SMARTNET Entrepreneurs Took Berlin by Storm: A Week of Strategic Engagements, Investor Pitches, and Global Networking
As part of the SMARTNET Project, a high-impact study visit to Berlin was successfully carried out between April 7–11, 2025, gathering selected entrepreneurs from Türkiye with Berlin’s thriving innovation ecosystem. The one-week program has been meticulously designed and executed to foster cross-border collaboration, investment readiness, and international scaling for tech-driven ventures.
Deep Tech Encounters and Tailored Hub Visits
The program kicked off with a guided visit to MotionLab Berlin, a state-of-the-art deep tech prototyping hub. Entrepreneurs engaged with local startups, explored cutting-edge machinery, and presented their business solutions to investors and tech enablers.
Subsequent days featured equally impactful visits to Berlin Partner, Startup Incubator Berlin, and the EUREF Campus — all of which offered a wealth of knowledge on sustainability, access to funding, and innovation networks in Germany. These site visits allowed participants to connect with ecosystem actors and receive customized insights relevant to their startup sectors.
Top-Tier Training and Pitch Coaching by Berlin’s Best
Throughout the visit, entrepreneurs benefited from exclusive training modules delivered by top-tier experts including Bianca Praetorius, Berlin’s leading startup pitch coach. Topics covered ranged from business model development and operational management to investment readiness and body-language-driven pitching.
Highlight: SMARTNET Dominates Betabooze Pitch Night
One of the defining moments of the Berlin visit took place at Betabooze: Notion x Founder Institute Pitch Night, hosted at the iconic Betahaus. Among over 100 applicants across Europe, 3 out of the 5 entrepreneurs selected to pitch were from SMARTNET:
Their outstanding participation not only underscored the quality of startups cultivated under the SMARTNET framework but also positioned them for global investment opportunities. The event attracted a wide range of international investors and innovation enthusiasts.
Engaging with Germany’s Startup and Investment Infrastructure
In addition to pitch events and training, participants met with representatives from the German Federal Trade & Investment Agency (GTAI) to gain in-depth understanding of funding programs, legal frameworks, and operational steps for entering the German market.
Demo Day: SMARTNET Entrepreneurs on the Global Stage
On April 10, SMARTNET hosted its own Demo Day, where all participants pitched their businesses to a curated audience of investors, incubator representatives, and startup mentors. The event served as a critical visibility and feedback platform, empowering participants to refine their narratives and build investor trust.
Final Reflections and Strategic Planning
The visit concluded with a reflection session highlighting individual learnings, collective outcomes, and concrete follow-ups. Entrepreneurs left Berlin equipped with investor contacts, collaboration opportunities, and strategic insights tailored to international growth.
