Nadine Thees and Lisa Brauer have been the new co-directors of the Digital Innovation Hub Düsseldorf/Rheinland (digihub) for just over six months now. In an interview with VIVID editor Rainer Kunst, they discussed their collaborative approach, the significance of the digihub as an innovation hub for North Rhine-Westphalia, the upcoming Future Tech Fest, the overhype surrounding AI, and the urgent need for Germany to become more optimistic again.

TV host, rapper, moderator – Amiaz Habtu wears many hats. But when the Future Tech Fest comes around, one thing is clear: this is where founders, dreamers and doers come together. And he wouldn't miss it for the world.

For a century, Areal Böhler in Düsseldorf made steel. Today it is one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most striking event and innovation locations. At the Future Tech Fest, that second life stops being a slogan and starts being a programme.

Perspectives on the Future Tech Fest

Some companies grow out of a garage. vivenu grew out of Düsseldorf. Founded in 2018, vivenu set out to build what the live events industry was missing: a ticketing platform that gives organizers full control over their brand, their data, and their revenue.

Kauz.ai has been part of the Future Tech Fest since it was still called Digital Demo Day. A small gathering for local startups back then, a 5,000-person festival today. German businesses. The Düsseldorf AI company grew alongside it, quietly deploying AI solutions to over 100 German businesses.

On the 10th of September, 2026, Düsseldorf becomes the epicenter of tech and innovation. The Future Tech Fest brings together over 5,000 founders, investors, corporates and visionaries. This day goes far beyond networking, it creates real business impact.

Düsseldorf is becoming one of Germany's leading GreenTech locations. The city's innovation ecosystem is making that ambition tangible. At Future Tech Fest 2026, the GreenTech Stage brings together the people and ideas driving sustainable transformation.