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
Executive Committee & Board Members
Dr. Rainer Seider President
Dr. Rainer Seider serves as President of Asia Berlin Forum e.V. and is Head of Unit VI C – Basic Services for Infrastructure in the Berlin Senate Chancellery’s digital government / administrative ICT area. He brings long-standing experience in Berlin–Asia cooperation and remains one of the key institutional bridge-builders behind Asia Pacific Week and AsiaBerlin.
Caroline L. King, PhD Vice President
Caroline King is Vice President of Asia Berlin Forum e.V. She is a public affairs and management executive with more than 30 years of international experience across corporate, government, and non-profit sectors, including senior leadership in business development and government affairs at SAP.
Timon Rupp Vice President
Timon Rupp is Vice President of Asia Berlin Forum e.V. and Managing Director at CIC Berlin. He contributes deep experience in innovation campuses, mobility ecosystems, and international business development, including building bridges between Berlin and Asian innovation hubs.
Marten Rauschenberg Managing Director
Marten Rauschenberg serves as Managing Director and executive board member of Asia Berlin Forum e.V. With more than 20 years of leadership experience and 13 years in Shanghai, he combines Asia networks, technology expertise, and operational leadership for AsiaBerlin.
Vera Futorjanski
Vera Futorjanski is a serial entrepreneur, investor, innovation advisor, and international speaker. Her work spans venture capital, ecosystem building, government innovation, and cross-border collaboration between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Karena Belin
Karena Belin is an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder based in Hong Kong. As Co-Founder and CEO of WHub and Co-Founder of AngelHub, she strengthens startup, investor, and corporate connections across Hong Kong, Asia, and Europe.
Clas Neumann
Clas Neumann brings long-standing SAP leadership experience and deep expertise in Asian innovation ecosystems. His work connects enterprise technology, business AI, and international startup collaboration between Europe and Asia.
Chika Yamamoto
Chika Yamamoto is CEO of CROSSBIE and an AsiaBerlin Ambassador. She contributes strong Japan–Germany business expertise and helps deepen AsiaBerlin’s connections with Japanese startup, corporate, and innovation communities.
Aravinth Panch
Aravinth Panch is a social and tech entrepreneur, founder and managing director of araCreate Group, and co-founder of DreamSpace Academy. He contributes experience in engineering, media, business services, entrepreneurship, and Berlin–Asia innovation networks.
Sabrina Zenow
Sabrina Zenow brings extensive experience in German-Asian business relations, government affairs, and international cooperation. At Siemens, she focuses on government relations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr. Dr. Talat Mahmood
Dr. Dr. Talat Mahmood is an expert in German-Pakistani business relations and international university and innovation cooperation. He contributes strategic insight and a strong Pakistan-focused business and startup network.
Miguel Encarnacion
Miguel Encarnacion brings venture capital and startup mentoring experience across Asian and European markets. He supports AsiaBerlin’s investor and startup ecosystem work through his cross-border investment perspective.
Upen Barve
Upen Barve is a founding partner of the German Indian Innovation Corridor and an experienced innovation leader. He strengthens AsiaBerlin’s India, startup, and technology cooperation activities.
Niels Meinke
Niels Meinke works at the intersection of technology, external relations, and Japan–Germany collaboration. He helps identify and support innovation opportunities with cross-border potential between Europe and Asia.
Dr. Nicole Renvert
Dr. Nicole Renvert brings extensive international experience in foreign economic policy, chambers of commerce, and strategic partnerships. At DIHK, she works with Germany’s global network of foreign chambers of commerce.
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 Managing Director, 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.
Our Flagship Project
AsiaBerlin Summit
Connecting startup ecosystems for cross-border growth
The AsiaBerlin Summit is the flagship annual platform of AsiaBerlin and Asia Berlin Forum e.V., bringing founders, investors, corporates, policymakers, public entities, and ecosystem builders together across Berlin and Asia.
AsiaBerlin Summit 2025 brought the community back to Berlin from 24–28 November 2025 with high-level political dialogue, startup pitching, partner sessions, matchmaking, and ecosystem networking across Rotes Rathaus and partner locations. The 2025 edition welcomed 3,025+ attendees, featured 93 speakers, connected 15 international delegations, and achieved a 4.75/5 satisfaction score.
3,025+
ABS2025 attendees
93
Speakers
15
International delegations
4.75/5
Satisfaction score
AsiaBerlin Summit 2026 will take place from 23–27 November 2026 at Rotes Rathaus, CIC Berlin, and partner locations. Under the theme of cross-border growth, the summit will focus on practical collaboration between Asian and Berlin innovation ecosystems through curated programming, matchmaking, pitching, exhibitions, and partner-led activations.
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