UNITE Sciences e.V.: Together for Berlin's start-up future!

UNITE Sciences e.V.: Together for Berlin's start-up future!

On March 4, 2025, UNITE Sciences e.V. was founded, a non-profit association that brings together 19 universities, colleges and research institutions from Berlin and Brandenburg. This initiative aims to promote entrepreneurial talent and strengthen the innovation ecosystem for science-based start-ups. As reported by the Brandenburg Technical University, the association will play a central role within the Startup Factory UNITE, acting as a shareholder of UNITE gGmbH.

The founding institutions bring valuable scientific expertise and extensive experience in promoting innovation. The collaboration with the Startup Factory UNITE aims to make the start-up process for young entrepreneurs much easier. In addition, an intensive exchange between science and business is sought.

Board and members

The board of UNITE Sciences e.V. is made up of respected members, including:

• Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler (Vorsitzender)
• Prof. Dr. Susanne Buiter (Stellvertretende Vorsitzende)
• Prof. Dr. Sabine Baumann
• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Völker (Kassenwart)
• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Pfriem

The list of founding members is diverse and ranges from universities such as the Alice Salomon University to the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology. Other members include:

• Berliner Hochschule für Technik
• Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg
• Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• CODE University of Applied Sciences
• GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum für Geoforschung
• Freie Universität Berlin
• Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
• Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (HNEE)
• Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin
• Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht
• Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
• Technische Universität Berlin
• Touro University Berlin
• Universität der Künste
• Universität Potsdam
• Weissensee Kunsthochschule Berlin

Goals of the initiative

The strategic goals of the UNITE ecosystem are ambitious. The constant aim is to train 50,000 new talents from universities and research institutions every year. A particular focus is on integrating entrepreneurship and business knowledge into all degree programs. Within this framework, the proportion of female founders is to be increased to 40 percent by 2030.

In addition, the aim is to create daily startups in the metropolitan region, with a focus on deep tech companies. The consortium develops Startup Factory's specific priorities and business models to increase seed to Series A conversion with the support of venture capital and investors. As reported, UNITE is part of the EXIST lighthouse competition “Startup Factories”.

Berlin as an innovation location

Berlin has established itself as a preferred destination for investment and attracts more venture capital than any other city in Germany. The dynamic startup scene is significantly supported by public institutions and private supporters such as business angels and incubators reports Berlin.de.

Technology and start-up centers in the city offer practical support for starting up companies. The universities have also set up their own start-up centers, which are networked via the Science & Startups portal. The comprehensive Startup Map Berlin offers further information on advice centers, start-up assistance and events.

Overall, the founding of UNITE Sciences e.V. shows the determined intention to create a strong and supportive environment for startups that combines both science and business. The initiatives are tailored to strengthen the region's innovative strength and promote sustainable development of the start-up ecosystem.