🔥 THE FORGE: Hamburg's New Network for Defense, Dual-Use and Critical Infrastructure
THE FORGE: Hamburg's New Network for Defense, Dual-Use and Critical Infrastructure
Europe stands at a turning point. The security situation is more tense than it has been in decades. Reliance on transatlantic security guarantees is becoming a strategic weakness. At the same time, Germany's role as a technological and industrial power is being renegotiated.
What is missing in this constellation is a closed space where decision-makers from politics, business, science and security authorities can come together under confidential conditions. THE FORGE fills this gap.
What is THE FORGE?
THE FORGE is an initiative of DeepTech Campus Circle Hamburg. A closed circle of decision-makers at the intersection of critical infrastructure, defense and dual-use. Not an open club, not coworking, but a curated space for the people who build, finance and defend Europe's technological sovereignty.
Membership is by invitation. Applications are reviewed by a four-person founding team.
Why Hamburg?
Hamburg is Europe's third-largest port, home to the Chamber of Commerce with 175,000 members, and a bridgehead between Western Europe and the Baltics. The city has an 800-year tradition in trade, logistics and diplomatic independence. Hamburg has been underrepresented in the defense and dual-use sector. That is changing now.
GSIS (Global Security & Innovation Summit) comes to Hamburg for the first time in December 2026. Hamburg Messe and the Chamber of Commerce are building the Hamburg Dual Use Forum. Hamburg Aviation is promoting defense projects through the European Defense Fund. The pieces are falling into place.
Four Initiators. One Goal.
THE FORGE is initiated by four people who have shaped Hamburg's DeepTech ecosystem for years:
Oliver Rößling: CEO of CAPS & COLLARS, founder of DeepTech Campus Circle. Networker and entrepreneur for over 15 years.
Philipp Hartmann: Investor and board member of ARIC, Hamburg's AI initiative. Brings capital and technology expertise.
Alois Krtil: CTO at PINKTUM and Managing Director of the Hamburg Quantum Innovation Center. Quantum and DeepTech expertise.
Sophia Bartsch: Strategy and communications. Brings institutional perspective and political connections.
Who is THE FORGE for?
THE FORGE is directed at:
- Board members and CEOs from defense and security industry companies
- Operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS) who need to build resilience
- Investors who are active in or want to enter the defense and dual-use sector
- Decision-makers from politics, administration and security authorities
- Scientists and researchers with dual-use relevance
No sector is excluded. The only condition: strategic relevance for Europe's technological sovereignty.
Formats: Quality over Quantity
THE FORGE operates with three formats:
Forge Dinners: Regular evenings with 12 to 20 invited guests. One topic, one speaker, intensive exchange in the villa on Heimhuder Straße.
Technology Showcases: Closed demos and deep-dives. From lab visits to hands-on sessions. Technology becomes tangible, not just explained.
Forge Sessions: Intensive half-days for developing concrete positions, policy papers and recommendations. With expertise from science, industry and politics.
Chatham House Rules apply to all events: What is said may be shared. Who said it remains confidential.
The Kickoff: July 2, 2026
On July 2, 2026, THE FORGE opens its doors for the first time. At the Art Nouveau villa of DeepTech Campus Circle, Heimhuder Straße 56, Hamburg.
Places for the kickoff are limited. Applications are accepted until June 15. Registration is available through the official Luma page.
Hanseatic. Sovereign. Closed.
THE FORGE is not another network. It is a place where the right people come together at the right time. Hanseatic in tradition, European in attitude, closed in quality.
Those who want to become part of this initiative can apply now.