Silicon Franconia - Innovation in Franconian at the UFIS25
Published on May 14, 2025
What the Nürnberg Digital Festival is to the Nuremberg metropolitan area, the Upper Franconia Innovation Summit (UFIS) is to northern Franconia—a space for sharing ideas, networking, and shaping the digital future.
Co-creation with a Franconian flair, a regional innovation network, and the spirit of “Silicon Franconia” – UFIS brings together key players from across Upper Franconia. On June 4 and 5, 2025, the Alte Pakethalle in Coburg will once again become a true hotspot for innovation, networking, and shaping the future.
Co-creation with a Franconian flair, a regional innovation network, and the spirit of “Silicon Franconia” – UFIS brings together key players from across Upper Franconia. On June 4 and 5, 2025, the Alte Pakethalle in Coburg will once again become a true hotspot for innovation, networking, and shaping the future.
The minds behind UFIS share why it takes more than just workshops and pitches to build a real innovation ecosystem.
Bonus: We’re giving away tickets to UFIS25 – so you can experience firsthand how the future is being made in Upper Franconia!
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UFIS: Innovation-power from Upper Franconia to Upper Franconia
Since 2021, the Upper Franconia Innovation Summit (UFIS) has stood for connection, exchange, and visibility. Launched in the middle of the pandemic, the annual event in Upper Franconia has grown significantly ever since. What started out as a digital format has long since evolved into an in-person innovation platform:
“We’ve now successfully held the summit four times—two virtual events and two in-person gatherings in Bamberg and Bayreuth. Each time, we welcomed around 200 guests and 30 exhibitors, helping to establish UFIS as a central platform within Upper Franconia’s innovation ecosystem.”
Silicon Franconia: Future with a Franconian base
“Silicon Franconia” represents a vision of a strong innovation hub rooted in regional identity. Upper Franconia blends industrial tradition with expertise and a steadily growing startup culture. UFIS aims to carry these strengths into the future. Established hidden champions are to be further empowered through new technologies and fresh ideas, while young startups have the potential to become hidden champions themselves.
"´Silicon Franconia´ stands for our desire to create exceptional quality of life and sustainable prosperity in Franconia through innovation. With new technologies, a spirit of innovation, and a startup mentality, we combine the best of tradition and the future. “Silicon Franconia” represents exactly this connection between regional identity, industrial foundations, and new innovations."
An innovation culture built on collaboration and networking
What makes UFIS special is its unifying nature. It’s not just about individuals—it’s about the bigger picture: creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem across all of Upper Franconia. UFIS puts a strong emphasis on networking, both within the region and beyond its borders, to bring future visions to life—together, with partners like NUEDIGITAL.
“The Nürnberg Digital Festival has supported us with shoutouts since the very first UFIS. Just as UFIS connects districts within Upper Franconia, it’s just as important to build connections across regions to develop a shared innovation ecosystem. That’s why collaborations with initiatives like NUEDIGITAL are essential to our mission!”
UFIS25: Two days Innovation-Journey in Coburg
"Trains connect people, ideas, and places—just like innovation!"
With the theme “Next Stop: Coburg,” UFIS25 will set innovation in motion on June 4th and 5th, 2025—symbolically fitting in the historic setting of the Alte Pakethalle. The two-day program is packed with interactive formats and inspiring encounters:
“Day one is all about ‘Sharing Innovation’—get ready for hands-on workshops, top-tier speakers, and an exciting pitch event. On day two, we’ll take you on a journey through the ‘Upper Franconia Rail Network’—meet key players in the regional innovation scene, make meaningful connections, and explore fresh perspectives.”
At its core, UFIS aims to create space—bringing together all those who are passionate and driven by innovation to help shape a progressive future for the region.
How to become part of the UFIS-Innovation-Network?
UFIS thrives on active participation and dedication. Whether you are seeking inspiration, aiming to expand your professional network, or wish to present your idea on stage — UFIS welcomes all who are passionate about innovation and eager to contribute.
"UFIS is for everyone who values innovation! From SMEs and startups to corporations, research institutions, and other players in the innovation ecosystem — it's a gathering place for people ready to explore, shape, and drive change."
This year’s UFIS brings a fresh wave of collaborative innovation, new ideas, exciting pitches, and a genuine sense of drive — all focused on building a connected Franconia that actively shapes the future.
Interested in joining? We are giving away 2x2 tickets! Simply send an email with the subject “UFIS” to gewinn@nuernberg.digital. Winners will be notified on May 16. Startups can still apply to participate in the pitch event until May 18, for the opportunity to present their ideas on the main stage.
Alina Laßen
Werkstudentin Marketing & Projektmanagement
NUEDIGITAL
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