THURSDAY GATHERING #61 Food & Climate
TO REGISTER GO TO: venturecafeberlin.gatherus.app
How can local food ecosystems connect with global markets to accelerate sustainable innovation in the food and climate sector?
This edition of Thursday Gathering explores the intersection of food systems, climate innovation, and international collaboration. Bringing together founders, ecosystem builders, investors, policymakers, and industry experts, the evening focuses on how local networks and global partnerships can support the next generation of food and food tech companies.
From community-driven infrastructure and knowledge exchange in Berlin’s food ecosystem to international market access and export support, the session highlights the systems, relationships, and collaborations needed to help early-stage ventures grow beyond local boundaries. Join us for discussions on building stronger food innovation ecosystems, enabling cross-border cooperation, and creating resilient pathways for sustainable food entrepreneurship.
17:30 – 18:30 | Food made in Berlin. Welche Infrastruktur braucht die Ernährungswirtschaft von morgen?
What does Berlin need to become a stronger hub for food innovation? This panel explores the infrastructure, partnerships, and support systems required to help food startups and established businesses thrive. Together, founders, ecosystem leaders, and public representatives will discuss how the city can better connect entrepreneurship, sustainable food production, and regional value creation while strengthening Berlin's food innovation ecosystem.
In cooperation with: Food Embassy & Berlin Partner
Featuring:
Oliver Igel – Bezirksbürgermeister, Berlin Treptow-Köpenick
Christin Siegemund – CEO & Founder, foodlab.
Ann-Cécile Thiesen – Co-Founder, CHAMPS
Liss Barta – Founder, pack&satt
18:30 – 19:15 | The Nordics Opportunity for Climate Innovation
What makes the Nordic region one of Europe's leading environments for climate innovation? This discussion explores how startups can benefit from Nordic ecosystems, investment landscapes, and cross-border partnerships. Speakers will share insights into scaling climate technologies internationally, building collaborations between Berlin and the Nordics, and creating pathways from local innovation to global impact.
Featuring:
Pia Dorfinger – Director Start-ups Ecosystem, Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena)
Tim Lykke Myhrvold – Founder, Waitly
Niklas Hildebrandt – Founder, ELU Mobility
Luis Sperr – Managing Partner, kopa ventures
18:45 – 19:45 | International Food Market Development & Export Support
Expanding internationally requires more than a great product—it requires the right networks, market knowledge, and institutional support. This panel explores how export promotion programs, trade organizations, and international partnerships help food companies enter new markets.
Using examples from Ukraine, Denmark, Ireland, and the United States, speakers will share practical insights into export readiness, ecosystem collaboration, and cross-border business development, while highlighting the role of culinary diplomacy and international partnerships in building resilient food systems.
Featuring:
Holger Böckner – Managing Director, Food Embassy
Ruslana Rymarska – President, Ukrainian Food Manufacturers Alliance
Patrick Federl – Import Promotion Specialist, BGA
Matt Snyder – Regional Agricultural Attaché for Mid-Europe, USDA
Tanja Asmussen – Team Lead Food & Agriculture, Royal Danish Embassy
Hannah Barkhoff-Stötzner – Market Specialist, Bord Bia
Devanshi Dhawan – Digital PR & New Business Development Executive, Food Embassy
19:15 – 19:35 | Startup Stories on Cross-Border Business Cases
Meet founders building climate-focused businesses across international markets. In this fast-paced showcase, startups will present their solutions, share lessons from expanding beyond their home markets, and discuss the opportunities and challenges of growing internationally. From circular materials to sustainable buildings and climate resilience, discover ventures creating impact across borders.
Featuring:
Belén Martínez – Co-Founder, March Materials
Jen Godderidge – Founder, Atmo
Sebastian Daus – Founder, FixFirst
🎟️ Free & open to all
Full agenda will be announced at venturecafeberlin.org