It started at the beginning of February, and by mid-April we had received 109 applications on the topics of the circular economy and climate protection - even from the Netherlands and Israel. The experts from the partner companies then invited the best 10 start-ups to Duisburg for a pitch event.

In the Rheingoldsaal of the Duisburger Handwerkerhof, they presented themselves to an enthusiastic Duisburg audience and the partner companies announced their matches. Beforehand, the founders had gotten to know Duisburg's inner harbor and experienced a neighborhood tour through Ruhrort and a harbor tour.

Now the matches started working on their projects. In joint meetings on site or online, content was further concretized, next to-do's were discussed and the implementation started. The results and milestones will then be presented to the audience at the Demo Night.

With more than 500 participants, 50 exhibitors and inspiring speakers, we showed what Duisburg has to offer at #DemoNight. Great keynotes, panel guests and the start-ups and partners who were on stage at the Q&A inspired us with their words and ideas.