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Hamburg starts breakthrough: 50 million euros for deep tech start-ups!
With “Impossible Founders”, Hamburg is launching a 50 million euro funding for deep tech startups to become leaders by 2035.
Hamburg starts breakthrough: 50 million euros for deep tech start-ups!
Hamburg is constantly showing itself to be a green start-up center and is becoming even more attractive for start-ups. The Senator for Economic Affairs and Innovation Melanie Leonhard (SPD) presented the new funding in the deep tech sector from the organization “Impossible Founders” in the town hall. This is happening against the background of the increasing importance of innovative strength for Germany's competitiveness, as well as by the University of Hamburg is emphasized.
The new initiative provides a total of 50 million euros, divided into 10 million euros from the federal government and 40 million euros from private funds from Hamburg foundations and companies. Since 2014, the volume of start-up funding in Hamburg has increased from 7 million euros to an impressive 36 million euros. Hamburg has already fought for second place among major German cities for innovation locations, directly behind Munich, and has a clear goal: by 2035, the Hanseatic city should be in the spotlight as the leading start-up location in Europe.
Focus on deep tech
“Impossible Founders” specifically focuses on start-ups in the areas of deep tech, green tech, artificial intelligence, data science and new materials. These companies develop innovative technologies based on scientific breakthroughs. In order to achieve these objectives, the organization not only relies on financial resources, but also on a strong network: The Hamburg initiatives are supported by collaborations with the University of Hamburg, the Technical University of Hamburg and the DESY research center.
Arik Willner, who has been managing director of “Impossible Founders” since November 2023, brings valuable experience from his previous positions. The city of Hamburg itself remains financially uninvolved, while foundations such as the Joachim Herz Foundation and the Michael Otto Foundation actively contribute to the financing.
Innovative support for founders
The new funding offers in-depth support for innovative spin-offs in all phases of company development. This includes, among other things, training opportunities for students and researchers in international programs, support in finding investors and access to important research infrastructure. This comprehensive offering is intended to help startups successfully overcome the challenges of product development and market launch, especially in an environment in which deep tech startups often have higher capital requirements.
There are also four innovation parks in Hamburg in Altona, Finkenwerder, Harburg and Bergedorf, which offer founders an excellent environment to realize their ideas and grow sustainably. “Impossible Founders” also focuses on the transfer of intellectual property, which is crucial for many start-ups.
Overall, it is clear: Hamburg has big plans to gain a foothold as Europe's leading location for start-ups in the deep tech sector. With a promising concept and a strong network of supporters, the city sees itself well prepared for the challenges of the next few years.