The Innovators Homecoming provides a forum for exchange, networking, and inspiration, demonstrating how future-oriented ideas and entrepreneurial initiatives develop at the University. The event centres around the start-up experience and the innovative paths of alumni who, based on their time at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, have made socially relevant, international impacts.

The programme for 14 November 2025 is divided into two parts:

Open Afternoon Programme 
The afternoon programme begins at 1 pm in the Maurice-Halbwachs-Auditorium and is open to all University members and interested guests. Attendees are invited to come and experience the spirit of innovation at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar up close.

An exhibition in the foyer of the University Library will showcase selected start-up projects from the faculties, illustrating the diversity of ideas and initiatives that have been developed at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar – from technological developments to social and sustainable innovations to creative design concepts.

Keynote speeches will begin at 1:30 pm by successful alumni who founded their own companies, studios, or research projects during their time in Weimar:

• Paul Foeckler (Mendeley, Blueberg Paper) – innovative science technologies and entrepreneurship
• Gesa Hansen (The Hansen Family) – international design and entrepreneurial spirit
• Jens Wille (Ubilabs) – data-driven technologies and location-based innovation
• Dr.-Ing. Nathalie Jean-Baptiste (CEO Julius Baer Foundation) – sustainable innovation and social entrepreneurship

The speeches will be followed by a meet and greet in the foyer with pretzels and refreshments. This will offer speakers, students, alumni, and other guests the chance to personally connect with one another and to exchange ideas and experiences about entrepreneurship, innovation cultures, and new projects.

Network Evening 
A networking event will begin at 5 pm at the Bauhaus-Museum Weimar for University members and alumni who are involved in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation, providing space for in-depth exchange in a more intimate setting. Mayor Peter Kleine and a representative from the Wirtschaftsförderung Weimar will also be in attendance with the goal of strengthening connections between the city, academia, and entrepreneurship. The evening event is by invitation only.

»With the Innovators Homecoming, we not only want to celebrate the spirit of innovation at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar but also make the diversity of ideas that originate here visible«, explains Charlene Wündsch, director of the Startup Hub »neudeli« at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. The Startup Hub »neudeli« is responsible for the conceptualisation and organization of the event. »Many of our alumni and students develop ideas that impact society — we want to honour that while also creating space for new connections.«

All University members and interested guests are warmly invited to attend the afternoon programme in the Maurice-Halbwachs Auditorium.

Further information, including how to register, can be found at:  https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/media/institutes/neudeli/innovators-homecoming/ 

Press Contact:
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Startup Hub »neudeli«
Lisa Hilpert
E-Mail: lisa.hilpert[at]uni-weimar.de  
Phone: +49 3643 583915