For decades now, one region has been synonymous with the world’s biggest and most innovative tech companies: Silicon Valley.
From major computing brands like Apple and Microsoft to digital giants like Netflix and eBay, this part of California has become the go-to region for tech entrepreneurs and talent, with tech coming to represent the region’s entire cultural identity.
Though it may seem far-fetched to imagine a German Silicon Valley, the government has been working on a similar concept spread out across the country.
Under the moniker of ‘digital hubs’, several cities are becoming bustling centres for start-ups and larger business all focused on an area of digitalisation, from smart infrastructure to cybersecurity.
What exactly is a ‘digital hub’?
According to the Economics Ministry (BMWK), the idea is to create networks of expertise where established businesses and larger corporations can pool their knowledge with startups and young entrepreneurs.
Startup founders can seek out mentors, attend pitching events and connect with potential investors, post job offers and market their services on dedicated startup databases that are affiliated with the hubs.
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There are also a range of programmes, from incubators to accelerators, offered at hubs throughout the country.
To ensure the hubs remain interconnected, a joint brand known as de:hub and a joint ‘hub agency’ run by creative agency RCKT have also been created.
“Although each city focuses on a particular industry, the idea is that clusters will emerge where other industries can bring in their expertise as well,” the BMWK explains.
Startups who are part of the initiative can also get hold of a Startup Card, which provides access to all of the co-working spaces across Germany’s digital hubs, as well as networking events and industry experts.
For those who are not as far along in their business, the Grunderplattform – or Founder Platform – run by investment bank KFW can help entrepreneurs bring an idea to fruition, from writing a business plan to accessing free consultations.
Where are Germany’s digital hubs – and what do they do?
From the previous 12 hubs in major cities, the government has expanded its digital hub network to include 10 new locations – bringing the total up to 22.
This latest step was taken at Germany’s Startup Summit in mid-September, where the government also secured €12 billion of investment for young businesses looking to grow.
Here’s an overview of the current hubs across the country and their respective industry expertise:
Berlin: Fintech / Deeptech
Bremen: Smart manufacturing
Cologne: Insurtech
Darmstadt: Cybersecurity
Dortmund: Logistics
Dresden: Smart systems
Düsseldorf: GreenTech
Frankfurt (Main): Fintech
Halle (Saale): Life Science & BioEconomy
Hamburg: Logistics
Jena: Photonics and Digital Experience Platforms
Karlsruhe: Artificial Intelligence
Leipzig: Smart Infrastructure
Lübeck: Renewable Energy
Mannheim / Ludwigshafen: Health & Chemistry
Munich: Insurtech / Mobility / Security & Defence
Nuremberg / Erlangen: Health
Osnabrück / Hanover: Agrifood
Potsdam: Mediatech
Saarbrücken: Artificial Intelligence
Stuttgart: Future industries
Rostock: GreenTech
At the moment, only a handful of the hubs – Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe, Köln, Leipzig, Munich and Nuremberg – offer access to co-working spaces. However, de:hub says more will be added in the near future.
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How can startups get involved in a hub?
According to BMWK, the best way to get started is to get in touch with one of the digital hubs through de:hub’s contact page.
Startups have the choice of picking a hub based on its location or based on their particular industry expertise, and can either make contact with a specific hub or fill in the general contact form on the website.
Once a startup is matched with a digital hub, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, from setting up meetings with mentors or other industry experts to joining network events, programmes and pitching nights.
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