The Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) sent a clear message: The pressing challenges at the interface of security, technology and innovation require global solutions.

More than 40 speakers from business, science and politics came together in Hamburg on 22 and 23 October 2025 to discuss with a broad international audience of experts how global coalitions of investors, innovators and decision-makers can be formed to jointly tackle geopolitical tensions, technological disruption and emerging threat scenarios.

While the summit placed global coalitions at the centre of its agenda, it also became clear that Europe and the West must redefine their role in this international framework. "The Global Security and Innovation Summit has shown that Europe's security does not depend solely on military strength, but on its ability to secure technological sovereignty and economic independence," summarised Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director General and Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), after two days of intensive dialogue. "It is crucial that politics, business and technology work together to develop strategic responses - only then can we mobilise the innovative power that Europe and the West urgently need."

This also sees Lieutenant General Michael VetterHead of Department for Innovation and Cyber and CIO at the Federal Ministry of Defence, said: "The security environment is more complex than at any time in the last 40 years. That's why platforms like GSIS are so important - to exchange ideas and find ways to manage this complexity."

Young, innovative companies as part of the solution

A highlight of the Global Security and Innovation Summit was the GSIS Accelerator - powered by Speer Group. From more than 200 applications, five start-ups presented their solutions for security challenges. "The quality of the applications shows that Europe has enormous potential for innovation," says Max BüchnerCEO of the Speer Group and GSIS Venture Partner. "We are not investing in trends, but in solutions that will strengthen our security in the long term." After the presentations, the participants agreed that Europe already has the potential and the ideas to tackle security policy challenges effectively.

A network for the future

The Global Security and Innovation Summit is more than just a conference - it marks the start of a series of formats that will continue globally and digitally in 2026. "We have laid a strong foundation. Now it's about expanding the network and bringing in new perspectives - for the security and resilience of Europe," said Dimitrios ArgirakosExecutive Chair of the GSIS.

The next Global Security and Innovation Summit will take place on 9 and 10 December 2026 at the CCH - Congress Center Hamburg