East German Business Summit 2026

How can transformation succeed — economically, technologically and socially? This was the central question at the 8th East German Business Summit (Ostdeutscher Unternehmertag), held on 8 September 2026 at the Kongresshotel Potsdam. Under the guiding theme “Plural Transformation – Challenges and Opportunities for SMEs”, entrepreneurs and representatives from politics, science and the financial sector came together to discuss perspectives for East Germany as a business location.

Green City Solutions was also part of this exchange: our Managing Director and co-founder, Peter Sänger, participated in the Construction Forum, titled “Innovation in Construction – Sustainable and Efficient at the Same Time”.

Transformation Means Expertise — and Concrete Action

Ahead of the event, our Managing Director Peter Sänger stated:

“East Germany can provide the impetus needed to drive Germany’s new beginning forward”.

East Germany has experienced profound economic change. This experience can be a strength when it comes to putting new technologies, business models and sustainable solutions into practice.

Peter Sänger reflects:

“The East German Business Summit focused on the state of our economy and society. The election in Saxony-Anhalt naturally raised more questions than it answered. Yet alongside the pessimism, there was also a sense of optimism. I hope that the panel discussion with Felix Zohlen from Zappe Architekten & Partner, Nora Baum from Sonocrete and Alexander Eysert from rg Rohrgroup, moderated by Mario Schmidt offered some encouragement and confidence.”

Photos: GCS, Klaus Kampmann

Peter Sänger adds: “ZAt the beginning of the event, Martina Klement, Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Action and Europe of the State of Brandenburg, provided insights into developments in Brandenburg and the opportunities available in eastern Germany. Despite all the challenges, concerns and risks that undoubtedly exist, it is also good to hear what is working and where we can find hope for the future.”

In her welcoming address, Martina Klement, Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy, Climate Action and Europe of the State of Brandenburg, emphasised: “A common denominator among all entrepreneurs in East Germany is that mastering transformation is one of the core competencies of East German entrepreneurs.”

It also became clear that transformation is more than a buzzword. It requires investment, time, the courage to make decisions and the willingness to shape opportunities, even under challenging conditions.

Photos: GCS, Klaus Kampmann

Building Sustainably — and Acting Efficiently

The Construction Forum focused on combining sustainability and efficiency, as well as on innovative approaches for the construction and real estate sectors. For Green City Solutions, this raises a key question: How can cities and buildings respond to the impacts of climate change, such as heat and air pollution, while also creating places with a high quality of stay?

Peter Sänger explained how our Fresh Air Concept combines natural moss with innovative technology. Polluted and warm air is drawn through vertical moss mats, where it is filtered and cooled. Integrated sensors record performance and environmental data in real time. This creates fresh-air zones where they are needed most — for example, at urban heat islands and air pollution hotspots.

With our Fresh Air Concept, we develop solutions for better air quality and greater quality of stay in urban spaces. Our regenerative, moss-based air filters can not only filter particulate matter from the air passing through them; through evaporation and ventilation, they can also generate a natural cooling effect.

Exchange and Momentum: East Germany as a Place to Shape the Future

The East German Business Summit demonstrated how important open discussions between business, politics, science and practice are — particularly at a time when economic uncertainty is accompanied by a clear willingness to shape the future. This was also reflected in the report by rbb24 Brandenburg aktuell. Whether the focus is on reducing bureaucracy, financing, artificial intelligence or climate-resilient urban development, the decisive step is moving from talking to taking action.

Moderator Mario Schmidt summed up the day with a question that is also highly relevant to sustainable urban development: “Transformation does not begin with the question of what needs to change. It begins with the question: Who is ready to shape that change?”

This is precisely the kind of commitment needed to create liveable and future-proof spaces. Green City Solutions is carrying this ambition forward in its day-to-day work — with moss-based BioTech solutions for clean and healthy air, and through continuous dialogue with partners who are committed to bringing sustainability and efficiency together.

We would like to thank the organisers and everyone involved for the valuable insights and open exchange in Potsdam.