WHERE SCIENCE MEETS BOLD IDEAS
Step inside a leading innovation powerhouse in the skin care sector. Where cutting-edge research meets real-world impact and where science powers iconic brands that move hearts, minds and markets.
Beiersdorf Connect 2026
Innovation Against All Odds – Make the Impossible Possible
In times of uncertainty, disruption and rapid change, innovation matters more than ever. Challenges can spark unexpected opportunities, and those who adapt fastest shape what comes next. From breakthrough ideas born out of crises to the remarkable speed of innovation in markets like China, we explore how bold thinking can turn obstacles into advantages and make the impossible possible.
INNOVATION HAPPENS AT THE INTERFACES. IT HAPPENS WHEN WE CONNECT.
During this unique event, Beiersdorf opens its doors for exchange, fresh thinking and future-shaping conversations. Across disciplines. Across industries. Driven by curiosity, resilience and a shared ambition to create opportunities where others see limits. Together, we explore how innovation can thrive against all odds.
When October 9, 2026
Where Beiersdorf HQ, Beiersdorfstraße 1-9, 22529 Hamburg, Germany
What Insights, Exchange, Inspiration
Who Innovative Minds from Corporates, Start-Ups, Venture Capital, Academia
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
At this event, we want to gather those who are shaping the future
- Start-up founders,
- Corporate innovators,
- Researchers, investors and public sector minds
- And all curious minds turning today’s buzzwords – like AI, transformation and resilience – into tomorrow’s impact
Whether you’re part of Beiersdorf or not – if you’re working on what matters next, this is for you.
Please note that attendance is by invitation only. If you are interested in joining, please sign up under the button below. If it fits, we will send you an official invite.
Beiersdorf employees: Please use the registration link provided in internal communication.
You would also like to contribute in a session? We highly welcome new voices on:
- Innovation culture and management
- AI and digitalisation
- Future-readiness
Dr. Gitta Neufang, Chief R&D Officer
Our international success is characterized by strategic collaboration with recognized experts in their field. We are firmly convinced that relevant progress is made at the interfaces between disciplines and expertise that go beyond the status quo with creative new ideas.
THEMES
DIGITAL
Digitalization, AI and Quantum Computing
Future-readiness
for Risks and Opportunities
Sustainability
Innovating for a sustainable future
DIGITAL
Digitalization, AI and Quantum Computing
Future-readiness
for Risks and Opportunities
Sustainability
Innovating for a sustainable future
WHAT TO EXPECT
exclusive insights
A peek into how we approach innovation at Beiersdorf to win with the hearts of our consumers
fresh perspectives
Fresh thinking on topics that matter – from digitalisation to long-term impact
Open conversations
Unique opportunities for exchange with experts across fields
exclusive insights
A peek into how we approach innovation at Beiersdorf to win with the hearts of our consumers
fresh perspectives
Fresh thinking on topics that matter – from digitalisation to long-term impact
Open conversations
Unique opportunities for exchange with experts across fields
-
09:00 - OPENING
09:10 - KEYNOTE VINCENT WARNERY (CEO): INNOVATION AGAINST ALL ODDS
09:25 - KEYNOTE DR. GITTA NEUFANG (CHIEF R&D OFFICER): MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE
09:40 - BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATION AT BEIERSDORF
10:00 - PANEL DISCUSSION: CO-INNOVATION – LEVERAGING ECOSYSTEM POWERS
10:30 - NETWORKING BREAK
11:00 - KEYNOTE: HOW CHINA OUTPACED EVERYBODY
11:20 - KEYNOTE: THE IMPOSSIBLE INNOVATION GAME OF CHINA
11:40 - CASE STUDY: HOW INNOVATION GOT DEMOCRATIZED
12:00 - INTERVIEW YANG XU (Beiersdorf Innovation Center Shanghai): INNOVATION IN CHINA – DOs AND DON’Ts
12:20 - PANEL DISCUSSION: MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE
Beiersdorf Connect 2025 Highlights
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