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Focus Topics

Focus Topics

GABA NorCal builds programs on the strengths of both Germany and Silicon Valley. Event and program participants will increase their insight, knowledge and capabilities, connect with thought leaders, peers and experts, and create partnerships and synergies with each other.

We curate current, relevant and cutting edge events and programs within the following focus topics:

New Technologies and Innovation

Innovation is at the core of Silicon Valley with its cutting edge technologies and disruptive business models. The region attracts technical and creative talent from around the world, powering research, entrepreneurship and investment. A constant exchange of people and ideas generates success and reaches into many other strong entrepreneurial clusters.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), 5G, Blockchain, Fintech, Quantum Computing, Cloud/SaaS, …

New Technologies and Innovation
New Technologies And Innovation

New Technologies and Innovation

Innovation is at the core of Silicon Valley with its cutting edge technologies and disruptive business models. The region attracts technical and creative talent from around the world, powering research, entrepreneurship and investment. A constant exchange of people and ideas generates success and reaches into many other strong entrepreneurial clusters.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), 5G, Blockchain, Fintech, Quantum Computing, Cloud/SaaS, …

Smart Infrastructure and Mobility

Smart Infrastructure and Mobility

California and Germany are global leaders in the development and rollout of new technologies and services, providing cutting-edge, sustainable mobility solutions. Both places provide unrivaled access to resources in the fields of hardware and software engineering, funding, operations, and public policy – core to creating new standards for moving the masses.

Automotive, Transportation & Logistics, Autonomous Driving, Micromobility, Smart Cities, Renewable Energy & Storage, Building Technologies, Cleantech, …

Smart Infrastructure And Mobility

Smart Infrastructure and Mobility

California and Germany are global leaders in the development and rollout of new technologies and services, providing cutting-edge, sustainable mobility solutions. Both places provide unrivaled access to resources in the fields of hardware and software engineering, funding, operations, and public policy – core to creating new standards for moving the masses.

Automotive, Transportation & Logistics, Autonomous Driving, Micromobility, Smart Cities, Renewable Energy & Storage, Building Technologies, Cleantech, …

Communication, Media and Entertainment

California is a global icon in film, music, gaming and communications. This rich topic combines creative talent, advanced technology, and the application of virtual and augmented reality beyond the entertainment industry. Media content can also raise critical issues relating to intellectual property, privacy, and even cybersecurity.

Digital/Social Media, Data & Security, Content Generation, Gaming & Music, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Digital Art, Film Industry, …

Communication, Media and Entertainment
Communication, Media And Entertainment

Communication, Media and Entertainment

California is a global icon in film, music, gaming and communications. This rich topic combines creative talent, advanced technology, and the application of virtual and augmented reality beyond the entertainment industry. Media content can also raise critical issues relating to intellectual property, privacy, and even cybersecurity.

Digital/Social Media, Data & Security, Content Generation, Gaming & Music, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Digital Art, Film Industry, …

Life Sciences and Digital Health

Life Sciences and Digital Health

Germany and California are both global leaders in life sciences and digital health, the growth of which has accelerated during the pandemic. These disciplines focus on solving world hunger, fighting diseases, supporting an aging society, and improving mental health and the general well-being of societies. Building a healthy future together is critical.

Digital Health, Telemedicine, Biotech, Pharma, Healthcare, Medical Devices, Food from the Lab, AgTech, Bioelectronics, Pandemic Research, …

Life Sciences And Digital Health

Life Sciences and Digital Health

Germany and California are both global leaders in life sciences and digital health, the growth of which has accelerated during the pandemic. These disciplines focus on solving world hunger, fighting diseases, supporting an aging society, and improving mental health and the general well-being of societies. Building a healthy future together is critical.

Digital Health, Telemedicine, Biotech, Pharma, Healthcare, Medical Devices, Food from the Lab, AgTech, Bioelectronics, Pandemic Research, …

Leadership, Human Capital and Future of Work

Accelerated change requires visionary leadership and an adaptive workforce. World-class organizations are competing for top talent. Today’s transatlantic leaders need to navigate disruptive technologies, new business models and new competitors in a multicultural context that shapes new ways of working.

Top Talent Attraction, Leadership & Career Development, CSR (Corporate & Social Responsibility), Diversity, Workplace California, Living a “Double-Life”, …

Leadership, Human Capital and Future of Work
Leadership, Human Capital And Future Of Work

Leadership, Human Capital and Future of Work

Accelerated change requires visionary leadership and an adaptive workforce. World-class organizations are competing for top talent. Today’s transatlantic leaders need to navigate disruptive technologies, new business models and new competitors in a multicultural context that shapes new ways of working.

Top Talent Attraction, Leadership & Career Development, CSR (Corporate & Social Responsibility), Diversity, Workplace California, Living a “Double-Life”, …

Forums and Circles

In GABA’s peer groups, participants strengthen their networks, mentor and support each other, collaborate, and pay it forward. Some groups are exclusive or invitation only. GABA NorCal currently offers the following Forums and Circles:

  • Executive Circle
  • Women in Business
  • Innovation Forum
  • VC & Entrepreneurship
  • Newcomers

GABA Expert Leaders

GABA’s experts and leaders bring all of the core topics and interest groups to life with highly curated events and programming. Are you passionate in an area that fits in GABA’s programs? If you are interested in developing content for GABA events and programs, please contact us.

Steffen Bartschat

Steffen Bartschat

Consumer Tech, Automotive, Corporate Innovation, Early Stage Startups
CEO/Founder at Hill88
Stefanie Bastian

Stefanie Bastian

Women in Business (WiB)
Senior Program Manager at Verizon Media
Florian Brody

Florian Brody

Executive Life Coach and Strategy Mentor at Brody & Assocs.
Petra Chequer

Petra Chequer

Leadership, Future of Work
Managing Partner & Founder, Ethos 8
Tracey Grose

Tracey Grose

Innovation, Cleantech, Cross-border Strategy
Founding Principal at Next Curve Strategy
Olaf Groth

Olaf Groth

Global Strategist for Cognitive, Deep and CleanTech Innovation
CEO/Founder of Cambrian Futures, Professor at HULT International Business School, Professional Faculty at Berkeley Haas, Author
Achim Hoelzle

Achim Hoelzle

German-US transactions, Venture Capital & M&A, Technology Transactions
Founder of FeldbergPacific Law Group
Gunther Hofmann

Gunther Hofmann

Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship
Managing Director at Corporate Finance Associates
Katrin Jakob

Katrin Jakob

LifeScience & Digital Health/Healthcare
Founder of California Business Associates
Florian Kolb

Florian Kolb

Data Tech and Clean Energy
Chief Commercial Officer & General Manager Energy at Intertrust
Thilo Koslowski

Thilo Koslowski

Automotive, Smart Mobility, Digital Lifestyle, Technology Innovation, Investing
Board Advisor, Executive Consultant, Investor
Katharina Lehmann

Katharina Lehmann

Newcomer Forum
Customer Succes Manager at ICIX
Edda Mihaescu

Edda Mihaescu

LifeScience & Digital Health/Healthcare
Project Manager at EMEngineering
Ulrich Nettesheim

Ulrich Nettesheim

Leadership, Human Capital, Future of Work
Managing Partner
at N Leadership LLC
Philip Reinckens

Philip Reinckens

Micromobility, Automotive & Startups
CEO at Spin
Petra Vorsteher

Petra Vorsteher

New Technologies & Innovation, Artificial Intelligence
Founding Partner at AI Invest and AI.HAMBURG
Uwe Wagner

Uwe Wagner

Innovation Outpost, Business Development, Alliance/Partner Management, AgeTech
CEO Tiburon Consulting LLC
Jens Weitzel

Jens Weitzel

Venture Capital, Automotive/Mobility, Corporate Innovation
Founder & Managing Partner at Yabusame Partners
Kai Westerwelle

Kai Westerwelle

DATA, International Privacy and Security
Partner at Bird & Bird
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