Match Arena

18 November 2025 MHP Arena, Stuttgart

At the Match Arena, our signature event, startups meet corporate decision-makers and members of our network for conversations that lead to real innovation projects.

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What the match arena does

We bring together what belongs together

The Match Arena, taking place in autumn 2026 at the MHP Arena Stuttgart, brings startups and companies from Baden-Württemberg together. Across four thematic tracks, startups present practical solutions to current challenges. Short impulse talks, pitches, and targeted matching sessions create opportunities for direct exchange and for taking away concrete approaches for your own organization.

Match Arena
This is the Match Arena

We bring together what belongs together

Innovations are created when the right people come together to drive their ideas forward - and this is exactly where the Match Arena comes in.

Keynotes & Input

Be inspired and gain exciting insights into the latest developments in the innovation ecosystem.

Pitches & Exhibitions

Experience startup pitches on four cutting-edge topics and discover pioneering solutions.

Networking & Matchmaking

Network with like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere and make valuable contacts through app-based matchmaking.

Match Arena

Match Arena – in collaboration with our excellence partner WRS.

WRS logo
Participation opportunities

Would you like to take part in the Match Arena in the MHP Arena?

The logo of the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts can be seen.

Present your startup

We are always on the lookout for exciting new startups. Do you think your startup should definitely be part of the Match Arena? Then write a message directly to Lucia Tovenrath.


The logo of the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts can be seen.

Participate as a company

With the Corporate Membership your company will automatically receive access to the Match Arena and many other exclusive events and services. Sounds interesting? For more information you can contact Nico Bühler turn.

Additionally, a limited number of visitor passes are available for thematically relevant companies. After receiving the participation request, we will review the content fit and subsequently decide on an invitation to the Match Arena.

Visitor access to the Match Arena

Die Match Arena richtet sich primär an NXTGN Corporate Member. Ergänzend stehen eine begrenzte Anzahl an Besucher:innenzugängen für thematisch passende Unternehmen zur Verfügung.

After receiving a participation request, we review the strategic and thematic fit and then decide whether to extend an invitation to the Match Arena.

Focus topics

This was the focus of the Match Arena 2025

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Supply Chain

Efficiency that connects – AI and data in the supply chain

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When Culture meets Code – HR and Legal in Transformation

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Sales & Marketing

Between Target Audience and Zeitgeist – Tools for the Markets of the Future

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Production & Material Tech

Next Generation Production – Innovative Materials and Smart Methods

Startups

These startups participated in the Match Arena 2025

The programme

The Match Arena in a thrilling stadium atmosphere

Die nächste Match Arena findet am 11.11.2025 in der MHP Arena Stuttgart statt. Es wartet ein Nachmittag voller spannender Startup-Pitches, gezieltem Matchmaking und inspirierenden Begegnungen.

MHP Arena Stuttgart
14:00 - 15:00

Doors open

15:00 - 15:10

Welcome to

Adrian Thoma – Managing Director NXTGN Management GmbH

15:15 – 15:30

Greeting by VfB Stuttgart

Christian Ruf - Director Digital & Innovation VfB Stuttgart

15:30 – 15:50

Panel "Scaling up in Europe - Opportunities and challenges"

Alina Biermann – Senior Manager Growth Viessmann & IC Mätch VC
Dr. Anna Christmann – Co-Founder SAI Europe, ehemalige Startup-Beauftragte der Bundesregierung
Dr. Tobias Grab – Co-Founder Kipu Quantum
Moderation: Adrian Thoma – NXTGN

16:00 – 16:10

Impulses

Axel Frey – CEO von Seifert Logistic (Main Stage)
Dr. Tim Gegg – Founder von Mätch VC (Power Stage)

16:10 – 16:40

Startup Pitches

Supply Chain (Main Stage)
HR & Legal Tech (Power Stage)

16:40 – 17:20

Break

Networking & optional guided tour of the MHP Arena

17:20 – 17:30

Impulses

Sebastian Dehlinger – Head of Digital Products bei Paul Bauder GmbH & Co. KG (Main Stage)
Julia Jung – Product Manager Corporate Innovations bei Mahle (Power Stage)

17:30 – 18:00

Startup Pitches

Sales & Marketing (Main Stage)
Production & Material Tech (Power Stage)

18:10 – 18:40

Keynote "As a team – THE LÄND builds the future"

Martina Merz – Aufsichts- und Beirätin von Bosch, Volvo, Umicore, Stiftungsrätin der Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, Kennerin der Startup-Szene (u.a. CODE_n)

18:40 – 18:55

Closing & Announcements

18:55 – 21:00

Networking

Musik, Food & Drinks

Recap zur Match Arena 2025

300+

Participants

4

Focus topics

30+​

Startups

100+​

Companies

130+

Startup-corporate-meetings

NxtGn-MatchArena-Even
Guests at the Match Arena
Guests at the Match Arena
Participation opportunities

Would you like to take part in the Match Arena in the MHP Arena?

Apply with your startup for a wildcard

With a POC-ready startup, you can also apply directly for one of our limited wildcards. Simply complete the online application form and our event team will get in touch with you.

Match Arena
Our references

What Match Arena participants say

Match Arena 2024

The Match Arena in a thrilling stadium atmosphere

Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of our event in November 2024 at the MHP Arena Stuttgart. The video of the Match Arena 2025 will be available here soon!

Match Arena 2024 in the MHP Arena Stuttgart
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Match Arena

What is the Match Arena?

The Match Arena is an exclusive networking event where startups and representatives of our corporate members come together to network and exchange ideas about topic-specific cooperation opportunities.

When and where will the next Match Arena take place?

The next Match Arena will take place in autumn 2026. We are currently still in the middle of planning this event. As soon as more information is available, it will be published here.

How do I get a ticket for the Match Arena?

There are two ways to get a ticket to the Match Arena.

For corporates: Companies with a Corporate Membership erhalten automatisch Zugang zur Match Arena. Ergänzend stehen eine begrenzte Anzahl an Besucher:innenzugängen für thematisch passende Unternehmen zur Verfügung. Nach der participation request we review the strategic and thematic fit and then decide whether to extend an invitation to the Match Arena.

For startups: Interested startups can apply directly to us. Contact us Lucia Tovenrathto find out more about the application options and to present your startup.

Can I present my startup at the Match Arena?

Yes, you can apply with your startup for the Match Arena. We are always looking for innovative startups who would like to present their solutions and technologies. Send an e-mail to Lucia Tovenrathto briefly introduce yourself and your startup.

Contact us

Do you have questions about the Match Arena?

Do you have any questions about the programme or registration? For all matters relating to the Match Arena, please contact Christin.

You can see our colleague Miriam Hofele.

Christin Renner

Senior Event Success Managerin

Der NXTGN Report '25 ist da!

Zentrale Entwicklungen, Schwerpunkte und Meilensteine aus dem letzten Jahr.

Zum NXTGN Report '25