“Entrepreneurship in a Borderless World” is the topic that brought together entrepreneurs, graduates and students from around the world for a special three-day meeting in Berlin, Germany.
Organized by the German and French Fulbright Alumni Associations, with the support of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassies in Paris and Berlin, this conference took place on May 16-18 and featured a variety of stimulating activities pertaining to the theme, “Entrepreneurship and Mentoring.”
What makes a venture successful? How do I make the transition from innovative idea to thriving enterprise? And what networks do I need to bring this to fruition? Over 140 entrepreneurs, economists and students from 22 countries explored these questions together through personal interactions and discussions. The conference participants were alumni of USG-sponsored exchange programs and came from Germany and France, but also from Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, the U.S….
The conference was opened on the evening of Friday, May 16 with a reception at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, in presence of H.E. John B. Emerson, U.S. Ambassador to Germany, and H.E. Ambassador of France to Germany Maurice Gourdault-Montagne. On Saturday, May 17, the gathering moved to the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and on Sunday, May 18, to Microsoft Germany. Saturday, May 17 was dedicated to a panel discussion and networking events, such as the Mentor-Mentee “Speed Dating” sessions. In this workshop, future mentors and mentees were able to exchange ideas and experience, as well as receive feedback and guidance on specific enterprising projects. Depending on their project interests and ideas, participants were divided into four topic groups, which included: Technology; Social Innovation; Education; Law and Finance. Keynote speaker for this event was Monica Dodi, Co-Founder/Managing Director for the Women’s Venture Capital Fund. On Sunday, May 18, Microsoft Germany gave presentations on its accelerator program and how it fosters innovation.
Check out the Facebook posts on the Berlin Conference
