Michael
J. Fox

At Bits & Pretzels HealthTech 2023

Dear Bits & Pretzels Community,

As we approach Bits & Pretzels HealthTech 2023, we want to take a moment to share with you some important news that is close to our hearts. We are introducing a new award that truly embodies the spirit of our community and the values that drive us.

We call it the Frontier Award.

This award has been created to acknowledge and honor those who dare to venture into the unknown, face adversity with courage, and persist with optimism even when the odds seem insurmountable. They are the boundary-pushers, the change-makers, the ones who, despite everything, refuse to give up.

The Frontier Award is our tribute to the individuals who inspire us, those who are reshaping our world and proving that even in the face of fierce challenges, optimism and action can, and do make a difference.

As we unveil this new honor, we couldn’t think of a more deserving first recipient than Michael J. Fox. His incredible journey, marked by resilience, courage, and an indomitable spirit, has inspired millions around the world. Mr. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29 in the midst of his illustrious acting career.

Yet he decided not to feel sorry for himself but instead dedicated his life to Parkinson’s disease research through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

His foundation has emerged as the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research. His advocacy and relentless efforts have not only raised over $1.75 billion for Parkinson's research but have also propelled the search for a cure and positioned his foundation as a leading voice in scientific philanthropy.

Healthtech is a challenging yet crucial sector. It requires innovation, creativity, and an immense amount of perseverance. We believe that Michael’s story will inspire many people, especially the founders in our community, to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges we face.

We hope that the Frontier Award will serve as a beacon, encouraging us to continue to aim high, remain undeterred, and stay optimistic because it is through this relentless pursuit of our goals, this refusal to be defeated, and this unwavering belief in a better future that we can truly make a difference.

Michael J. Fox will accept the award in-person on the Plenary Stage of Bits & Pretzels HealthTech in Munich on June 20.

The ceremony will be followed by a moderated conversation. Let’s celebrate this moment together. We are eager to honor Michael and share his inspiring story with all of you.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your passion, your energy, and your dedication are what make our community so unique. Together, we can build a future of optimism, courage, and groundbreaking achievements.

Looking forward to seeing you in Munich,


Christian Lohmeier, CEO of Bits & Pretzels

Also in the name of the Bits & Pretzels Hosts & Team, our HealthTech Curators, and our Founding Partners.

Our speakers 2023

Michael J. Fox
Parkinson's Activist, Author & Celebrated Actor
Konstantin Mehl
Founder & CEO
Kaia Health
Gloria Seibert
Founder & CEO
Temedica
Dr. med. Eckart von Hirschhausen
Founder
Gesunde Erde Gesunde Menschen Foundation
Finn Age Hänsel
Founder & CEO
Sanity Group
Aahuti Rai
Advisor & Investor
Four Points Health
Julian Kley
Founder
Avi Medical
Diana zur Löwen
Investor & Content Creator
Dr. med. Sarah Bechstein
Co-Founder
FORMEL Skin
Saeed Amidi
Founder & CEO
Plug and Play
Bjoern von Siemens
Co-Founder & CFO
Caresyntax
Pekka Kahri
Technology Officer
HUS - Helsinki University Hospital
see all speakers

Stay tuned - more 2023 speakers will be announced soon!

our founding partners

5,000+

Attendees

1,000+

Investors

500+

speakers

300+

exhibitors

Our values

Founders are always first

Bits & Pretzels is an event from founders for founders. We don‘t compromise when creating content for our fellow entrepreneurs. Everything we do is about giving founders what they need to achieve their goals and reach for the stars.  

Quality Over Size

Bits & Pretzels is the only major event for startups that limits its number of attendees. To us, it’s important to rather gather the best players of the ecosystem than keep growing and sacrifice the quality of your event experience.

We do things Bits-Style

We always give 110%. This ambition makes us pioneers of our time, looking ahead - ready to tackle problems with our community. With enthusiasm for technology and precision, we provide an exciting environment that enables founders to shape a better future.

THE COMMUNITY

We love progressive change-makers. Always questioning the status quo and looking for new ways to improve our environment. We want to create a world of possibilities with true & sustainable impact for everyone who joins Bits & Pretzels. Our aim: to constantly develop and benchmark a better future.

“You suffer the blow,
but you capitalize on the opportunity left in its wake.”

- Michael J. Fox

Startup
Exhibition

If your startup has managed to raise less than 15 million in funding and maintain a team size of fewer than 100 employees, then Bits & Pretzels HealthTech Startup Exhibition is the perfect platform for you.

Apply now