INMerge Berlin 2026: Bridging Europe and Emerging Markets

Jan de Vries · 2026-06-30

After stops in Istanbul and Tashkent, the INMerge Innovation Summit wrapped up its 2026 international series in Berlin on June 29 at the AXICA Convention Center. This event wasn't just another conference. It was a gathering of founders, investors, corporate innovators, C-level execs, startups, VCs, and tech leaders all looking to find new opportunities for investment, partnerships, and market expansion across Europe and Central Eurasia. ### A Final Stop Before the Big One As the third and final international stop before the flagship INMerge Innovation Summit in Baku this November, INMerge Berlin also served as an official side event of GITEX Europe. That's a big deal because it placed the conversation right at the heart of Europe's tech scene. Organized in partnership with Plug and Play, the event created a real platform for high-impact discussions, meaningful networking, and cross-border collaboration. The goal was simple: connect Europe's innovation ecosystem with the rapidly growing markets of Azerbaijan, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. "INMerge Berlin marks an important milestone in the evolution of the INMerge Innovation Summit," said Farid Mammadov, CEO at PASHA Financial Holding. "By bringing INMerge to Europe for the first time, we are expanding the conversation beyond regional borders and creating a stronger bridge between Europe, Azerbaijan, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and emerging innovation markets." He added, "This event reflects our commitment to connecting founders, investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem builders around ideas that can shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship." ### What Actually Happened The agenda was packed. It kicked off with a keynote, moved into panels and a fireside chat, and ended with a Startup Pitch Competition. Here's a quick look at the highlights: - **Opening Remarks** by H.E. Nasimi Aghayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Germany. - **Keynote** by Martin Gutmann: "Are We Celebrating the Wrong Leaders?" This session challenged conventional ideas about effective leadership in a fast-changing world. - **Panel Discussion**: "Trust Corridors: Rebuilding Financial Bridges Between Europe and Emerging Markets" focused on financial connectivity and market access. Speakers included Ekaterina Galitsyna (KfW IPEX-Bank), Bahruz Naghiyev (PASHA Bank Azerbaijan), and Zuzana Franz (ODDO BHF). The panel was moderated by Rza Aliyev (NGIC). - **Fireside Chat**: "Beyond Efficiency: Wellbeing, Culture and the Future of Work" featured Ad Boon (PASHA Holding) and Martin Gutmann (Lucerne School of Business), moderated by Maria Ivanova (Gingo Partners). They explored how organizations can balance productivity with employee wellbeing and inclusive culture. - **Panel**: "From Berlin Labs to Emerging Market Scale: AI, Big Tech and the Next Innovation Bridge" explored how AI and global tech companies are shaping the next wave of innovation. Speakers included Mammad Karim (Caucasus Ventures), Mehti Aslanov (PASHA Financial Holding), Alexandra Begue (SAP), and Valeria Sadovykh (Microsoft Germany). Moderated by Tughra Musayeva (PASHA Financial Holding). ### The Startup Pitch Competition The day ended with a Startup Pitch Competition judged by leading investors. Three startups earned the chance to join the main INMerge event in Baku on November 30 – December 1, 2026. The winning startup, Sintro, will receive a fully funded package. Two others, Datfid and Lan fly, will get partial funding support. Not a bad way to close out the series.