TECH.LAND Xperience: 1,200 innovators together in Münster
More than 1,200 innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers and students from the Netherlands, Germany and beyond gathered in Münster for the first‑ever TECH.LAND Xperience on March 12. With more than 100 speakers across four thematic stages, the breadth of the ecosystem was on full display: from high-tech systems and AI to medtech, hydrogen, circular solutions and talent development. Companies, startups and knowledge partners showcased their innovations, and more importantly: found each other. What started as an initiative to increase the visibility of the cross‑border technology ecosystem evolved into a festival‑like day: full of energy, inspiration, new encounters and one shared ambition.
The central message of the day was clear: the regions of Münsterland and Emscher‑Lippe, together with the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel, have everything needed to grow into one of Europe’s most powerful innovation hubs.
“TECH.LAND brings together the strengths of the German‑Dutch region to accelerate innovation and strengthen the economic future of our cross‑border technology ecosystem,” says Ank Bijleveld-Schouten , Chair of the Twente Board. “With the TECH.LAND Xperience, we highlight opportunities, spark new collaborations and give direction to our shared ambitions.”
Lars Baumgürtel, President of IHK Nord Westfalen emphasized:
“This innovation festival is of great value for the sense of community, the network and future cooperation in our daily work.” He added: “When all partners contribute their strengths, strengths that no single party could offer alone, the innovation potential increases significantly for everyone.”
Cross‑border collaboration unlocks new opportunities
The importance of this was echoed by many speakers, including Mona Neubaur, Minister of Economic Affairs of North Rhine‑Westphalia. She highlighted:
"Together with our Dutch partners, we combine competencies, strengthen our technological foundation and increase the international visibility of our region for investors.”
And that is exactly what TECH.LAND aims to enable: transforming national borders into connections between businesses, knowledge institutions, talent and investors.
A day of encounters, inspiration and new connections
With more than 100 speakers across four thematic stages, the breadth of the ecosystem was on full display: from high‑tech systems and AI to medtech, hydrogen, circular solutions and talent development. Companies, startups and knowledge partners showcased their innovations, and more importantly, found each other.
“Today, the TECH.LAND Xperience showed what becomes possible when we join forces across borders and sectors,” says Hans Brouwers, TECH.LAND Program Manager. “By building together, TECH.LAND is growing into one of Europe’s most interconnected technology ecosystems.”
The day concluded with a networking evening that once again highlighted a simple truth: innovation is not just about technology, it’s about people finding each other.
Photos by Ewald Geerdink, Photo of the title by Heiner Witte/ IHK Nord Westfalen
