Today marks the opening of the Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg, ushering in a new era of strategic dialogue. Jointly initiated by Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC) and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the event brings together leading figures from technology, politics, research, and business on 22 and 23 October 2025 to address the security and technological challenges of our time.
A Global Platform for Dialogue and Innovation
The Global Security and Innovation Summit positions itself as a global platform that combines strategic dialogue with curated innovation impulses from business and research. “With GSIS, we are creating a format that blends strategic foresight with innovative strength. Hamburg offers the ideal setting for this – as a European hub with global reach and a strong tradition of international exchange,” said Heiko M. Stutzinger, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress.
Over two days, more than 40 renowned speakers as well as participants from across the globe will engage in numerous panels and networking formats to discuss global issues such as the impact of geopolitical tensions, resource competition, technological disruption, and resilience – in an interdisciplinary and highly solution-oriented manner. “The security challenges of our time demand new answers. The Global Security and Innovation Summit brings together thought leaders from politics, business, academia, and civil society under one roof to develop solutions – across disciplines and borders,” said Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director-General of the IISS.
GSIS Accelerator Showcases Promising Security Start-ups
One of the highlights of the first conference day is the GSIS Accelerator – powered by Speer Group. From over 200 international applications, five start-ups have been selected to present their solutions in a pitch format. The GSIS Accelerator aims to connect founders with investors, policymakers, and security institutions – with a clear goal: to close Europe’s innovation gaps in the security sector through targeted support. In addition to pitching, the finalists benefit from access to an international network and advisory support on fundamental governance issues in the security domain.
Equity investments of up to EUR 5 million per start-up may be made available to the winners of the final presentation, subject to internal investment criteria, a successful due diligence process, and standard contractual negotiations. These investments will be provided by the GSIS exclusive Venture Partner, Speer Group.
Strong Partners Back the Global Security and Innovation Summit
GSIS is supported by a strong network of partners who contribute strategic expertise, technological innovation, and international perspectives to the event. Alongside Airbus and Microsoft as Founding Partners, the line-up includes Eraneos, the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), and Peregrine.
The summit also builds on long-standing collaborations, including with Bitkome.V., the leading digital association and Europe’s largest think tank on digital issues, and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, representing the interests of 180,000 companies. The next Global Security and Innovation Summit is scheduled for 9 and 10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg.
About GSIS – Global Security and Innovation Summit
GSIS is not just an annual summit but a year-round platform for strategic dialogue. In addition to the main event in Hamburg, regional satellite events are planned at IISS locations worldwide. Digital formats are intended to enable continuous exchange between the summits. The GSIS will take place on 22 and 23 October 2025 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg. The next edition is scheduled for 9 and 10 December 2026.
About the International Institute for Strategic Studies
The Global Security and Innovation Summit is based on the combined expertise of its partner institutions. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is an internationally renowned think tank for security and defense policy with deep knowledge of regional geopolitics and geo-economics. It is known for high-level forums such as the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue (Asia), the IISS Manama Dialogue (Middle East), and the IISS Prague Defence Summit (Europe). The international research team offers analyses relevant to government and business.
About Hamburg Messe und Congress
Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC), based in Germany's second-largest city, is one of the leading trade fair and congress organizers in Europe. The venue hosts industry-defining trade fairs and conferences. The topic of global security has been part of the portfolio for over 60 years – particularly in connection with the leading international trade fair SMM and the International Conference on Maritime Security and Defence (MS&D).
