Sesame Summit 2026 – application open

Fresh off the TechBBQ grill

For those who may never have heard of TechBBQ, where should we begin? What sets this event apart from other events?

TechBBQ is one of the largest Tech events in the Scandinavian startup and tech scene. What differentiates us from the rest of the events is our that our core focus is the founders, and how we can work to build a more sustainable ecosystem by bridging gaps between stakeholders. Beyond the content and networking, we also emphasize the “hyggelig” way of doing things!

How will this year’s event be structured?

It’s located in our old stomping grounds, Øksnehallen, where we’ll have 4 different stages categorized by atmosphere, alongside a huge exhibition space for startups & partners. We even have an Impact stage dedicated to all things sustainability focused. More than that, we’re working to create unique experiences for everyone attending over 2 days and we’re hoping for good weather so we can have a rain-free BBQ.

What are some key learnings attendees can expect to take away from the event?

Knowledge and key learnings will include insights into how to scale your company, what’s going on in our ecosystem and what are the latest trends going on in Europe within the tech and startup ecosystem. Moverover, who are the startups to look at? We take pride in giving a platform to startups, who represent the next wave of innovators.

What kind of networking opportunities can attendees expect at TechBBQ?

There are so many possibilities! We’re facilitating matchmaking sessions and we’re using Brella as an online matchmaking platform so you can meet the people that you’ve really had your eye on. Don’t forget – it’s all physical, so who knows what sort of serendipitous moments you’ll have!

How is TechBBQ planning to address the increasingly relevant issue of founders’ mental health?

Mental health has been a big track for us – we partnered with the Velliv Foundation to conduct a long-term project based around this issue. We have a Project Lead dedicated to Mental Health who is currently working on a report title “Startup Founder Wellbeing” and we also delivered a mini-event titled, “Re:mind” that focused on “mental wellbeing, building a mindset for success in turbulent times, and connecting with nature so we can recharge, reset, and remind ourselves why we love what we do.” We also have a Mental Health track in the program, with 5 sessions dedicated to this topic from VC, Startup, Female Founder, Neurodiversity perspectives and more. We also have ‘Breathing Sessions‘ built into our program, which will take place in our meditation dome.

Speaking of health, can you tell us what’s happening with Nordic Healthtech?

Similar to our mental health project, we have a big life science project that’s been spanning a few years. This year we have roughly 8-9 sessions in the program focused on the life sciences with a number of healthtech startups dotted around the program to discuss wider issues. Then, we also have Healthtech Hub Copenhagen exhibiting with their startups as well as BioInnovation Institute amongst others.

There’s lots of buzz about cleantech these days. What role is Denmark playing in boosting cleantech innovations?

Cleantech has a deep roots in Denmark and we build amazing companies in this area – we have some brilliant startups that have some amazing technology and empowered by a spirit where they really want to change the society for the better but also understand that business is important to make it work. We released a report earlier this year on the subject of the challenges and the good things going on in the field; feel free to check our website for that.

In terms of new technology and leading innovations, what makes Denmark such a frontrunner in this space?

In general Denmark is home to a lot of inventions and innovations. Did you know that Denmark built: C++, C sharp, Ruby on rails, Turbo Pascal, Google Maps, Google Chrome the browser?! We’re home to the most B2B SaaS unicorns in the Nordics. Furthermore, just this year, we created 2 blockchain crypto currency unicorns – Maker Dao and Chainanalysis – in our small ecosystem.


TechBBQ is kicking off on Thursday Sept.16th and running through Friday Sept.17th so grab your tickets today!

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At Sesamers, we’re always looking to be the first to learn about the latest trends in the startup and tech events space. That’s why it feels like a privilege that Sesamers was invited by Olivia Hervy, chief ecosystem officer of VivaTech, to the exclusive kick-off VivaTech 2026, alongside key partners.  As Europe’s largest startup and tech event prepares for its 10th anniversary, scheduled for June 17-20, 2026 in Paris, being part of this circle of industry professionals gives us early insight into what promises to be VivaTech’s most ambitious edition yet, with significant expansions and new experiences that reflect a decade of growth and evolution. Major infrastructure expansions After calling Hall 1 and 2 at Porte de Versailles home for a decade, VivaTech 2026 is relocating to Hall 7, a new three-floor building that the event will occupy fully. The venue now features 30% more exhibition space across three floors; upgraded infrastructure; excellent internet connectivity, and a much larger business center. The building has 12 dedicated restaurant areas, providing ample dining options to better accommodate the growing crowds. The centerpiece is a brand new, 2,200-seat main stage where the event’s most significant announcements and keynotes will be held. Greater business focus Building on 2025’s  success (180,000 attendees, 14,000 startups), VivaTech 2026 introduces several business-focused improvements: Doubled innovation showcase The “Garden of Innovators” concept has been expanded upon, with organizers promising to double startup participation, product announcements, and exhibition surface area compared to previous editions.  Located on the first floor, the welcome area will showcase exemplars of innovation through the centuries to remind attendees of humanity’s continuous drive to invent and create. Germany takes center stage For 2026, Germany has been selected as the “Country of the Year,” and VivaTech will highlight the nation’s contributions to the European tech ecosystem with an eye towards strengthening Franco-German technological cooperation. Thematic villages  VivaTech 2026 introduces a new organizational approach: We have four dedicated thematic arenas, each of which features its own startup village and specialized programming: Each thematic village will feature startups building in those sectors, creating focused ecosystems where attendees can explore innovations that cross-pollinate within a concentrated area. Every theme features its own dedicated stage, which will host talks, panels, and presentations tailored to that sector. An additional Executive Arena will cater specifically to marketing and tech leaders, providing a hub for C-level discussions and strategic content. “Revolutions in Progress” VivaTech2026’s theme emphasizes ongoing technological revolutions, with particular focus on: Special anniversary experiences To mark the event’s 10th anniversary, VivaTech 2026 will feature several special events: Looking forward With its tagline, “VIVA LA REVOLUTION,” VivaTech 2026 positions itself not just as a retrospective celebration, but as the launch pad for the next decade of European tech innovation. The expanded format and new experiences point to how the event is evolving from a showcase into an increasingly sophisticated business platform for the global tech community. VivaTech 2026 builds on last year’s impressive satisfaction metrics (92% of exhibitors satisfied, 82% of attendees planning to return) while substantially expanding capacity and capabilities to serve the growing European tech ecosystem.

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Events 2 days ago

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