Innovation For All - The IFA Podcast

The End of Housework Is in Sight

What if one day our homes could almost take care of themselves? Rebecca Steinhage from Miele returns to Innovation For All – The IFA Podcast. One year after our last conversation, we take a look at what has changed at Miele – and, above all, where the household of the future is heading. Under this year’s motto, “The End of Housework Is in Sight,” we discuss which tasks intelligent home appliances could genuinely take off our hands in the future and the role that AI, automation and new technologies will play. At the same time, we ask whether every innovation really delivers added value – and how increasingly rapid technological development can be combined with the principles of quality and longevity. We also take a closer look at Miele’s latest highlights at IFA, the connected home and a future in which appliances from different manufacturers may no longer exist in separate app ecosystems. A conversation about less housework, more automation and one big question: When will our homes truly start taking care of themselves?

Guest: Rebecca Steinhage // Executive Director Human Resources & Corporate Affairs (Miele)

How Berlin Makes Innovation Possible

What does it take to turn a good idea into real innovation – and why does Berlin play such a special role in making it happen? Leif Lindner, CEO of IFA Berlin, speaks with Dr. Stefan Franzke, Managing Director of Berlin Partner, about the unique DNA of the German capital, international talent, start-ups and how Berlin can translate its technological strengths into even greater economic value. The conversation explores how Berlin Partner attracts international companies to the capital, connects young businesses with established players and why fields such as artificial intelligence, deep tech and emerging technologies offer enormous opportunities for Berlin. They also discuss the future of IFA: why trade shows need to be places of connection more than ever, why experience and innovation belong together, and how Berlin and IFA can jointly become an even stronger international showcase for technology and innovation. A conversation about entrepreneurship, networks, future technologies – and what sets Berlin apart from other global cities.

Guest: Dr. Stefan Franzke // Managing Director (Berlin Partner for Business and Technology GmbH)

From Taboo to Tech Product: How Womanizer Is Rethinking Intimacy

What does sexual wellness have to do with a technology show like IFA? Quite a lot. Together with Verena Singmann from Womanizer, we explore how a once-taboo topic has evolved into an innovative high-tech and lifestyle product. We look back at 12 years of Womanizer innovation Made in Germany, discuss the technology behind modern intimacy and ask where the boundaries of innovation lie in one of the most personal areas of our lives. We also explore how sexual wellness is changing today – and what the Womanizer of the future might look like. An episode about technology, intimacy, social change and why sexual wellness has long since become part of the tech world.

Guest: Verena Singmann // Head of Global PR (Lovehoney Group / Womanizer)

Asia, Berlin and the Art of Expansion

How do international contacts turn into genuine business relationships? Marten Rauschenberg talks about the evolution of AsiaBerlin into a start-up platform and what successful internationalisation really requires. The conversation explores opportunities and challenges for Berlin start-ups expanding into Asia, Asian companies entering the European market, cultural differences, regulation and sales. It also asks how summits, investor dinners and political encounters can develop into long-term partnerships. A conversation about entrepreneurship, international understanding and collaboration with IFA and IFA NEXT.

Guest: Marten Rauschenberg // Managing Director & Executive Board Member (AsiaBerlin Forum e.V.)

Diversity, Participation and Sustainability - IFA Connects

How does a trade show become a platform for diversity, participation and community? Tobias Vertgewall, Partnerships Manager at IFA, talks about projects such as Berlin Pride, collaborations in the fields of art and culture, guided IFA tours and other formats that bring communities together. IFA Moments make IFA an experience throughout the entire year – open, diverse and accessible to everyone.

Guest: Tobias Vertgewall // Partnerships Manager (IFA Management GmbH)

More Than Just Marketing - Peter Zyprian on Genuine Innovation in Retail

Peter Zyprian discusses how genuine innovation in retail can still be identified today and where good marketing can appear bigger than the actual added value. The conversation also covers overrated retail trends, changing customer expectations, winning and losing categories in consumer electronics, and the growing influence of AI, personalisation and smart services on purchasing behaviour. Peter also looks ahead at what the retail industry can expect from IFA.

Guest: Peter Zyprian // IFA Retail Ambassador (IFA Management GmbH)

Dystopia and Breakthrough: Leif Lindner on AI, Europe’s Tech Opportunities and the Future of Innovation

Leif Lindner discusses the future of technology, AI between utopia and dystopia, and Europe’s role in the international technology landscape. The conversation explores overrated and underrated technology trends, what companies really need in order to remain innovative and relevant, insights into the upcoming IFA and an unexpected excursion into AI-generated heavy metal music.

Guest: Leif Lindner // CEO (IFA Management GmbH)