Heidelberg: Germany’s New Start-Up Hotspot

Despite challenging financing conditions for entrepreneurs, Heidelberg made a remarkable impact in 2024: with 13.5 new start-ups per 100,000 inhabitants, the city even surpassed major hubs like Berlin and Munich. Just a few years ago, Heidelberg ranked fifth among Germany’s most start-up-friendly cities – today, the city proudly claims the top spot.

As a university town, Heidelberg presents a genuine alternative to the capital city Berlin, showcasing a second success model for Germany. The city benefits significantly from the close interplay between academia, research, and business, fostering numerous start-ups in forward-looking industries such as artificial intelligence and software development.

“The study shows that Heidelberg is one of the most dynamic start-up locations in Germany and offers excellent conditions for entrepreneurs,” says Mayor Eckart Würzner. “Heidelberg attracts top talent with its unique appeal, high quality of life and outstanding universities, colleges and research institutions. Additionally, we provide a strong support system for founders to help them succeed.”

A key factor of this success is the Heidelberg Innovation Park (hip). The hip provides space for start-ups and young businesses while also serving as a collaborative hub where IT and life sciences companies come together to develop and implement future technologies. With its modern infrastructure and targeted support for innovative sectors like biotechnology, AI, and IT, the hip actively drives Heidelberg’s growth as a hub for innovation. It stands as a Next Practice example of how cities can make an active contribution to promoting their start-up scene —by offering space, networks, and resources.

What makes Heidelberg and the hip particularly attractive and innovative as a location is explored in an interview with Thorsten Heilig from paretos.
Link to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thhPl_aFoeU

Source: Next Generation Startup-Neugruendungen_in_Deutschland_2024_1.pdf

1300 732 hip - Heidelberg Innovation Park