The German Startup Monitor 2021 has examined founders, developments, locations and the special challenges of self-employment and published its results. Aachen is the German startup hotbed.
RWTH Aachen University records the greatest number of startup founders
The German university that brings forth the greatest number of spin-offs nationwide is RWTH Aachen University: “Among the German colleges and universities where the most startup founders were educated, RWTH Aachen University comes in first with 5.3 %.” Other universities with a technical orientation (e.g., TU Munich, Karlsruhe and TU Berlin) also play an important role in the nation’s startup ecosystem.
So, what does that mean in absolute figures? In 2020 alone, 75 spin-offs emerged from RWTH Aachen University. As a matter of interest, 248 of currently existing startups in Aachen are located in the digitalHUB on Jülicher Straße.
Most of the startups founded are in the field of information and communication technology.
NRW is the prime location for startups
“As in previous years, the most [startups] are to be found in the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia (18.5 %) and Berlin (17.1 %)” (Startup Monitor pwc). Aachen takes 5th place in the city comparison. Particularly dynamic startup locations emerge where a multitude of favourable development factors are condensed. In addition to cities with international appeal, in recent years many regions have witnessed the successful development of startup ecosystems. These usually build on local strengths, e.g., a strong university character like in Aachen or Darmstadt, that offer direct proximity to clientele in the local mainstream economy.
The best example of this in Aachen is Campus Melaten, where science and business are closely interwoven, and where knowledge sharing and close communication are daily routine. In this way, companies and university teaching enjoy optimal mutual benefit.
For more background and further information, visit: deutschen Startup Monitor 2021 von pwc. (available only in German)
01.12.2021
