Im in diesem fXc widmen wir uns ganz der Frage, wie eigentlich gutes Netzwerken funktioniert. Dabei haben wir verschiedene Blickwinkel auf das Thema für euch organisiert:

Starten wird Sascha Heising von CESAH. Er leitet die Innovationsprojekte bei CESAH, greift auf eigene Gründungserfahrungen zurück und organisiert seit Jahren Veranstaltungen mit einem Fokus aufs Netzwerken.

Weitere Referentinnen und Referenten sind angefragt.

Ihr wollt mehr? Bei der Open Mic Session habt Ihr wie immer die Gelegenheit, Eure Ideen und Fragen kurz vorzustellen und Unterstützung aus dem Netzwerken zu bekommen! Bitte meldet Euch, wenn möglich schon vorab bei uns via E-Mail an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. an.

Wir freuen uns auf Euch!

Der foundersXchange ist eine gemeinsame Eventreihe von: ATHENE Digital Hub Cybersecurity, CESAH GmbH, hessian.AI, HIGHEST – Innovations- und Gründungszentrum der TU Darmstadt, HUB31 - Technologie und Gründerzentrum Darmstadt und YUBIZZ! - Gründungsinitiative der Hochschule Darmstadt. Weitere Informationen unter: www.foundersXchange.de

Wir möchten dem StartHub Hessen für seine kontinuierliche Unterstützung der Event-Reihe, sowie auch der TIZ Darmstadt GmbH für Ihre Unterstützung dieser Ausgabe des foundersXchange danken.

Rocket & Bembel - Celebrating Innovation & Success - 03.11.2026

Ideas meet experience. Innovation meets opportunity.

What does it take for a promising startup to take the next big step? The right strategy matters—but so do the people who open doors, share experience, make introductions and invest in what comes next.

Rocket & Bembel 2026 brings those people together at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC): ambitious founders, investors, industry experts, mentors and the people who shape innovation networks across the region and beyond.

Meet our 2026 startups and discover technologies and business models with the potential to grow. Their solutions are not limited to the space sector: they address challenges in industrial and terrestrial markets and show how space-enabled innovation is already creating value in business and everyday life.

For startups, the afternoon offers access to experience, capital and new markets. For investors, it provides an early look at emerging technologies and ambitious teams. Industry representatives and mentors can discover new approaches to real business challenges, while network and hub managers can connect their communities with relevant founders, partners and opportunities.

The afternoon will also celebrate the achievements of our alumni, who will receive their graduation certificates. After the official programme, the Rocket & Bembel community comes together: reconnect with familiar faces, meet potential partners and continue the conversations that could lead to your next collaboration, introduction or investment.

Coming up: perspectives from investors and industry

We are currently preparing a panel discussion with investors and industry representatives. The conversation will explore current investment interests and opportunities, market needs, industry challenges and what startups need to demonstrate as they prepare to scale.

Further details and speakers will be announced soon.

Also taking place: Industry Matchmaking

A separate matchmaking session will take place in the morning. Companies, cities, municipalities and other public-sector organisations are invited to submit concrete challenges for which they are seeking fresh ideas, new technologies or innovative approaches.

Based on these challenges, we connect participating organisations with selected startups to explore suitable solutions and potential cooperation—from an initial exchange to pilot projects and longer-term partnerships.

If you work with relevant organisations or have strong industry or public-sector contacts, please share this opportunity with your network.

Learn more and submit a challenge: https://rocket-bembel.esabic.de/

Event information

Security check-in: 14:30
Event begins: 15:00
Venue: European Space Operations Centre (ESOC)

Please provide all citizenships and your organisation’s details during registration and bring a valid photo ID for security check-in.

Join us at Rocket & Bembel—and bring the people who can help turn innovation into opportunity.

The 12th CASSINI Hackathon - EU Space for Peace and Resilience will take place from 27 - 29 November 2026. We will update the further details soon. No space experience needed - just choose a challenge, use EU space tech, and compete for cash prizes up to 9,000€ (1st: 5,000€, 2nd: 3,000€, 3rd: 1,000€) plus 6 months of mentoring. Be sure to review the Rules of Contest before applying. 

Save the Date: Ad Astra Summit 2027 – Spaceolution Calling!