The contribution Greentech Festival 2025: “There is a reason why we do it” by Fabian Peters first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.
The Greentech Festival took place for the second time on the exhibition center in Berlin in 2025. However, everything was significantly smaller compared to the previous year. Founder Marco Voigt was still optimistic on the second day of the event. An interview.
Basic Thinking: Hello Marco, the Greenentech Festival 2025 is coming to an end. What is your conclusion?
I am pleasantly surprised. Because if I’m honest, we had a little doubt at the beginning of the year. Like many others, the GREETECH and sustainability scene face challenges such as uncertainties in the market, the Ukraine war and uncertain political conditions- not only in Germany, but also in the United States.
All of this has an impact on what we do. If you are planning such an event, you do it relatively far in advance. So we didn’t know exactly where we will be at the end. For example, we are already planning for next year.
When we started planning for the Greenentech Festival 2025, we started with great euphoria. Then came the choice and the election result, which in my eyes was foreseeable. This caused uncertainty. Many large companies have therefore shortened budgets – and we also noticed that.
However, I am still positive, because at the latest since the formation of the government you notice that a certain breath take place. We also found that those who were here last year have come back – albeit in a different form. Some companies with smaller budgets, others maybe more than guests. That is the positive.
Since the election and change of government, the topics of the environment, sustainability and climate change have been far less present. How do you perceive this development?
These topics are currently not at the top of the agenda, I see it the same way. On the other hand, it was a strong sign that Dorothee Bär (CSU) opened the Green Awards Gala with us. If I am honest, I think that many would not have bet that she will come here for her first public appearance as Federal Minister.
That already sets a sign. We have also discussed more closely together in the future. It is often said that many things are reduced in these areas.
But I don’t feel that. For example, there were politicians and members of the Bundestag here. Perhaps a somewhat more realistic debate is currently coming up. Perhaps wishes in certain things were sometimes greater than the possibilities.
“Together we change”: Greenentech Festival 2025
This year’s motto was “Together we change”. What do you think is the most urgent common to change in the coming years?
We need reliable framework conditions on the part of politics. There are numerous guidelines – and by that I don’t mean ESG [Anm. d. Red: Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance] generally. I would like to emphasize that this is an important topic.
It takes precisely such requirements and it takes rules – for example for supply chains. But I think we have to question things too. Not in the sense of lobbying that we drive and relax everything back so that we can continue as before. We simply don’t have the time.
But the framework conditions may have to be on the touchstone here and there. But I’m positive things. The optimism of employees in the companies is also needed. I also perceive that at the Greentech Festival.
It starts with young professionals, actually with the students. However, companies have to learn that green issues such as sustainability are not just something that you somehow participate.
We now have a new political style, but whoever wins will experience exactly what the German automotive industry experiences in a figurative sense. Everyone scolds about China. But all of this is just a topic – and money is earned. It would therefore be the worst ever to look back. On the contrary: it still takes courage – especially in top management.
Last year you told me that it is your vision to fill the entire exhibition center in Berlin over the next five years. This year, the Greentech Festival is somewhat smaller for the reasons mentioned. Do you stick to your vision?
No, we cannot currently do that due to the changing framework conditions. At most, maybe as a vision in the very far future. Because we realize that many companies are very difficult at the moment. Even with many large companies, the marketing budget does not give enough.
I don’t think that will change in the next few years. Therefore, I don’t see the very classic exhibition format at the Greentech Festival in the next two years.
Start-up Land at the Greentech Festival
Last year there was the start-up country for the first time at the Greentech Festival, which is also available this year. How does the current development work on start-ups and SMEs in the Greentech scene?
In principle, we did exactly what we did last year. We have forgive stands at start-ups for free because we want the spirit we continue to need, mostly start from start-ups. It is about ideas and impulses that are carried into the large companies.
This is why many come here to be inspired. Therefore, it is a must for me that we give start-ups a free stage-and we will surely continue to handle it. We also notice that investors are therefore specifically coming to us. Despite generally falling willingness to invest, there were already one or the other success story at the Greenentech Festival.
However, it is difficult for small and medium -sized companies, since the money is usually missing for classic marketing events. In the future, for example, we want to work even closer together with the VDMA, the Association of German Machine and Plant construction.
Because many SMEs say: “Politics and framework conditions are made in Berlin. You have an interesting university landscape and many young people. We want to present ourselves more.” The Greentech Festival will continue to take place in Berlin. I can’t say whether it will be at the fair again.
“Populism is only appropriate in a positive sense”
What annoys you the most when it comes to green and sustainable technologies?
Populism is a topic that somehow deals with us. With regard to greenech, populism is only appropriate in a positive sense in order to discuss solutions positively. Because there is a reason why we do that. It is not about flourishing the economy – although it ideally does it.
But when I hear that some wind turbines want to tear down, something harms something. You don’t even have to be political for that – and I’m not. We try to create a positive mood and organize the Greentech Festival International. In other countries there are no such discussions and expressions of strength.
There are also challenges there, but it’s about the matter – and not polemical. And by the way: When we look at the USA, we see everything negative – sometimes it is. But that is also a German phenomenon. Even under Trump, so -called oil barons are currently investing more than ever in renewable energies.
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- Dismantling, transition technology, danger: wind power claims in check
The contribution Greentech Festival 2025: “There is a reason why we do it” by Fabian Peters first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the Greentech Festival 2025 is a critical event that showcases the latest innovations and advancements in sustainable technology. The focus on green technology is essential in addressing the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce our carbon footprint.
The theme of “There is a reason why we do that” highlights the importance of being intentional and purposeful in our actions towards creating a more sustainable future. It emphasizes the need for innovation and collaboration to drive positive change in the tech industry and beyond.
I believe that the Greentech Festival serves as a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to come together, share ideas, and work towards a common goal of creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable world. It is through events like these that we can inspire and empower others to take action and make a difference in the fight against climate change.
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