Returning to Munich from September 28 to 30, 2026, during the city's iconic Oktoberfest celebrations, Bits & Pretzels will once again bring together Europe's startup ecosystem, this time under the theme Human After All.

The conference will welcome 7,500 participants, including 2,000 investors, alongside founders, corporate leaders, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond. Its mission remains unchanged: to help founders connect, learn, and grow.

Technology Meets Humanity

The 2026 edition will explore transformative technologies while putting the people behind them at the center of the conversation. Headlining the event are media entrepreneur and The Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett, alongside comedian, producer, and The Daily Show host Trevor Noah. Their conversations on leadership, business, and society have reached millions around the world.

"In line with the Human After All theme, the 2026 program spotlights founder resilience, the human qualities that drive success, and how entrepreneurs can build the mindset to achieve their goals," said Bits & Pretzels Co-Founder Bernd Storm vans Gravesande.

Joining Steven Bartlett and Trevor Noah are leaders from some of Europe's fastest-growing technology companies, including Legora, n8n, Dash0, and Langdock, among many others. Across the program, speakers will discuss the biggest opportunities and challenges shaping Europe's innovation landscape, from applied AI, defense, fintech, and deeptech to space technology.

"It's a very interesting time to visit Munich. The city is growing fast, especially in deeptech and defense, with outstanding startups and record funding rounds. Munich is clearly becoming one of Europe's leading tech hubs, and it's where many of the next big trends are already taking shape," said Co-Host Felix Haas.

For Founders, by Founders

Supporting founders has always been at the heart of Bits & Pretzels, and the event offers a range of formats designed to help startups achieve their goals.

The Startup Exhibition gives early-stage companies the opportunity to showcase their products, while structured networking sessions connect founders with potential partners, investors, and industry leaders. The goal is to create relationships that extend well beyond the three-day event.

The flagship investor program will once again bring together more than 2,000 capital providers, while the CIO AI Summit will connect corporate leaders with the startup ecosystem, creating opportunities for partnerships and investment.

"Bits & Pretzels was built for founders, by founders," said Co-Founder Andy Bruckschlögl. "Our mission every year is to give startups the access and visibility they need to succeed."

As always, the conference will conclude with its signature networking experience at Munich's Oktoberfest. On the final day, attendees will gather in the Schottenhamel tent, where conversations continue over beer, one of the traditions that makes Bits & Pretzels unlike any other startup event in Europe.

The full agenda for Bits & Pretzels 2026 is now available on the Bits & Pretzels website. The event will take place in Munich from September 28 to 30, 2026.