Growing, networking, and founding: The EXIST-Women Retreat 2025

Starting a business is not just a question of know-how, but also of courage, attitude, and community. That was precisely the focus of the EXIST Women Retreat 2025, which brought together participants from all over Baden-Württemberg this spring. For two days, everything revolved around exchange, perspectives, and the shared path toward self-employment.

A strong network for female founders

The retreat is part of the nationwide EXIST-Women support program, which helps women from universities and research institutions who are interested in starting their own businesses by offering coaching, networking opportunities, and scholarships. At KIT, the program is supported by a strong network of partners: KIT-Gründerschmiede, maKeIT, EnTechnon, and DeepTechHub all pool their expertise here.

Together, we pursue a common goal: to give women the space to develop their ideas, try things out, and become more visible in the start-up scene.

Review: Two days full of energy, exchange, and honest conversations

The event brought together around 25 EXIST Women scholarship holders from Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Pforzheim, and Heilbronn. What did the participants bring with them? Different backgrounds, industries, and start-up ideas – but above all openness, curiosity, and a lot of drive.

Day 1 was all about getting to know each other: workshops on personality development and peer learning focused on strengths, values, and role models. Many reported moments of revelation and inspiring conversations among peers.

Day 2 was characterized by energy, exchange, and mutual empowerment – for example, in sessions on networking and leadership, or through formats such as improv theater and yoga. There was laughter, discussion – and sometimes tears. Because when people really connect, depth emerges.

What remains – and what comes next

What we take away from these two days: There is a great need for spaces like this. We need formats in which women can try things out, be seen, and develop their ideas in an appreciative environment. The retreat was a start – and a strong signal of what is possible when people and organizations pull together.

We look forward to seeing what emerges from the conversations, encounters, and ideas – in the form of new projects, startups, or simply a stronger network.