Lead the AI Revolution
Join the invite-only and vendor neutral CIO AI Summit designed exclusively for 500 CIOs. Acquire the proven frameworks you need to move beyond the AI hype and deliver measurable business impact- straight from the peers who are already doing it.
Join your Peers from the World’s Leading Organizations:
An invite-only gathering for CIOs of companies with €50M+ revenue.
Check your Eligibility
To request an invitation you must:
Be the CIO (or a C-level position that aligns with the responsibilities of a Chief Information Officer or a Chief AI Officer)
Work for a company with €50M+ annual revenue
Be part of an organization with 100+ employees
*Participation Policy
The CIO AI Summit is a curated gathering designed for CIOs and senior technology leaders from companies engaged in industrial production and manufacturing (secondary sector). To ensure highly relevant discussions and peer-to-peer exchange, participation is limited to this audience and to one representative per company. Software solution and service providers are warmly invited to join the summit through our official partnership program.
CIOs LEAD THE AI REVOLUTION.
CIO AI
MANDATE
STRATEGIC SUMMIT ADVANTAGE
YOUR
PERSONAL GAIN
What can you expect?
Actionable AI Insights
Learn how leading CIOs are successfully integrating AI into their organizations, beyond pilots, beyond theory, and with measurable business impact.
Expert-Led Roundtables
Join in-depth discussions led by AI specialists, covering strategy, implementation, and governance. Exchange perspectives, ask tough questions, and gain clarity on your AI roadmap.
Peer Networking That Matters
Connect with top CIOs in an exclusive, invite-only setting—ensuring high- value conversations, meaningful connections, and a trusted network for ongoing exchange.
Meet world class AI Founders
Get streamlined access to AI founders and engage in deep dive discussions.
Part of Bits & Pretzels
Engage in a dedicated CIO experience while being immersed in Europe’s most vibrant startup and tech festival— offering unique connections and inspiration.
Preliminary Agenda
29 September 2026
Gain exclusive insights from industry leaders and peers.
“The CIO AI Summit at Bits & Pretzels is the annual meeting of tech decision makers of industry leaders.”
Speakers 2026
%20(1)%20(1).avif)
Who is in the room
.png)
.png)
thyssenkrupp, Carl Zeiss, Liebherr-International, ams Osram, Siltronic, RENK, ebm-papst, REHAU Industries, Salzgitter Flachstahl, DMG MORI Pfronten
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, PHOENIX International Holdings, Olympus Europa, Dermapharm, Vetter Pharma-Fertigung, Rodenstock Group, Merz, München Klinik, Klinikum Nürnberg, Amedes
Lindt & Sprüngli Deutschland, BSH Hausgeräte, Bahlsen, Gardena, FALKE, STAEDTLER, Willy Bogner, Adelholzener Alpenquellen, BIO COMPANY, VEDES
SICK, Hetzner Online, Amadeus Data Processing, Cornelsen Verlag, Messe Frankfurt, Forum Media Group, Studio Hamburg MCI, TQ-Systems, Bonial Germany
Allianz Versicherung, INTERHYP, SIGNAL IDUNA Bauspar, Bethmann Bank, Stadtsparkasse München, IKK Classic, smava, Flossbach von Storch, Fonds Finanz Maklerservice, Stuttgarter Lebensversicherung
MTU Aero Engines, Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mobility, Flughafen München, Diehl Stiftung, MBDA Deutschland, Leoni Kabel, DFS, Hymer, SWARCO Group, ADAC
Siemens Energy, RWE Generation, 50Hertz Transmission, ista, tado, BELECTRIC, Schleswig-Holstein Netz, EAM Netz, Hessenwasser, Abfallwirtschaftsbetrieb München
Greenpeace, Landeshauptstadt München, Securitas Holding, Statistisches Bundesamt, Zoll, Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informstionstechnik, Deutscher Alpenverein, TH Köln, KWS, Elis
An excerpt of the 2026 attendee list:
Summit Partner
Solution Partners
Academic Partner
MEET THE HOSTS
The CIO AI Summit's program is carefully crafted by our hosts.
Bits & Pretzels
Bernd is an experienced entrepreneur and Co-Founder and Co-Host of Bits & Pretzels. He demonstrated strong results both in the start-up and in the corporate environment. Among other projects, he sold his start-up to a DAX company and successfully set up a corporate venture for another global market leader. He brings a deep understanding of both stakeholders, corporates and startups to the summit.
Board Director (NXD)
Niels Dörje is founder and entrepreneur. As Founding Partner of Chairpeople and Senior Advisor of Drake Star, he is mandated to tech company boards from founders and investors as a member of the Supervisory Board or Advisory Board (NXD). In this role, he advises companies on all strategy, organizational, product strategy and M&A issues.
strategic advisor to the CIO AI SUMmit
Bechtle
Michael works with the CIO Community in Germany and Europe for more than two decades. As a Publisher (CIO Magazine), as a host to some of the most prestigious Community Events, e.g. CIO of the Year Germany and in Europe. As well as the Co-Founder of the CIO Stiftung at WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management. Michaels ambition at the CIO AI Summit @ Bits & Pretzels: Connecting the CIO community with the the most impactful technology of the future. And its Founders.
Submit Your Request
Thank you for your interest in the CIO AI Summit@Bits & Pretzels 2026.
We will review your application and get back to you within 5 working days.
Takes 2 minutes.
500+ CIOs at Europe’s most unique startup conference
The CIO AI Summit at Bits & Pretzels is the only event where you can engage with your peers while gaining direct access to Europe’s most successful startup founders in one place.
This is your direct line to enterprise-ready technologies and high-potential partners securing purpose-built solutions for your specific business challenges. We provide streamlined access to help you build professional ties and find innovators that align directly with your corporate roadmap. Ensure your company stays competitive by adopting the tools and partnerships that will drive the next decade of industry shifts.
Experience the business magic of Oktoberfest
Yes we really take thousands of startup people to a single tent at the real Munich Oktoberfest. And yes, it’s even more about business as it is fun.
Every table hosts a pre-booked meeting of 8-10 attendees. It’s a place where founders pitch, new partnerships are made, and business partners become friends.
It’s a day like nothing you have ever experienced.
%20(1).avif)
WHERE WE COME FROM.
Bits & Pretzels started as founders breakfast with just 80 participants. We dared to start and the spirit of supporting founders continues in 2026 and beyond.
Join our mission in helping founders shaping a better future.
