DLD Video
Space: The New Frontier
Space exploration is a billion dollar global market. It holds the promise of creating unforeseen business opportunities as well as solving global challenges.
Big players and visionaries out of the United States are naturally affiliated with space technology. But what about Europe? There’s plenty of talent, creativity and know-how for the continent to play an important role in the space ecosystem.
This session highlights how entrepreneurs with a big vision can reach for the stars by building their solutions in close collaboration with established European technology companies – often called “hidden champions”.
After an introduction by Christian Mohr (UnternehmerTUM), the panel discussion is moderated by Jennifer Schenker (The Innovator). It brings together Alexander Gerfer (Würth Elektronik), Daniel Metzler (Isar Aerospace) and Joachim von Schlenk (Schlenk Group).
Jennifer Schenker
The Innovator
Jennifer L. Schenker has been covering the technology sector from Europe since 1985. She worked in various positions for the Wall Street Journal, TIME, and BusinessWeek. In 2016, she launched The Innovator, a website and subscription newsletter about digital transformation and sustainability that is read by the people responsible for innovation at some of the world’s largest companies.
Alexander Gerfer
Würth Elektronik
Alexander Gerfer is Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer of Würth Elektronik eiSos group, one of Europe's largest manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical components. He graduated from the engineering school of communications engineering at the Rheinische Akademie Köln and studied electrical engineer (FH) at the Rheinische Fachhochschule.
Daniel Metzler
Isar Aerospace
As Co-Founder and CEO of Isar Aerospace, a Munich-based company developing orbital space launch vehicles, Daniel aims to lower the barriers for commercial space access. He previously led a team of 40 students at the rocketry group WARR developing sounding rockets.
Joachim von Schlenk
Schlenk Group
Joachim von Schlenk is CEO of the Schlenk Group. The company, founded in 1879, produces specialty chemicals and other special materials from non-ferrous materials for a wide range of industrial applications. Electrical and electronic applications for the automotive industry as well as aerospace are a main focus.
Christian Mohr
UnternehmerTUM
Innovation expert Christian Mohr is member of the Executive Board and Managing Partner at UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s leading start-up and innovation center. Coming from a family business, he gained more than ten years of experience in responsible positions at one of the world's leading consulting firms.