Mittelhessen and its Startup-DNA
From Germany’s first biotech founder, Emil von Behring, to the StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life – Mittelhessen has always been home to innovative minds and projects that strengthen the region’s innovation potential at the intersection of science and business
Mittelhessen provides the perfect breeding ground for a collaborative innovation culture, with the highest density of students in Germany, renowned research institutions and highly specialized companies – both hidden champions and major industry partners.
With the StartMiUp Factory, we are bringing innovative minds and key players in Mittelhessen together.
Through collaboration, we are unlocking potential, driving the region forward as a startup hub and making it visible on a global scale.
Mittelhessen’s Ecosystem at a Glance
Excellent research landscape with the three universities – Justus Liebig University Giessen, Philipps University Marburg and University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen – as well as renowned non-university research institutions, including Max Planck and Fraunhofer Institutes in the focus area of Sustainable Life
Strong industrial and technology companies with internationally active enterprises, including hidden champions in sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medicine, optics and mechanical engineering
Established regional innovation and transfer networks between universities and business partners, such as the Innovation and Startup Campus Mittelhessen (StartMiUp), Regionalmanagement Mittelhessen and TransMIT
Access to regional investors such as Hessen Kapital and Business Angels Mittelhessen, as well as international investors such as Wunderland Capital
Strategically located near Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of the largest aviation hubs in Europe.
Mittelhessen offers a balanced mix of urban life and nature, which ensures a high quality of life.
The role of StartMiUp Factory
FAQ
What is the StartMiUp Factory?
The StartMiUp Factory is a project of the three universities in Mittelhessen in cooperation with regional business partners. Together, they are currently preparing the foundation of the StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life. The aim is to bring together start-ups, universities and companies in the regional focus areas of Biotech & Pharma, MedTech & (Digital) Health, Efficient Materials & Manufacturing, Agritech & Nutrition and Sustainable Infrastructure.
A decentrally organized accelerator for growth-oriented start-ups is to be created. Companies provide not only their expertise, but also resources such as production capacities and market access. Through focused mentoring and coaching, cross-technology innovations are specifically promoted that create economic added value and open up new growth prospects for the participating start-ups. Another key objective is to attract highly qualified specialists from Germany and abroad to Mittelhessen, train them here and retain them in the long term. Companies benefit from this talent pool and can sustainably strengthen their innovative power through targeted cooperation with start-ups and universities.
The StartMiUp Factory is therefore a key project for further developing Mittelhessen as a location for innovation. Companies are the driving force behind this initiative and have the opportunity to help shape the future viability of the entire region through their participation.
How can I stay updated on the latest initiatives and opportunities at StartMiUp Factory?
How to become a business partner?
To become a business partner of the StartMiUp Factory, please reach out to our project team directly via email or by phone. Find contacts on https://startmiup-factory.com/contact/. We offer tailored partnership opportunities that can align with your company's innovation goals, and our team will be happy to discuss how we can collaborate.
What are the benefits of being a business partner?
Being a business partner of the StartMiUp Factory offers numerous benefits. Find all benefits listed on https://startmiup-factory.com/become-a-partner/
Why partner with us?
In a dynamic economic world, promoting entrepreneurial innovation is crucial for competitiveness, new market potential and long-term success. Innovations are usually the result of the interaction between excellent research and business expertise. However, too little use has been made of this synergy to date.
The three universities in Mittelhessen now want to change this in cooperation with regional industry partners and are therefore currently preparing the foundation of the StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life. With this initiative, they are entering the "Startup Factories" competition. After submitting the application by April 30, 2025, the competition offers each project a chance to double the private seed funding by the federal government, up to € 10 million.
Find out more about the "Startup Factories" competition: https://startmiup-factory.com/startup-factories-competition/
Who can become a business partner?
Any company that is interested in fostering innovation and collaborating with cutting-edge technologies and startups can become a partner of the StartMiUp Factory. Get in touch with us to discuss details. Contacts: https://startmiup-factory.com/contact/
How does this partnership works?
The partnership with the StartMiUp Factory is designed to amplify the innovation potentials between research institutions and companies. Once you become a partner, we collaborate closely to identify your challenges and goals. We then connect you with relevant startups, technologies, and expertise within our ecosystem. Together, we work on fostering innovative solutions, whether through accelerator programs, challenges, or other formats.
What types of startups do you plan to work with?
The accelerator program is aimed at growth-oriented startups in the field of sustainable life. This includes the five regional focus areas of Biotech & Pharma, MedTech & (Digital) Health, Efficient Materials & Manufacturing, Agritech & Food, and Sustainable Infrastructure.
What types of events and workshops do you offer to business partners?
Get in touch with us.
What resources are available to business partners during the collaboration?
Get in touch with us.
How does StartMiUp Factory help with scaling innovative solutions?
Get in touch with us.
Are there opportunities for co-investment in startups?
Get in touch with us.
