, the challenge is scaling great ideas into successful businesses and focusing on next-generation technologies where Germany can lead, rather than competing in areas already dominated by others.
Sustainability remains a key investment driver, not as a trend but as a necessity. As Daria noted, “If you start investing in trends, you’re already too late.” Green energy is now the most affordable option, making cost efficiency the primary motivator with sustainability as a valuable side effect.
Looking ahead, volatility in energy prices will remain a challenge through 2030, but today’s strategic shifts are paving the way for a more stable and competitive market. Energy must be seen as a performance driver, closely integrated with production processes. A big thank you to our panelists and everyone who contributed to this forward-thinking conversation.