13 11 2025

Brno

Velvet Innovation
Conference

Join a bold community of innovators who dare to imagine a better future — and work together to build it.

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600

attendees

speakers

stages

community of innovators

Dare Beyond Limits

This year, we’re diving deep into what it truly means to act bravely in the world of innovation. Where is the line between risk and real impact? How can we stay clear-headed in times of uncertainty — and use that uncertainty as fuel to build a better world?

Because courage isn't just about bold dreams. It’s about difficult decisions. It’s about starting your own business at a young age and facing uncertainty head-on. It’s about the ability to thrive in a world that is changing faster than ever before, where economic and geopolitical security require resilience and strategic thinking.

And it’s also about maintaining a competitive edge in the global market, pushing boundaries without fear, and at the same time creating a more sustainable and innovative future.

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Program blocks

What is this year's Velvet Innovation Conference going to be about?

AI & Sustainability

Confront the dual reality of AI as both a driver of greener systems and a source of environmental burden.
How can we design AI that helps rather than harms our path to sustainability?

AI & Sustainability

Confront the dual reality of AI as both a driver of greener systems and a source of environmental burden.
How can we design AI that helps rather than harms our path to sustainability?

Explore real-world solutions, smarter trade-offs, and the next wave of green AI innovation.

Building Global Companies Without Losing Values

Learn how mission-driven founders scale companies without compromising sustainability or social impact.
Can you grow fast and still stay true to your purpose?

Building Global Companies Without Losing Values

Learn how mission-driven founders scale companies without compromising sustainability or social impact.
Can you grow fast and still stay true to your purpose?

This session brings together founders and investors proving it's not only possible — it's the future.

Creative Unicorns

Discover how CEE leaders in gaming, architecture, design and other creative industries are turning bold ideas into global businesses. Can a unicorn emerge from...

Creative Unicorns

Discover how CEE leaders in gaming, architecture, design and other creative industries are turning bold ideas into global businesses. Can a unicorn emerge from the creative industries of our region? And what will it take?

Hear from those who believe it can — and are already on their way.

How can we make Europe more competitive?

Let's talk about the challenges behind boosting Europe's competitiveness. How can CEE entrepreneurs and innovators contribute to a stronger Europe?

How can we make Europe more competitive?

Let's talk about the challenges behind boosting Europe's competitiveness. How can CEE entrepreneurs and innovators contribute to a stronger Europe? And what opportunities can be found in a transforming economy?

Join a debate with economists, founders, investors and those working to rewire Europe's economy.

Space & Defense: A New Frontier for Innovation

Map the opportunities in the booming space-and-defense value chain and explore how innovation meets long-term responsibility. How can CEE startups compete globally while building technologies for security, climate, and beyond?

Meet the experts, investors, and founders opening new frontiers in both sectors.

Next-Gen Founders

Meet the new wave of entrepreneurs challenging old models and bringing fresh values into business. How do their views on risk, leadership, and success differ from...

Next-Gen Founders

Meet the new wave of entrepreneurs challenging old models and bringing fresh values into business. How do their views on risk, leadership, and success differ from previous generations?

Gain insights into the mindset that’s reshaping entrepreneurship from the ground up.

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity

Explore how experts in cybersecurity, defense, disinformation, and geopolitics transform risk into innovation.
What new markets and solutions can emerge from...

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity

Explore how experts in cybersecurity, defense, disinformation, and geopolitics transform risk into innovation.
What new markets and solutions can emerge from today's fast-changing security landscape?

Meet the people shaping a safer, smarter future from the heart of Europe.

Success Stories of the Year

Celebrate founders behind the region’s most exciting exits, breakthroughs, and funding wins of the year.
What worked, what surprised them, and what comes next?

Success Stories of the Year

Celebrate founders behind the region’s most exciting exits, breakthroughs, and funding wins of the year.
What worked, what surprised them, and what comes next?

Get inspired by stories that prove the global potential of Brno region startups.

Startup Showcase: Show Us What’s Next

Present your innovation project to a community of founders, investors, researchers, and corporate leaders.

We're on the lookout for 15-20 ambitious startups developing innovative, scalable products with global potential. Whether you're a student team just getting started, an early-stage startup, or a more established tech SME launching something new — if you’re creating solutions that push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Learn more about Startup Showcase.

Apply today