About Asia Berlin Forum e.V. & AsiaBerlin
Our Mission
At the Asia Berlin Forum e.V., we serve as the cornerstone of innovation diplomacy between Berlin and Asia, operating as the driving force behind AsiaBerlin – the Berlin Senate's flagship initiative for cross-continental collaboration. Since 2000, we've been dedicated to connecting Berlin's vibrant startup ecosystem with Asia's dynamic markets, fostering meaningful partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries. Through our three-fold approach – serving as the go-to partner for Asian companies entering Europe, providing Berlin founders with a strategic window to Asian markets, and supporting Asian founders within Berlin's ecosystem – we create lasting bridges that enable innovation to flow freely between continents, ultimately shaping the future of global technological advancement and cultural exchange.
Political & Institutional Integration
Our deep integration with Berlin's political landscape is exemplified through our close collaboration with key political figures. Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner and Senator for Economy, Energy and Enterprise Franziska Giffey regularly participate in our flagship events, underlining the city's commitment to international cooperation. Their presence at our summits and delegation trips demonstrates the strategic importance of our mission to Berlin's international relations.
Core Focus Areas
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
We facilitate knowledge exchange and partnerships in cutting-edge AI technologies, fostering collaboration between Berlin and Asian tech hubs. From quantum computing to machine learning, we connect pioneers who are defining the future of intelligent systems and digital transformation.
Green Technology and Energy Transition
Supporting sustainable solutions and clean energy innovations through cross-border partnerships and knowledge sharing. Our network brings together innovators developing renewable energy solutions, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-positive technologies that address global environmental challenges.
Mobility and Logistics
Connecting innovators who are reshaping the future of transportation and supply chain management across continents. We facilitate partnerships in electric mobility, autonomous systems, smart logistics, and urban transportation solutions that are revolutionizing how people and goods move.
Health Technology and Biotechnology
Bridging advances in medical technology and biotechnology between Berlin and Asian markets. Our platform enables collaboration in digital health, personalized medicine, biotech research, and healthcare innovation, fostering breakthroughs that improve global health outcomes.
Financial Technology
Enabling collaboration in digital finance innovations and regulatory technology between European and Asian markets. From blockchain solutions to digital banking, we connect fintech pioneers who are reshaping the future of financial services and creating more inclusive economic systems.
Creative Economy
Fostering innovation at the intersection of technology, art, and culture. We connect creative technologists, digital artists, and cultural innovators across continents, supporting projects that blend traditional creative practices with cutting-edge technology. Our platform enables collaboration in areas such as digital media, immersive experiences, gaming, and creative tech solutions that drive cultural exchange and economic growth.
Each focus area represents a critical pillar in our mission to foster meaningful connections between Berlin and Asian innovation ecosystems. Through our various initiatives, including the AsiaBerlin Summit, delegation trips, and year-round events, we create opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas and technologies across these sectors.
Our History
The story of Asia Berlin Forum e.V. began in February 2000,
emerging from the successful Asia Pacific Weeks initiative
established in 1997. What started as a visionary project to
connect Berlin with Asia has evolved into one of Europe's most
influential platforms for cross-continental innovation and
collaboration.
Our journey mirrors Berlin's
transformation from a divided city to a global innovation hub.
Through economic shifts and technological revolutions, ABF has
consistently adapted and grown, maintaining our position at the
forefront of international cooperation. Our location within the
Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public
Enterprises (SenWEB) symbolizes our deep integration with
Berlin's economic policy-making while maintaining our agile,
startup-like approach to innovation.
Today, after 25
years of building bridges, we stand as a testament to the power
of persistent vision and adaptive execution. Our history is
marked by countless success stories, from facilitating
groundbreaking technological partnerships to fostering cultural
exchanges that have enriched both continents.
Leadership
Board Members
Dr. Fei Yu Xu Chairwoman
Dr. Fei Yu Xu is a celebrated professional with extensive expertise in Natural Language Processing and AI. She has significant research contributions in multi-objective optimization for language processing and maintains comprehensive knowledge in both German and Chinese markets. She brings valuable insights in technological innovation and cross-cultural business relations.
Timon Rupp Vice-Chair
Timon Rupp serves as Vice Chair of AsiaBerlin Forum and is a leader in The Drivery, Berlin's mobility innovation hub and General Manager at CIC. He has been instrumental in expanding mobility innovation initiatives, particularly in connecting Berlin with Asian markets, notably through The Drivery's expansion to Yokohama, Japan. His expertise in innovation ecosystems and international business development makes him a valuable bridge between European and Asian markets.
Dr. Rainer Seider
Dr. Seider brings over 20 years of experience in international relations and economic development. Currently heading the Unit International Affairs at the Berlin Senate Chancellery, he has been the driving force behind the Asia Pacific Week and AsiaBerlin since its inception and maintains crucial government relationships between Berlin and Asian partners. His expertise in public-private partnerships and economic development makes him a key figure in Berlin's international cooperation initiatives.
Upen Barve
As VP of Research & Innovation at SAP SE, Upen Barve brings extensive experience in innovation leadership and technology integration. He is also a Founding Partner of GIIC (German Indian Innovation Corridor) and has been instrumental in developing SAP's Business Technology Platform for startups. His expertise in combining cultural insights with business innovation makes him particularly valuable in strengthening German-Indian technology cooperation.
Sabrina Zenow
Sabrina Zenow brings nearly a decade of experience in German-Asian business relations, particularly in government affairs and international cooperation. At Siemens, she focuses on government relations in the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging her extensive experience from previous roles at DIHK where she served as Director for South and Southeast Asia, Pacific.
Dr. Dr. Talat Mahmood
Dr. Dr. Talat Mahmood is a distinguished expert in German-Pakistani business relations who has worked directly with Pakistan's Prime Minister. He has facilitated significant German investments in Pakistan, including a €60M investment, and maintains a comprehensive database of Pakistani startups across all provinces, making him invaluable for German-Pakistani business initiatives.
Miguel Encarnacion
Miguel Encarnacion brings extensive experience in venture capital and startup mentoring across Asian and European markets. He serves as a mentor at multiple prestigious organizations including Founderland, Westerwelle Foundation, and enpact's Empowering Entrepreneurship Initiative, while actively contributing to strengthening ties between Berlin and Asian startup ecosystems.
Chika Yamamoto
As CEO of CROSSBIE and an AsiaBerlin Ambassador, Chika Yamamoto plays a crucial role in strengthening Japanese-German business relations. She actively contributes to board discussions with valuable insights on data metrics and ecosystem development, particularly focusing on enhancing connections between Berlin and Japanese startup communities.
Niels Meinke
Over a decade of technology positivism driven external relations at one of Japan Inc.‘s most storied, globally leading and innovative corporate entities. His role involves identifying and supporting innovative technologies and startups, particularly those with potential for cross-border expansion between Europe and Asia.
Team
Marten Rauschenberg
Over 20 years of leadership experience in startups and NGOs, with 13 years based in Shanghai building valuable networks throughout Asia. His expertise spans blockchain, web3, cloud architecture, and AI, combining technical depth with strategic vision. As CEO, he drives ABF's mission of connecting Berlin's innovation ecosystem with Asian markets while consulting Berlin city government on Asia and technology matters.
Anna Grek
Leading the organization's flagship event, the AsiaBerlin Summit, Anna brings strategic oversight to ABF's most impactful annual gathering. Her role encompasses high-level stakeholder management, from government officials to startup founders, ensuring seamless execution of cross-continental initiatives that strengthen Berlin-Asia relations. She also oversees all Social Media efforts.
Sabine Pape
As the backbone of ABF's operations, Sabine manages the organization's administrative and financial processes with precision and foresight. Her role is crucial in maintaining the operational excellence of ABF, ensuring smooth execution of international programs and efficient resource allocation across initiatives and tenders.
Christopher Ocker
Supporting the executive function of ABF, Christopher combines academic insight with practical implementation. His role involves coordinating academic initiatives, managing delegation trips, and supporting the CEO in driving ABF's mission of strengthening Berlin-Asia innovation bridges.
Our Flagship Projects
AsiaBerlin Summit (ABS)
The AsiaBerlin Summit stands as our premier annual event, transforming Berlin's historic Town Hall into an international innovation hub each November. The 2025 summit, scheduled for November 24-28, will welcome Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner and feature unprecedented collaboration opportunities across our five focus sectors.
The summit combines high-level political dialogue with
practical business opportunities, featuring:
– Keynote
speeches from government leaders and industry pioneers
–
Curated matchmaking sessions between investors and
startups
– Interactive workshops and panel
discussions
– Cultural programming that bridges
business with creativity
– VIP networking events
including the prestigious "AsiaBerlin Night"
25
Years of experience
2500+
Visitors annually
22
Summits since 2000
2500+
Keynote speakers & panelists
Look forward to celebrate with us the AsiaBerlin Summit 2025 from 24th to 28th of November 2025 in the Rotes Rathaus and partner locations.
Delegation Trips
Our carefully curated delegation trips serve as direct pathways to Asia's most dynamic markets. The 2025 program includes:
– China Mobility Innovation (April 23-May 2)
– NextRise
Seoul (June 26-July 4)
– Techsauce Bangkok (August
4-10)
– Disrupt Asia Colombo (September 14-21)
–
S-Tron Shanghai (September 23-October 1)
Each
delegation trip combines market insights, networking
opportunities, and direct access to local ecosystem players,
providing participants with comprehensive market entry
support.
AsiaBerlin Art Festival (ABAF)
The inaugural AsiaBerlin Art Festival, launching in August 2026 at MaHalla Berlin, represents a bold new chapter in cultural diplomacy.
This groundbreaking festival reimagines how we experience Asian art in Europe, featuring an innovative dual-format approach: a continuously running exhibition of contemporary installations and dedicated performance days showcasing each partner nation's artistic excellence. ABAF breaks away from traditional art presentation, focusing on immersive, Instagram-worthy experiences that make contemporary Asian art accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. With exclusive participation from cultural powerhouses China, Japan, Korea, and India, ABAF creates an unprecedented platform where cutting-edge technology meets artistic expression, transforming Berlin into a vibrant canvas for Asian-European cultural innovation.
Partnerships
Government Partnerships
- Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs (SenWEB)
- Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Thailand
- Embassy of Thailand in Berlin
- Embassy of Malaysia in Berlin
- Embassy of Vietnam in Berlin
- Embassy of Korea in Berlin
- Embassy of Philippines in Berlin
- Port City Colombo Economic Commission
Innovation Hubs
- TechSauce (Thailand)
- NextRise (Seoul)
- S-Tron (Shanghai)
- The Drivery (Berlin)
- InnoEfra Accelerator (Thailand)
- 123Factory (Korea)
- Startup Genome
- German Japanese Business Association (DJW)
Corporate Partners
- Siemens
- Mitsubishi Electric
- SAP
Membership
Join our vibrant community of innovators and bridge-builders. Our membership program offers various tiers designed to accommodate different stakeholders while supporting our mission of strengthening Berlin-Asia connections.
Membership Tiers
Student Membership (€50/year)
Supporting the next generation of innovation leaders with accessible membership for full-time students.
Individual Membership (€100/year)
For private individuals not engaged in professional or freelance activities, enabling personal participation in cross-continental innovation.
Non-Profit & Public Entity Membership (€150/year)
Tailored for non-profit organizations and public institutions committed to fostering international collaboration.
Small Business Membership (€250/year)
For businesses, professionals, and organizations with up to 25 employees, including freelancers and trade professionals.
Corporate Membership (€3000/year)
Designed for larger organizations with more than 25 employees, offering enhanced networking and collaboration opportunities.
Supporting Membership (starting at €1,500/year)
For organizations and individuals wanting to make a significant impact on Berlin-Asia relations. Supporting members receive prominent recognition on our digital platforms, with options for anonymous participation available.
Membership Terms
- All membership fees are VAT-exempt
- Annual fees are due by January 31st of each year
- Membership confirmation certificates available upon request
- Fees are non-refundable, either in full or in part
- Membership renewals run annually, with terminations effective December 31st
Members gain access to our extensive network, priority invitations to exclusive events, and the opportunity to shape the future of international innovation collaboration. Additionally, all members receive voting rights in organizational decisions and can actively participate in shaping ABF's strategic direction.
Contact
For all inquiries, please use the contact form below. Our office is located within the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises.
Or email us at info@asiaberlinforum.de