According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025, North Rhine-Westphalia is one of the most dynamic regions in Europe for innovators
North Rhine-Westphalia is sending a strong signal in support of startups in their growth phase. On July 4, 2025, Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Mona Neubaur presented official funding awards to six selected startup hubs. The state is providing a total of up to €7.2 million over three years to specifically support innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, green technology, cybersecurity, and sustainability under the umbrella of "NRW Hubs.".
The hubs' programs – so-called acceleration programs – are 80% funded by state funds, supplemented by contributions from partner institutions such as universities, associations and companies.
According to the latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025, the value of North Rhine-Westphalia's startup ecosystem has quadrupled in just four years – to over twelve billion US dollars. This places North Rhine-Westphalia 10th among European startup regions. Increasing international recognition and growing investment interest – with 256 million US dollars flowing into early-stage financing in 2024 alone – underscore the state's importance as a hotspot for innovators.
Minister Neubaur emphasizes: “We are investing where the future is created – locally rooted, but globally networked.” The new funding phase is intended to build bridges between research, business and start-ups and further strengthen North Rhine-Westphalia as a leading location for future-proof business models.
Source: www.land.nrw
