Berlin: Top startup hub in Europe – innovation and entrepreneurial spirit on the rise!

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The Free University of Berlin is one of the best startup hubs in Europe, promoting innovation and connecting founders since 2023.

Die Freie Universität Berlin zählt zu den besten Startup-Hubs Europas, fördert Innovation und vernetzt Gründer:innen seit 2023.
The Free University of Berlin is one of the best startup hubs in Europe, promoting innovation and connecting founders since 2023.

Berlin: Top startup hub in Europe – innovation and entrepreneurial spirit on the rise!

On March 8, 2025, significant achievements in the European startup scene were announced. Loud fu-berlin.de The “Science & Startups” program, which is offered by the Free University of Berlin, the Humboldt University of Berlin and the Technical University of Berlin in collaboration with the Charité, made it into the top 20 of the leading startup hubs in Europe. This award was given as part of a study by Statista, the Financial Times and Sifted, which analyzed 250 programs from 28 countries.

The ranking of the best startup hubs is based on comprehensive reviews that include both alumni feedback and expert opinions. Over 4,300 alumni who took part in these programs were surveyed about their satisfaction with the offerings. Aspects such as mentoring, infrastructure and financing were assessed. A total of 150 of the best-rated hubs were recognized.

Growth and support for startups

Science & Startups has supported over 2,600 founders and founded more than 1,600 new companies in recent years. In 2023, this led to a total investment of around 15 million euros. In addition, around 190,000 new jobs were created, increasing the total value of the companies founded to around 81 million euros science-startups.berlin reported.

The vision of Science & Startups is to establish a leading ecosystem for research and science-based start-ups in Europe by 2030. Strategic partnerships, including that with UNITE, are intended to help promote innovative strength in the capital region. Berlin has positioned itself as one of the leading startup centers in Europe and is increasingly attracting international teams, founders and talent.

Focus on innovation and new technologies

The Science & Startups partners promote the development of innovative technologies and business models. They focus on various areas, including sustainable businesses, social economy, circular economy and digital solutions. Startups receive tailored support to develop interdisciplinary solutions that are both technologically innovative and socially relevant.

However, the European startup landscape faces challenges. According to the “Beyond Fragmentation” report published as part of the StepUp Startups project, the startup ecosystem suffers from fragmentation caused by different legal regulations and unequal access to resources. digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu highlights that the mobility of talent and founders is crucial to prevent exodus.

Creating a connected ecosystem is necessary to address the challenges of fragmentation. The report recommends the creation of a pan-European startup framework, which includes, among other things, the harmonization of regulations and the introduction of a tax system to encourage cross-border investments.

Overall, it is clear that Berlin plays a central role in the European startup scene. The Science & Startups program and its associated initiatives are essential factors in creating a dynamic and successful entrepreneurial spirit in the region and beyond.