Danish Entrepreneurs x TechBBQ
Policy Lounge
Join the First-Ever Policy Lounge at TechBBQ Free and Open to All
As Denmark prepares to take on the EU Council Presidency in late 2025, Danish Entrepreneurs and TechBBQ are launching the first-ever Policy Lounge – a full day of high-level dialogue in English between entrepreneurs, investors, EU officials and policymakers on August 27 at Bella Center.
Whether you’re a founder, policymaker, or simply curious, this is your chance to join the conversation shaping Europe’s startup future – for free, and even without a TechBBQ ticket. If you already have a TechBBQ pass, you can access the Policy Lounge directly from the exhibition area. If you’re joining from outside, you can enter via Martha Christensens Vej 16.
All sessions are in English and designed to ensure policy enables – not hinders – Europe’s entrepreneurial ambition.
Policy Lounge Program
The Policy Lounge consist of 2 big rooms. One for roundtable discussions, panels, fireside chats, and the second room for informal meetups and networking with decision-makers, entrepreneurs, investors, MEPs, EU officials, and policy leaders.
09:00 - 09:30 Networking & Croissants
Start your day connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers over light refreshments.
09:30 - 09:40 Opening Remarks & Setting the Stage
Introduced by the day’s host and Chairman of Danish Entrepreneurs, Peter Kofler.
09:40 - 10:30 Panel 1: Discover the 28th regime with Members of the EU Parliament
This panel will explore how a unified European regulatory framework can break down barriers in the EU Single Market. The discussion will focus on how addressing fragmentation can help startups and scaleups access capital, expand into new markets, and drive growth across Europe.
Panelists: MEPs Arba Kokalari, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Morten Løkkegaard, Niels-Flemming Hansen, Founder of EU Inc Simon Schaefer, and Chairman of Danish Entrepreneurs Peter Kofler
10:40 - 11:30 Panel 2: Fueling Inclusive Entrepreneurship Through Digitalisation & AI
This panel will bring together female policymakers, investors, and founders to explore how we can build a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape in Europe and how this ties into EU competitiveness, scale-ups, and digitalisation.
11:40 - 12:00 Data & Insights – The State of European Entrepreneurship
This session will dive into the latest data and trends shaping Europe’s startup and innovation landscape.
12:00 - 12:30 Lunch Break
12:30 - 12:50 Fireside Chat with the Danish Minister for Digitalisation, Caroline Stage
Danish Minister for Digitalisation, Caroline Stage, shares her perspective on the Danish EU Presidency and the pivotal role startups play in strengthening innovation and unlocking new opportunities across Europe
13:00 - 13:40 Panel 3: Fireside chat about EU's Competitiveness
TBA
13:50 - 14:50 Panel 4: Copenhagen's Future – Mayoral Candidates Debate Innovation
As the municipal election approaches, top candidates for Mayor of Copenhagen meet to debate how the city can strengthen its position as a European frontrunner for innovation.
15:00 - 16:00 Panel 5: Empowering Founders – Copenhagen in Europe’s Innovation Race
16:10 - 17:00 Panel 6: Building Data Foundations for Europe's Startup & Scaleup goals
Turning Europe’s Startup and Scaleup Strategy into real-world impact depends on robust, comparable data. This panel explores how Member States like Portugal and Sweden are building national data systems to support smarter, evidence-based policymaking. With stronger data infrastructure, EU-wide coordination and effective resource allocation become possible. The session highlights how data can serve as a shared foundation for governments and ecosystem actors to advance Europe’s startup ambitions.
17:00 - 18:00 Final Reflections & Networking
Wrapping up the day’s discussions with key takeaways and insights, followed by an opportunity to connect and network with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders
The speakers
Caroline Stage
Minister for Digitalisation
Caroline Stage is the Minister of Digital Affairs since 2024. Her primary focus is on digital infrastructure and public innovation. Caroline Stage has previously served on the Copenhagen City Council.
Arba Kokalari
Member of Parliament, EPP
Arba Kokalari is a Member of the European Parliament since 2019, serving in the committees on internal market, economic affairs, employment and gender equality. Her main priorities are digitalisation, tech, circular economy, regulation that fosters innovation.
Morten Løkkegaard
Member of Parliament, Renew
Morten Løkkegaard is a Member of the European Parliament since 2009, serving in the committees on internal markets, economic affairs, industry and energy. His main focus is to secure our future prosperity and growth, by strengthening the market.
Simon Schaefer
President, Allied for Startups
Simon Schaefer is the co-founder of EU INC, a pan-European initiative aiming to create a single, unified legal framework for startups across the EU, addressing the fragmentation and regulatory burdens that hinder innovation. He wants to bolster the ecosystem.
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen
Member of Parliament, Greens/EFA
Kira Marie Peter-Hansen is a Member of the European Parliament since 2019, serving in the committees on taxation, economic affairs, justice, industry and energy. Her main focus is to create a sustainable future for all Europeans.
Peter Kofler
Chairman, Danish Entrepreneurs
Peter Kofler is the chairman of Danish Entrepreneurs and is a vocal advocate for startup-friendly policies with more than 20 years of experience supporting early-stage founders.
Niels Flemming Hansen
Member of Parliament, EPP
Niels Flemming Hansen is Member of the European Parliament since 2024. His primary focus is on business and SMEs. Niels Flemming has firsthand experience leading an SME himself. He has served in the Danish Parliament as well.
Samantha Niblett
Member of British Parliament, Labour Party
Samantha Niblett is the Labour Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire, and founder of Labour: Women in Tech.
Now a leading voice on gender equity and tech in the House of Commons, Samantha combines 20+ years of experience in the data and technology sector.
Want to join the Policy Lounge as a partner?
Co-host a Session
Partner with us to lead a session on a key issue that impacts your business or industry.
Support Mobilization
Help us bring together influential policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators for impactful discussions.
Join as a Partner
Showcase your organization’s commitment to shaping Europe’s future entrepreneurial landscape by becoming a Policy Lounge partner.
Join Danish Entrepreneurs at Tech BBQ
This is your chance to be part of one of the key political moments for the European startup ecosystem in 2025, and we can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
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