Start-up boost in DACH: Universities as start-up engines of the future!

Start-up boost in DACH: Universities as start-up engines of the future!

A comprehensive study of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), ETH Zurich and the University of Innsbruck has now provided detailed insights into the universities in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) that produce founders. This comprehensive analysis highlights the role of universities in founding new companies and shows that the majority of start-ups over the last ten years come from students, employees and alumni of TUM, ETH and the University of St. Gallen.

The study, known as the “Entrepreneurial Impact Study”, offers for the first time a complete picture of the start-up scene in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Around 51,000 start-ups were founded in this region from 2014 to 2024, which underlines the immense importance of universities in the innovation process. However, the founding strength varies greatly between individual institutions. German private universities have established themselves as particularly successful if you compare the number of start-ups to the number of students.

Start-ups as a growth engine

Start-ups play a crucial role for the economy by creating jobs, increasing innovation and promoting competitiveness. Loud Statista There were almost 258,500 commercial start-ups in Germany in 2024. This figure shows the steady increase in start-ups that diversify in the economy and contribute to the creation of new products and services.

However, the data on start-up events varies depending on the definition of the term “foundation”. While the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) recorded a total of around 594,500 new businesses in 2024, these also include takeovers and conversions. It should be noted that business registrations have been increasing again since 2020, after previously recording a decline. The service sector, particularly business and personal services, dominates the startup landscape.

Company succession as an alternative to starting a new business

Another relevant topic in the area of ​​founding companies is company succession. In an event organized by Network company succession East Frisia was organized, Sören Schöningh emphasized that demographic changes will mean that up to 190,000 companies will have to regulate their succession in the next five years. Generational change is often tackled too late, which underlines the importance of finding a successor early on.

The event also discussed the benefits of taking over a company. Compared to starting a new business, taking over an existing, profitable company with a loyal customer base can often be an attractive option. Schöningh reported on his successful takeover process of the Bittner furniture store, which took two years and was made easier by the support of his predecessor.

In order to further promote the topic of company succession, the Ostfriesland network offered free consultations. The wealth of information and resources available when making this important decision illustrates how important it is to consider both business startups and successions for economic stability.