impACT Berlin – Day 1
Impact Hub Berlin
Serving as a starting place, the group received a small introduction about Impact Hub Berlin and the global Impact Hub Network. Throughout the following days, the business model and mission of Impact Hub was a matter of continuous interest and explorations.
SAP
At SAP, we met with Ignatz Schatz (Startup Engagement Manager), Andre Biener (SAP Next-Gen Innovation Network Manager), Alexa Gorman (Global Vice-President SAP.io Fund) and a representative (in charge for governmental relations in the MENA region, incl. Afghanistan). We discussed social entrepreneurship. SAPs activities in Afghanistan and the MENA region as well as their IT solutions for startups. we exchanged contact information. Andre Biener subsequently joined impACT on day one. Also, he asked to be kept in the loop about impACT’s future.
ReDI School
At ReDi School of Digital Integration, a non-profit digital school for tech-interested newcomers applying for asylum in Germany and a social startup in the broader sense. Moreover, the group was introduced to the school’s curriculum and business model. This visit was especially interesting for Tahmina Haidare from the Afghanistan Center for Excellence (ACE). And it is currently running a reintegration programme for returning refugees in Kabul.
Migration Hub
At Migration Hub there was time to get to know social enterprises that are tackling SDG number 4 “Quality Education”, and SDG number 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities” for instance. The startups that introduced themselves all were founded by migrants. Hosted by the Migration Hub. Furthermore, they gave insights and practical examples from social enterprises that are seeking to have an impact.
