I was lucky enough to be asked by BMZ, which is the Federal Ministry of Economic Corporation and Development, to facilitate their Community Space at the 2016 CeBIT. This year, BMZ was focused upon bringing together the best minds in the African and German Startup Scenes.
Moderatorin und Sängerin Iza Höll auf der CeBit in Hannover
For this event, BMZ created three distinct spaces. Firstly, we had the Inspire Area, which was an interactive zone aimed at encouraging robust dialogue between the participants. This is the space where we gathered each day to get the ball rolling and the ideas flowing.
From there, we had the Connect Area, which was a networking space allocated for the participants to unite and link their ideas.
Finally, we had the Develop Area – which was home to a variety of challenging activities and workshops. This was the space where we saw the true magic happen throughout the week.
For each day of the event, BMZ asked the participants to focus upon a different topic. On the first day, we spoke about the future of international corporations the second day was focused upon ehealth and open manufacturing, the third upon mobility and transport and the fourth on refugees and migration.
Each day concluded with an open discussion between the participants about how to shape MakeIT, BMZ’s tech entrepreneurship initiative. This was undoubtedly my favourite part of the CeBIT. It was so interesting to see the perspectives and unique solutions offered by each of the startups, established corporations, GIZ and the Ministry. I was able to watch relationships develop throughout the week and felt the spirit of these entrepreneurs from around the globe – some of them very young and just so passionate.
And the absolute best part? I was able to sing for everyone at the BMZ Party!
Thank you very much to all involved – it was a truly inspiring event to be a part of and I cannot wait to see what projects evolve from the week.
Moderatorin und Sängerin Iza Höll in der Scale 11 auf der Cebit Hannover
Moderatorin und Sängerin Iza Höll, BMZ Community Space, Scale 11, CeBit Hannover 2016
©GIZ/Andrea Prill Sempere