Programme 2024

Innovation as Tradition: The Berliner Philharmoniker Celebrate Two Media Anniversaries
Founded in 1882, the Berliner Philharmoniker are not only one of the world's leading symphony orchestras but have also always been a pioneer in the media distribution of their concerts. Milestones include the establishment of the Digital Concert Hall (2008/09) and the Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings label (2014). Both projects were realised in accordance with the orchestra's ethos of independence and self-responsibility. To mark the double anniversary, Olaf Maninger, Principal Cellist and Media Board Member, and Recording Producer Christoph Franke will provide a retrospective in their panel on the Audio Stage.

David Reger will shed light on how cognitive robots can revolutionize the job market and free humanity from monotonous and dangerous tasks. With the ability to perceive their environment, act autonomously and learn from experience, these robots represent a significant step forward. Reger will demonstrate how NEURA Robotics' technologies, including the world's first cognitive robot MAiRA, offer innovative solutions for automation that free humans and promote creative, meaningful work.

Sascha Pallenberg is a German tech blogger and consultan named one of the NEXT 100 top influencers in the European digital industry in 2013. For four consecutive years (2010-2013), Sascha won the 'Top 20 Smart Mobile Device Pundit' award for the most influential bloggers and journalists in mobile computing. Later in 2015, Sascha was awarded the 'Golden Blogger' as Blogger of the Year in Germany before moving to Daimler AG's Corporate Communications department as Head of Digital Transformation in February 2017. He was then Chief Awareness Officer at aware, Germany's first sustainability platform, until 2023. Sascha Pallenberg is MeTacheles Chief Editor and supports companies in sustainable transformation processes.

Join us for a pivotal panel discussion on sustaining Berlin's creative pulse, moderated by Marcel Weber, Chairman of Clubcommission Berlin, Managing Director of SchwuZ Queer Club, and a Certified Systemic Business Coach. Marcel will guide a dialogue featuring insights from Michael Biel, State Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Public Enterprises, along with other esteemed representatives from the Berlin Club Commission. This session will delve into the critical framework conditions necessary to foster innovation and creativity throughout the city. Michael Biel's extensive experience in political science and the German Bundestag will further enrich the discussion. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with top policymakers and industry experts on shaping Berlin's future.

Health and care in the digital field of tension: Smart technologies, AI and robots have the potential to provide the answer to the challenges of the shortage of skilled workers and an aging society. But what about the social acceptance of a health and care system that is kept running less by people and more by machines and technology?

Dr. Sara Warneke, Managing Director of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics, and Dr. Martin Schulte, Global Sector Leader Consumer Durables at the strategy consultancy Oliver Wyman, will present the results of an international survey on the use of smart technologies in health and care. Afterwards you will discuss with:

• Constanze Büchner, CEO of CrewLinQ, a start-up that has developed a digital solution for outage management in the health and care sector
• David Reger, CEO of Neura Robotics, a high-tech company from Germany that develops and manufactures collaborative robots with cognitive capabilities that work with humans.
• Dr. med. Tobias Glaunsinger, a specialist in general medicine and infectiology from Berlin Prenzlauer Berg, who meets the challenges of digitization in the healthcare system on a daily basis.

Important note: Panel language: German - English subtitles available

Multi-talented artist Kelvyn Colt combines a unique style of music with socio-critical topics. This is an unmissable act accessible for all IFA attendees.

Kelvyn Colt's performance will be included in your 17€ IFA ticket! 

Join H.E In-ho LEE, Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, and former 1st Vice Minister of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in Korea, to uplift a discussion of trading towards innovation.  

What to expect during his session: 
Sub1. Trade and Economic Cooperation between Korea and Germany
Sub2. Startup Eco-System of Korea and Germany
Sub3. IFA and NextRise, what they matter
Sub4. The Era of Digital Innovation and its way forward : Korea and Germany