Startup Factories

Startup Factories are Germany’s new innovation engines. They unite science, business, and politics to build global tech leaders. Discover how public-private partnerships are reshaping Europe’s startup ecosystem.

The Startup Factories Initiative marks a paradigm shift in how Europe builds its future innovation champions. Moving beyond traditional subsidies, these entrepreneurial hubs operate with private business models that attract talent, accelerate science-based startups, and scale them globally.

At Bits & Pretzels 2025, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche and Prof. Dr. Helmut Schönenberger highlight the role of the Startup Factories on a regional and a macro-level and as a beacon within the whole European ecosystem. By combining public frameworks with private capital, they foster a powerful new model of collaboration. The leadership of Marco Weicholdt (boOst), Adrian Thoma (NXTGN), Katrin Stegmaier-Hermle (Balluff GmbH), and Prof. Matthias Notz (Start2 Group/German Accelerator) illustrates how factories bring together industry expertise, venture capital, and scientific excellence.

From advancing AI and deep tech to scaling internationally, Startup Factories demonstrate how Germany and Europe are ready to think bigger. They embody the financing journey at scale: uniting vision, capital, and networks to transform scientific breakthroughs into global success stories.