From vision to Europe's leading B2B event for sustainable innovations
IMPACT FESTIVAL
What began in 2020 as a bold idea in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has developed into one of the leading events for sustainable innovation in Europe in just four years – and it’s “made by neosfer”. Over four editions, we brought start-ups, SMEs, sustainability managers and investors together with the IMPACT FESTIVAL. Our goal: to drive forward the sustainable transformation of the economy. After four successful editions, we have now handed the festival over to new hands.
Origin
Why we created the IMPACT FESTIVAL
The IMPACT FESTIVAL has its origins at neosfer. As Commerzbank’s innovation unit and early stage investor, we recognized the importance of sustainable business models early on and invested in sustainability start-ups. We quickly realized that we needed a platform that brings together founders, corporates and SMEs, investors, science and politics.
Matthias Lais
Development
How the IMPACT FESTIVAL has developed
Despite masks and social distancing, the first IMPACT FESTIVAL 2021 was a success: 1,500 guests, top-class speakers, inspiring start-up pitches and interactive masterclasses – all in the industrial ambience of the Fredenhagen Hall. Since its premiere in 2021, the IMPACT FESTIVAL has developed into a central meeting place for sustainable transformation. With over 12,000 participants, more than 600 start-ups and renowned speakers such as Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen, Sascha Lobo and Mojib Latif, the festival has grown steadily – reaching a new milestone in 2024 with the move to Messe Frankfurt.
4 years of IMPACT FESTIVAL: Our milestones at a glance
The vision is born
First edition with around 1,500 visitors in Fredenhagen
IMPACT FESTIVAL establishes itself as a central platform for sustainable innovation
Messe Frankfurt becomes new event venue
Sale to TechQuartier
“As an innovation unit, we regularly ask ourselves the question: what steps are necessary to further develop a project and make it successful in the long term? At the IMPACT FESTIVAL, we also looked intensively at various options and realized that the event needs a different environment to scale up further.”
Kai Werner
Sale
Why we sold the IMPACT FESTIVAL
After four successful events, we have decided to sell the IMPACT FESTIVAL. We are proud that we have been able to develop the IMPACT FESTIVAL from an initial idea into a beacon event for the sustainable transformation of our economy within four years. The organization and further development is now in the hands of TechQuartier, which has the necessary network, know-how and vision to take the festival to the next level.
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“We saw a clear need at the time: A platform that strengthens the sustainability scene AND networks all relevant players in the sustainability ecosystem. With the IMPACT FESTIVAL, we have built precisely this bridge – between innovative solutions and the economy that needs them.”