The start-up ecosystem in Saarland
Saarland aims to become an attractive location for start-ups and to develop one of the most start-up-friendly ecosystems at the heart of Europe. A strong multi-stakeholder network and support is key.
Below we present the main actors, their motivation and their roles in the Saarland start-up ecosystem.
Main actors in the Saarländische Startup Ecosystem
Saarland regional group of the Startup Association
The #saarfari initiated in 2022 by the Saarland regional group of the Startup Association, with the overall aim of pushing the Saarland start-up ecosystem with innovative formats. Intensive regional and supra-regional networking brings the conditions for local start-ups to a new level.
The Startup association has supported the formats from the start. The two Saarland spokespersons, Carolin Ackermann and Bernd Pohl, ‘coordinate on a voluntary basis #saarfari events and supported by Daniel Winzent, who, as an exile-Saarländer, promotes the Saarland ecosystem from his Munich electoral home.
After two #Saarfari delegations to the largest startup hotspots in Germany – Munich and Berlin – were the first one in June 2024 #saarfari Saarbrücken Festival instead of: 12 WORKSHOPS IN 3 HOURS – WITH 12 DIFFERENT EXPERTS. Close to 200 visitors are the first #saarfari Festival in Coworking Space, Hall 4, came to Saarbrücken.
All Saarland ecosystem partners have participated in the Organisation Team and partly as sponsors, including: Triathlon – University of Saarland, which: Saarland Investment Credit Bank AG, the East Side Fab., Fitt gGmbH, the German Research Centre for AI (DFKI), the CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security.
As a highlight of the #Saarfari Festivals was integrated this year by the long-established Saarland Pitch on the day of the Festival, with numerous (over-)regional investors on the ground (including coparion, SWG by Saarländische Investitionskreditbank AG, Bruch Venture, BITO CAMPUS, snabb ventures, Montan-Ventures-Saar GmbH, HTGF | High-Tech Gründerfonds, Mosel Ventures).
Saarland Pitch 2.0
the region’s biggest competition
Organised by the Saarländische Wagniskaptialgesellschaft (SWG by Saarländische Investitionskreditbank AG) and Triathlon – University of Saarland, and for the first time with #saarfari Festival linked pitch competition with great tradition and surprised both the German Startup Association, investors and regional knowledge of the founding scene.
Almost 30 teams – almost exclusively based in Saarland – had applied in advance for participation. The pre-selection of the 16 start-ups that were allowed to present on festival day was already a real challenge for the jury of the Pre-Pitches (partner of the Saarland regional group of the Startup Verband, SWG, Triathlon, East Side Fab/EDIH Saarland and Saaris).
Two expert juries selected the places sought for the finale des Saarland Pitches 2.0. The final pitch in Saarland Pitch 2.0 was launched in the evening of the #saarfari festivals with great interest from the entire festival audience.
All the teams have represented the Saarland site excellently for the Startup scene and with great praise of the Startup Association from Berlin. At this point, we once again express our congratulations to all the winners from the EDIH Saarland team: NIFTEE (Carmelo Lo Porto), Delfa Systems GmbH (Steffen Hau), MicrOmics Technologies (Dr. Andre Holzer), Trustlens (Philipp Dewald), Pontem Pro (Anas Alakkad).
Saarland venture financing company (SWG)
under the umbrella of Saarländische Investitionskreditbank AG (partner) #Saarfari Festival, co-organiser Saarland Pitch)
In Saarland, the SWG finances the companies of tomorrow and is actively seeking to maintain the region’s innovative capacity and competitiveness by providing venture capital, but above all also know-how to help start-ups and start-ups in Saarland.
Since 1997, the SWG has accompanied a total of 65 investee companies, focusing on technology companies in various sectors. On average, it receives approximately 4 holdings of up to EUR 2 million per year (see https://swgmbh.de/ for more information on the large offer).
In addition to their active part in the organisation of the #Saarfari Festivals as co-organiser of Saarland Pitch 2.0 by Madeleine Selina Adam were also available for bilateral exchanges with regional start-ups at the SWG investment manager at the local festival.
Triathlon
as an integrated ecosystem for entrepreneurship, innovation and transfer of the University of Saarland (partner) #Saarfari Festival, co-organiser Saarland Pitch)
With a variety of formats such as the Saarland Accelerator, business start-up seminars, workshops and coaching, Triathlon has been providing a physical venue for the start-up implementation meeting with the Innovation Center since April 2024.
The follow-up of Triathlon for start-ups covers all stages, from the development of ideas from research to the start-up of start-ups and the promotion of growth in later stages (more information on Triathlon’s offer).
East Side Fab. e.V.
(Partners #saarfari Festival)
As an Innovation Hub in Saarland, founded in 2019 by companies for enterprises in support of the Saarland Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Digital and Energy, the East Side Fab also as a partner of the #saarfari Festivals.
The East Side Fab stands for innovation through collaboration – it is primarily about turning ideas into new concepts, prototypes and business models! Industry, SMEs and start-ups together shape the future of tomorrow – for innovation and value creation in Saarland.
By participating in the EDIH Saarland lighthouse project, we are driving digitalisation and networking between companies and start-ups in the wider region, including in the GovTech sector!
Saarland does not have to hide compared to the nationwide start-up scene and is accompanied by other local actors and networks.
Other local actors and networks
BANS
This Business Angels Netz Saarland (Bans) from the Saarland CCI is a network of mentors and investors supporting the start-up scene in Saarland. Around 60 members from a wide range of sectors actively bring their wide range of skills through coaching and mentoring in the regular follow-up of the founding scene.
Saarland Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Digital and Energy (MWIDE)
This Saarland Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Digital and Energy is a key player in the implementation of innovation and research strategies. It coordinates different funding programmes and supports the networking of start-ups with established companies and investors. In addition, the Ministry provides information platforms and advice for young businesses.
The Saarland Plan for Founding (SOG) is a regional network that helps founders move into self-employment. (https://gruenden.saarland/)
The SOG Founding Ambassadors are Saarlandn figures from the founding scene, who either set up a company itself or took over an established company. These voluntary founding ambassadors are appointed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digital and Energy and the Saarland Plan for Founding.
Transformation Fund (TF)
The Transition Fund (TF) is a key element of Saarland’s strategy to promote start-ups. With a budget of EUR 250 million over the next decade, the Fund supports start-ups with capital and expertise. The TF is characterised by a professional fund structure and offers fast and efficient application processes. The focus is on start-ups from Saarland or those transferring their seat to Saarland.
Conclusion and EDIH support for start-ups
The start-up ecosystem in Saarland is characterised by a strong network of different actors working together to attract young innovative companies.
The Transition Fund, support to universities and research institutions, the coordinating actions of the Ministry of Economy and numerous funding programmes create an environment where start-ups can grow and thrive.
This comprehensive support is essential to establish Saarland as a dynamic and future-proof location for innovation.
#Southwest Digital Festival
—Save the Date! (www.suedwestdigital.de )
In this connection, next Great Event in Saarland: The three project initiatives EDIH Saarland, SME Digital Centre and Regional Centre for the Future of AI and Digital Transformation in Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate jointly organise the Southwest Digital Festival on 19 and 20 September 2024 in Saarbrücken.
The programme offers activities related to innovation, technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence for businesses, public authorities and start-ups!
Sources:
Author
M.A. Caroline Mayer-Klein
Project manager East Side Fab, Networking Expert