exist Startup Factories

As part of the German government’s startup strategy, the existing flagship competition “Startup Factories” was launched to significantly increase the number and quality of knowledge-based spin-offs.

The Next Generation of Startup Support in Germany

The exist Startup Factories create strong regional innovation hubs for science-based startups and deep tech ventures. As part of the federal government’s exist startup support program, they build bridges between academia, research, businesses, investors, and (inter)national talent.

Their goal is to foster more successful startups from the fields of research and science and to accelerate their growth. To this end, the Startup Factories pool the strengths of their regions and create high-performing ecosystems in which innovations can move more quickly from laboratories, universities, and research institutions to the market.

As public-private partnerships, the Startup Factories combine entrepreneurial training, startup support, financing, industry partnerships, and international networking. This gives rise to new growth companies that help to strengthen Germany’s position as a hub for innovation and technology in the long term.

Startup Factories in the exist ecosystem

The exist Startup Factories are a key component of the federal government's exist startup support program.

While programs such as the exist Startup Grant, exist Research Transfer, and exist Women support aspiring entrepreneurs and teams in the early stages, the Startup Factories lay the groundwork for the next phase of development: building high-performing startup ecosystems with international appeal.

In this way, the Startup Factories complement exist’s existing support ecosystem and strengthen the path „From Science to Business“: from the initial idea through the founding to the growth of innovative companies.

Why Startup Factories?

Innovative startups rarely emerge on their own. Science-based and technology-oriented startups, in particular, need access to research, talent, capital, businesses, and international networks.

The exist Startup Factories create exactly these conditions:

Networking between academia, industry, and capital
Accelerating DeepTech Startups
Access to investors
Partnerships with companies and pilot customers
Support for international talent
Strengthening regional innovation ecosystems
Establishing internationally visible startup hubs

In this way, the Startup Factories help to further establish Germany as a leading hub for innovation and deep tech companies.

Key Focus Areas of the Startup Factories

Each Startup Factory has its own unique focus. Together, the ten locations cover a broad spectrum of strategic topics for the future.

Life Sciences & Health

Innovations in healthcare, biotechnology, medical technology, and the life sciences.

Represented in 5 startup incubators

Deep Tech: Semiconductors & Photonics

Technologies for the next generation of digital and industrial applications.

Represented in 3 startup incubators

AI & Data

Artificial intelligence, data-driven business models, and digital technologies.

Represented in 5 startup incubators

Industry & Engineering

Technological solutions for manufacturing, mechanical engineering, and industrial transformation.

Represented in 4 startup incubators

GreenTech & Sustainability

Innovations for climate, energy, resources, and sustainable business practices.

Represented in 5 startup incubators

Security, Space & Mobility

Future technologies for mobility, aerospace, and security applications.

Represented in 3 startup incubators

VC & Investor Access

Access to capital, financing partners, and growth financing.

Represented in 6 startup incubators

Talent Acquisition & International Teams

Recruiting international talent and building diverse founding teams.

Represented in 5 startup incubators

Science and Research Collaborations

Close collaboration with universities, research institutions, and scientific networks.

Represented in 4 startup incubators

Market Development & Pilot Markets

Access to customers, pilot projects, and initial markets.

Represented in 4 startup incubators

Ecosystem, Networking & Visibility

Building strong regional and national startup networks.

Represented in 7 startup incubators

Industrial Partnerships & Pilot Projects

Collaboration with companies to develop and test new technologies.

Represented in 3 startup incubators

The Ten Most Promising Startup Incubators

Together, the ten Startup Factories form a nationwide network of high-performing innovation ecosystems. You can learn more about each location’s areas of focus, programs, partner networks, and investment opportunities.