Good news for Bremen! The Stifterverband’s Start-up Radar 2025 shows that our universities are at the forefront nationwide when it comes to supporting start-ups. The University of Bremen and Bremen University of Applied Sciences are among the top addresses for start-ups and innovation, and Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is also well set up.
This is a significant success for Bremen as a place to do business, and it shows: we do have a strong ecosystem for start-ups here. But we wouldn’t be us if we rested on our laurels — because there is still a lot to do.
📢 All details & rankings in the full report:
🔗 www.gruendungsradar.de
Bremen scores with strong networks & support
University of Bremen: Networking at the top level
The University of Bremen is among the best universities in Germany when it comes to start-up support, monitoring and networking. Entrepreneurship is not only promoted here, but also put into practice: students, researchers and start-ups are networked with companies, investors and funding programs – exactly what is needed to bring innovations to the market.
Bremen University of Applied Sciences: Hands-on & well-connected
Bremen University of Applied Sciences is also doing a great job! It relies on a strong connection to the economy and provides practical support to ensure that ideas become real companies.
Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences: Solid foundation with potential
Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is also represented in the ranking. It has a good foundation, but there is still potential here to embed start-up support even more deeply into the structures.
Where we still need to accelerate
Of course, we are proud – but we also know that there is still room for improvement. If Bremen wants to remain attractive for founders in the long term, we need to make a few adjustments:
Secure funding in the long term
Many funding programs run for a limited period of time, which means that what is built today could be gone tomorrow. We need sustainable financing models in order to maintain structures in the long term.
Supporting female founders & diverse teams
The current share of female founders across Germany is 30% – this needs to grow! Special programs, networks and mentoring for women and diverse teams can make a real difference here.
Bringing entrepreneurial thinking into degree programs
There are many initiatives, but often only as optional extras. Why not integrate entrepreneurship even more into regular degree courses? That way, we could inspire even more young talents to start a business.
Clearing legal obstacles for university start-ups
Especially when it comes to patents, licenses and intellectual property, many start-ups want faster and clearer processes. German universities need to become even more founder-friendly here.
Bremen is keeping up – and we’re in on it!
The Start-up Radar 2025 shows: Bremen is on the right track!
But we don’t want to sit back and rest — our goal is to constantly develop and improve. That is why the DIGITAL HUB INDUSTRY Bremen is doing everything it can to promote start-ups in a more focused manner – with strong networks, active knowledge transfer and targeted support for start-ups.
A few highlights from our network:
- BRIDGE offers comprehensive advice on all topics related to starting a business – especially for students and graduates of Bremen’s universities.
- STARTHAUS Bremen and Bremerhaven is the central point of contact for start-ups and young companies and supports them in achieving their goals in the best possible way.
- The strong start-up community of bremen-startups.de organized by Jan Wessels regularly brings together start-ups, investors and innovation enthusiasts – at meet-ups, pitch nights and networking events.
👉 Fancy being part of Bremen’s start-up scene? Then take a look at our event calendar and don’t miss out on upcoming events!
