Startup Factories
As part of the German government’s startup strategy, the EXIST lighthouse competition „Startup Factories“ was launched by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action to significantly increase the number and quality of knowledge-based spin-offs
StartMiUp Factory Sustainable Life is one of 15 projects that were selected by an independent jury in 2024 to enter the EXIST lighthouse competition “Startup Factories”.
Currently in the concept phase, the three universities in Mittelhessen develop a detailed project design in cooperation with regional company partners and establish the StartMiUp Factory as a public-private partnership.
After submitting the application by April 30, 2025 the competition offers each of the winning projects a chance to double the private seed funding by the federal government, up to € 10 million.
New impetus for innovative startups
„Startup Factories“ act as innovation hubs where research, industry, and entrepreneurship converge to accelerate the creation of scalable businesses.
By bridging the gap between research and commercialization, “Startup Factories” help to build sustainable business models and drive regional economic growth.
„Startup Factories “ aim to establish internationally visible innovation hups that shall become a cornerstone of Germany’s startup ecosystem.
Project status & Next steps
Currently in the concept phase, the project team develop a detailed project design in cooperation with regional company partners and establish the StartMiUp Factory as a public-private partnership. Companies now have the opportunity to get involved as partners in order to strengthen their innovation and competitiveness and actively shape the regional innovation ecosystem.
Concept Phase (Ongoing)
- This phase focuses on developing a detailed project design as well as establishing strategic partnerships and legal forms.
Submission deadline (April 30, 2025)
Jury Decision (Summer 2025)
Project Phase (Autumn 2025)
- Following successful completion of the concept phase, 5 to 10 projects may receive funding for up to five years.
- Each project can secure up to €10 million in funding, which must be matched by private investments of an equal amount.
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.
