Start-ups and Innovation: Why Germany?

What edge does Germany have over other research and innovation markets, especially the United States? Why should a young entrepreneur look at Germany and not the Silicon Valley?

In Germany, we have a comprehensive range of promotional offers that enable prospective founders to support their projects with financial assistance. In addition, we have a high density of established and globally active small and medium-sized companies and corporations in Germany. This SME in particular enables start-ups to test their projects at an early stage and gain market access. In addition, the close cooperation with the respective business development agencies of the city, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Chamber of Administered Crafts is a unique selling proposition that enables start-ups to test their ideas fast and enter the market quickly.

How are universities in Germany instrumental in driving innovations?

The universities and Germany have comprehensive transfer and entrepreneurial offers, especially supported by the federal and state governments. These range from sensitisation and qualification of students, employees and network members to individual counselling and the provision of infrastructure such as rooms and machines. At the TU Dortmund University this is the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Transfer, which supports prospective founders with more than 40 employees and over 1800 square meters of space.

What is your view on the start-up and innovation landscape of India?

I think the Indian market offers start-ups and established companies huge development opportunities. Companies like LinkedIn and Google have built their own campuses, and companies like CLAAS are opening their own branches. On the other hand, there are opportunities for the Indian population to implement new ideas and projects. India’s large market, and the market that can be reached with it, create new job opportunities for the growing proportion of well-trained employees on the one hand, and good development opportunities for domestic and foreign start-ups on the other.