Definition
Tech Open Air (often abbreviated as TOA) is an interdisciplinary technology festival held annually in Berlin, Germany. The event combines elements of a conference, exhibition, music festival, and networking platform, focusing on the intersection of technology, science, art, and culture.
Overview
Founded in 2015, Tech Open Air takes place over several days in the summer, typically at the historic Tempodrom venue and surrounding outdoor spaces in Berlin. The festival features keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, startup pitches, product demonstrations, art installations, and live music performances. It attracts a global audience of entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, artists, and technology enthusiasts. TOA positions itself as a “festival for the future,” aiming to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and showcase emerging trends across digital innovation, sustainability, health, mobility, and creative industries.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Tech Open Air” reflects the event’s dual emphasis on technology (“Tech”) and an open, outdoor setting (“Open Air”). The term underscores the organizers’ intent to break traditional conference boundaries by integrating outdoor festival elements with a technology-focused program.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Primarily held at the Tempodrom venue and surrounding open-air spaces in Berlin’s Mitte district. |
| Duration | Typically spans three to four days in July or August. |
| Program Structure | Includes a mix of keynote talks, panel debates, hands‑on workshops, startup pitch sessions, art and design installations, and live music stages. |
| Audience | Professionals and students from sectors such as software development, venture capital, academia, design, music, and sustainability. |
| Sponsorship & Partners | Supported by corporations, venture firms, governmental agencies, and cultural institutions (e.g., Google, Siemens, the European Commission, and Berlin’s Ministry of Economic Affairs). |
| Notable Themes | Past editions have highlighted topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, climate tech, health tech, immersive media, and future urban mobility. |
| Community Initiatives | Offers a “Open Air Labs” program for experimental projects, a “Women in Tech” track, and various mentorship and networking opportunities. |
Related Topics
- Startup conferences – e.g., Web Summit, Slush, and Collision.
- Technology festivals – e.g., SXSW (South by Southwest), Ars Electronica.
- Innovation ecosystems in Berlin – including Factory Berlin, Berlin Startup Stipendium, and the Berlin Tech Hub.
- Interdisciplinary art‑technology collaborations – such as digital art installations and sound design at festivals.
- Open‑air events – larger cultural gatherings that combine indoor and outdoor programming (e.g., outdoor music festivals, open‑air cinema).