PANDA TECH & Software 2026
Presented by CARIAD
April 24, 2026 in Berlin
ABOUT the lab
PANDA Tech & Software is a networking event and leadership lab for women who are already experienced leaders or aspire to a leadership role. Around 70 women from the tech, software, and automotive sectors will participate.
PANDA is aimed at women who enjoy taking on challenges, growing from them, and supporting each other along the way. The program offers participants the opportunity to discover and develop their leadership skills in various formats. The personal benefits are manifold: networking, direct exchange with experienced role models and exciting companies, and access to the PANDA network with more than 4,600 female leaders from all sectors.
April 24, 2026
9:00 AM - approx. 4:30 PM
BERLIN
CARIAD SE Automotive Software Campus
George Stephenson Street 19
10557 Berlin
The application period
has ended.
Who can apply?
The PANDA Tech & Software Lab is aimed at women in technology-driven industries – particularly in the areas of software, mobility, data and digital environments – who are already in leadership roles or are preparing to take on more responsibility.
We welcome women with at least three years of professional experience in technology-related roles who are actively shaping or driving technology-driven transformations within their organizations. As software, data, and AI redefine the future of mobility and digital ecosystems, we are looking for women who combine technical understanding with strategic thinking and are committed to making a real impact. Whether you work in machine learning, data engineering, software development, embedded systems, Android Automotive, requirements and testing, GenAI-supported development processes, product ownership, project management, or technology excellence – this lab brings together women who work at the heart of modern, software-driven organizations.
We welcome participants from the fields of Engineering, Data & AI, Product, Portfolio and technical program management who:
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contribute to the design, scaling, or control of complex software systems
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designing digital products, platforms or AI-powered solutions
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Driving technical excellence and innovation
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Combining business, technology and organizational transformation
The lab stands not only for technical expertise, but also for valuable exchange on equal terms, personal growth in leadership topics and the empowerment of women who are shaping the future of software-driven mobility and digital technologies. If you are passionate about software, AI, data and digital mobility: Apply now and become part of a community that combines expertise, ambition and empowerment.
We welcome women with at least three years of professional experience in technology-related roles who actively help shape or drive technology-driven transformations in their organizations.
As software, data and AI redefine the future of mobility and digital ecosystems, we are looking for women who combine technical understanding with strategic thinking and have the ambition to create real impact.
Whether you work in the fields of Machine Learning, Data Engineering, Software Development, Embedded Systems, Android Automotive, Requirements & Testing, GenAI-supported development processes, Product Ownership, Project Management or Technology Excellence – this lab brings together women who work at the core of modern, software-driven organizations.
We welcome participants from the fields of Engineering, Data & AI, Product, Portfolio and technical program management who:
contribute to the design, scaling, or control of complex software systems
designing digital products, platforms or AI-powered solutions
Driving technical excellence and innovation
Combining business, technology and organizational transformation
You don't have to fit into a single technical category. What's crucial is that technology plays a central role in your work—and that you take responsibility for direction, quality, delivery, or value creation in your environment.
The lab stands not only for technical expertise, but also for valuable exchange on equal terms, personal growth in leadership topics and the empowerment of women who are shaping the future of software-driven mobility and digital technologies.
If you are passionate about software, AI, data and digital mobility: Apply now and become part of a community that combines expertise, ambition and empowerment.
Online Application
Please fill out our online application form and upload your CV. You can easily access the form via the application button on this page.
Recommendation
Were you recommended by a PANDA member, speaker, or cooperation partner? If so, please list this person as a reference in the application form. However, this is not a requirement.
Invitation
Ideally: Invitation to the PANDA Tech & Software Lab, presented by CARIAD, on April 24, 2026.
Due to limited capacity, we cannot invite all applicants. Since only 70 places are available, we carefully review every step of the application process and thoughtfully assemble a strong and diverse group of PANDA participants.
Agenda Live Event
April 24, 2026
Event language: English
Subject to short-term changes.
9:00 AM
Walk-in & little breakfast
9:30 AM
Welcome by CARIAD & PANDA
Andrea Morgan-Schönwetter (VP People Management & Talent Acquisition | Prokuristin, CARIAD) &
Isabelle Hoyer (CEO & Founder, PANDA GmbH)
9:40 AM
Keynote
Leading with Clarity: Why Authenticity Is Your Strongest Advantage (Tina Zschau, Head of Test & Integration, CARIAD)
Tina Zschau shares her journey in tech, reflecting on self-doubt, external expectations, and why authenticity is a powerful career driver. Through personal insights, she encourages people to choose their own path and explores modern leadership that enables individuals to thrive by focusing on their strengths.
10:00 AM
Get to know PANDA
10:15 am
Leadership Experiment & Feedback Session
12:30 pm
Networking Lunch
1:30 PM
Inspiration Sessions
#1 When AI Takes the Wheel – Transforming Software Product Development in Automotive (Rosemary Joshy, Lead Artificial Intelligence, CARIAD)
AI is reshaping how we design, build, and deliver software. From faster engineering workflows to automated development, AI is becoming integral to the software lifecycle. Our vision is to embed AI across every layer of development, operations, and decision-making. This session shares our journey and lessons learned, and invites exchange.
#2 From Munich Headquarters to BMW's Motorcycle Plant in Berlin: Leadership, Networks and Visibility in Complex Systems (Sandra Skorjanc, Manager HR Organizational Development, BMW Group Plant Berlin)
The session combines personal BMW experiences with global responsibility and modern leadership. It focuses on how courage, trust, attitude and strong networks shape non-linear career paths, enable growth and create visibility as responsibility - especially in technical, male-dominated environments.
#3 Seeing More Clearly: How Bias Awareness Shapes Better Leaders (Evgenia Youett, Head of Semantics and World Models, CARIAD)
We all carry implicit biases - recognizing them is the first step towards becoming a stronger, more self‑aware leader. This session explores how understanding and working on our own patterns enables stronger inclusion and helps us address others' biases with patience and constructive intent.
#4 From Code to Vision – Growing from Engineer to Leader in Battery Software and Making Your Team Matter (Judith Bähr, Head of BMS Algorithms, Mercedes-Benz AG
From engineer to leader: Judith shares key lessons from leading battery software teams – how she grew as a leader, anchored her team’s value through strong partner networks and customer alignment, and transformed that experience into shaping vision and organizational impact.
2:15 PM
Company Pitches
2:30 p.m.
Networking & Meet the Companies
3:30 p.m.
Panel Talk & Q&A
"From Code to Boardroom – How Technical Expertise Shapes Strategic Leadership"
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Anja Ziepa (Head of Kohort Machine Learning & Technical Project Management, CARIAD)
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Lena Gevers (Head of Integration Infrastructure and Services, CARIAD)
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Dr. Julia Imlauer (Director AI Strategy & Development, Mirco Vision)
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Stephanie Levy (CEO of Schools, 42 Berlin / 42 Wolfsburg)
4:15 PM
Wrap-up & Outlook
4:30 PM
End
Partner companies
Cooperation partners
About Cariad
Automotive software for Volkswagen
CARIAD is the Volkswagen Group's automotive software company. By developing software platforms and digital customer features for iconic brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche, CARIAD supports the Volkswagen Group on its path to becoming a leading automotive technology company. Around 5,000 employees ("CARIDIANS") work in software hubs in Germany, the USA, China, Estonia, and India to reimagine mobility for everyone.
ARRIVAL & HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Arrival from Berlin Central Station
The office is located in the immediate vicinity of Berlin Central Station and can be reached in a few minutes:
On foot: From Berlin Central Station (Europaplatz exit) you can reach George-Stephenson-Straße in about 10–15 minutes.
By S-Bahn: Take lines S3, S5, S7 or S9 for one stop to "Berlin Bellevue" and then walk for about 10 minutes.
By bus: Several bus lines run towards Europacity / Invalidenstraße.
Please note: We recommend arriving by public transport, as no additional parking is available on site.
Panda Moments
Our network is based on genuine connections, open exchange, and the shared ambition to share experiences, open doors, and empower each other.
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