We are thrilled that the CiX team recently had the opportunity to participate in the Week of the Environment, an event organized by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU). Held in the picturesque park of Schloss Bellevue—the official residence of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier—this unique open-air festival brought together an inspiring community dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable innovation. Naturally, we did not pass up the invitation from President Steinmeier to attend such a prestigious event.
The DBU is one of Europe’s largest environmental foundations, committed to supporting projects that protect the environment in innovative, exemplary, and solution-oriented ways. Since its founding in 1990, the DBU has funded more than 11,100 projects with an impressive total of nearly €2.1 billion. A key focus of the foundation is promoting small and medium-sized enterprises that contribute meaningfully to sustainability. This year, the DBU and President Steinmeier invited 190 selected exhibitors, and we were delighted to attend this diverse exhibition as visitors.
The Week of the Environment took place in the historic surroundings of Schloss Bellevue, adding a unique charm to the event. Over two days, around 12,000 visitors explored cutting-edge technologies, ideas, and projects in various fields of environmental protection. Attendees were introduced to a wide range of innovative solutions, from biodiversity and water management to renewable energy, with a special focus on climate and species protection.
We seized the opportunity to test one of our CiX Diatrode electrodes in the Schloss Bellevue park—a symbolic gesture suggesting that our water purification technology could one day be used in such applications.
One of the most exciting forums at the event—especially for us as a growing company—was the Green Startup Forum. Over the past five years, the DBU Green Startup Program has supported 75 young companies with €9.1 million.
At the panel discussion “From Unicorns to Zebras – How Green Startups Are Shaping a Sustainable Economy”, Prof. Dr. Klaus Fichter, founder of the Borderstep Institute and jury member of the DBU Green Startup Program, highlighted the crucial role of green startups. He emphasized that “one-third of all startups in Germany are already green” and that these companies are driven by a dual mission: achieving economic success while making an ecological and social impact.
This forum underscored the importance of sustainable entrepreneurship in tackling environmental challenges. It was truly inspiring to see how many startups across Germany are working towards a greener future. The DBU program could also present an exciting opportunity for us as we continue to develop our technology and business model.
Our experience at the Week of the Environment was invaluable. We are deeply grateful to the DBU, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the entire organizing team for the opportunity to be part of such a transformative event. The exchange with other innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers has strengthened our commitment to advancing our technology and reinforced our vision for a cleaner and healthier future.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey and support us in our mission to protect and preserve the planet for future generations.
