Chiotec Aachen 2025: Innovation meets excellence

What is chiotec?

chiotec is an interdisciplinary innovation conference that takes place as part of the CHIO Aachen international horse show. The aim is to connect various areas of the future. Technology meets society, entrepreneurship meets research, digitization meets sport.

In contrast to traditional specialist conferences, chiotec is not only about content, but also about attitude. The event sees itself as a platform for people who want to create with responsibility, creativity and courage.

The unique CHIO environment gives chiotec a special aura. The traditional location becomes a stage for visions that have significance far beyond Aachen.

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A strong start with prominent guests

Even the first day of chiotec was a clear statement: Decision-makers come together here. The conference began with a keynote speech, which addressed social responsibility and digital future prospects.

The Nicolaus-August-Otto Award was then presented at a ceremony, an award for outstanding technological developments related to sustainability. The prize winners impressed with solutions that combine innovation and social impact.

Overall, the start was characterized by a mix of ambition and humility. Many speakers emphasized the need to break new ground, but always with a view to people, nature and community.

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Networking between politics, business and science

The second day showed the full range of topics at chiotec. High-ranking representatives from ministries, associations, companies and universities discussed future viability, inclusion and sustainability.

The focus was on questions such as:

• How can digitization make sport fairer?
• What role does artificial intelligence play in health promotion?
• How must companies change in order to remain socially relevant?

The connection between sports organizations, global tech companies and medium-sized companies from the region was particularly exciting. It became clear that innovation is not limited to one sector; it is created where perspectives complement each other.

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The startup pitch: stage for new ideas

One of chiotec's highlights was the startup competition. Young founders presented their business models to a top-class audience. The jury consisted of investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and industry experts.

What stood out: The quality of the ideas was high. Many startups showed that they think beyond pure growth. They want to solve problems in education, environmental protection, medicine or in everyday digital life.

Some participants came from other federal states or even from abroad. This shows how attractive chiotec has now also become internationally.

The winners received generous prize money as well as targeted funding and coaching. But all other participants also took home valuable contacts, mentors and inspiration.

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chiotec as a think tank of the future

What sets chiotec apart from other events is the consistent combination of theory and practice. It is not about presenting concepts, but thinking about feasibility together.

Key topics included:

• How can sustainability be achieved without slowing down innovation?
• What does inclusion really mean and how can it be supported technologically?
• Why is it crucial to involve people from different generations and cultures?

There were workshops, discussions, open talks and informal meetings. The atmosphere was personal, open and appreciative. Many participants emphasized that they felt taken seriously and inspired.

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Aachen as a location for innovation

With chiotec, Aachen is once again positioning itself as the city of the future. The combination of international event, scientific excellence and economic diversity makes the city particularly attractive for founders, researchers and companies.

The proximity to RWTH, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, startups and established SMEs creates a unique ecosystem. chiotec reflects exactly this DNA: down-to-earth, future-oriented and collaborative.

Last but not least, embedding in the CHIO also creates a strong symbol: Sport is not only a movement, but also a platform for values, responsibility and change.

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Venue, design and atmosphere

chiotec took place in a modern conference environment on the CHIO site. Large, bright rooms with industrial charm offered ideal conditions for creative exchange. Technically, the event was well equipped with live streams, digital voting tools and networking platforms.

The participant structure was as colorful as the content. In addition to CEOs and female professors, they met students, founders, NGO representatives and media people. This ensured lively cooperation without hierarchy.

The event was also well thought out in terms of cuisine: there was sustainable, regional cuisine, vegetarian options and enough space for informal discussions.

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What remains after chiotec?

The effect of chiotec does not end with the last item on the program. Many ideas were initiated, collaborations started, contacts made.

Some startups have joined local accelerator programs. Others are planning follow-up projects with companies or research institutions from Aachen.

Impulses were also taken up at the political level. Various representatives from ministries announced that they would incorporate results into ongoing strategies.

For Aachen itself, chiotec means one thing in particular: confirmation. The city is perceived as a place where the future is not only thought of, but also created.

conclusion

chiotec 2025 was more than just a conference. It was a place of encounter, ideas and responsibility. The event impressively demonstrated how important it is to connect sectors, cross borders and forge new alliances.

For anyone who is curious, wants to create and has the courage to break new ground, chiotec is a real recommendation. Whether you're a startup founder, a company decision maker, a scientist or a student, everyone will find ideas here that really make progress.

Aachen thus proves once again that the combination of tradition and innovation is not a contradiction, but a great strength.

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Do you want to be part of the next Chiotec? Then save the date for 2026, subscribe to the organizers' newsletter or follow the initiatives in the digital space.

If you have ideas yourself, start a company or want to expand your network, Aachen is the perfect place. chiotec gives you the stage, all you have to do is take the first step.

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