Britta Schneider
Deputy Director, Government Projects & Trade Missions
+1 (312) 585-8346 schneider@gaccmidwest.org
Connecting Midwest and German Startup Ecosystems: Hardtech & Deeptech in Manufacturing and Industry
Join our expert delegation trip to the U.S. Midwest, designed to connect German startup ecosystem players with leading innovation stakeholders in Michigan and Illinois. With a focus on Hardtech and Deeptech in manufacturing and industry, the program offers market insights, direct exchange with investors, research institutions, and corporates, as well as targeted networking opportunities to foster sustainable transatlantic partnerships. The project is funded by the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
Trip dates: July 12 - 17, 2026
Energy Business Trip: E-Mobility: Charging Infrastructure, Storage Solutions, and Production Systems for Electric Mobility in Michigan, Tennessee, and Alabama
The Energy Business Trip is aimed at German companies in the fields of charging infrastructure, battery and storage technologies, as well as production and automation solutions for electromobility. It is particularly geared toward providers of DC and AC charging solutions, battery production facilities, energy management systems, manufacturing and testing technology, and digital solutions for industrial applications.
Trip dates: October 4–9, 2026
Sustainable Plant Engineering Solutions for Battery Manufacturing & Recycling
Participation offers in-depth insights into market trends and business opportunities, as well as the chance to present products and solutions at industry symposia. The focus is on building professional connections: through targeted networking and one-on-one meetings with potential business and sales partners, as well as relevant decision-makers, long-term collaborations can be initiated. In addition, site visits help participants build a lasting professional network.
Trip dates: November 30 to December 4, 2026
Upcoming Delegations and Programs Flyer:
The hydrogen delegation to the US was a strategic catalyst for REJOOL. Thanks to the excellent organization by GACC Midwest, the high-level networking opportunities and roundtable discussions provided a clear and tangible view of the market’s potential. As a result, we established REJOOL USA Inc. shortly afterward. Working with the GACC team is an invaluable way to translate market insights into a concrete international strategy. Their access to key industry players is unparalleled. I highly recommended it for anyone looking to scale globally.
I've been in Chicago for the past three days – and this city completely caught me off guard. Chicago was honestly off my radar. It shouldn't have been. The energy here is different. Positive, open, genuinely excited about quality and great design. The architectural diversity of the city alone is worth travelling here. The sense of business opportunity that defines the U.S. – you feel it the moment you land. It inspires. It's contagious. We joined the GACC Midwest - German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc. delegation for two days focused on the furniture and interior design industry. The conversations were real, the leads were strong, and the people we met know exactly what they want: quality and design that stands for something, speed and a sense for business. A huge thank you to Jan-Felix and Finja for the outstanding organization of these two days – seamlessly run, perfectly curated, good food and good people.
