Berlin's university network:

an innovation powerhouse for 
startups

Our network combines the resources of Berlin's leading Universities of Excellence into a dynamic network for founders, investors and policymakers. With 1,700 mentors and 130,000 potential co-founders, Berlin offers one of the most connected startup ecosystems in Europe.

Science & Startups Launchpads

Specialized support for every scientific field. Each Launchpad connects you with the right infrastructure, expert mentors and network for your specific industry, from AI to communication to sustainability.

AI

AI NATION

At AI NATION (formelrly K.I.E.Z.), we are dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence with a focus on entrepreneurship. Our mission is to empower AI startups by providing tailored support that fosters rapid and sustainable growth, enabling them to thrive in both European and global markets.

  • Identifying startup potential in AI research
  • Providing targeted support during the incubation phase
  • Offering an AI accelerator program

Quantum

Leap Quantum Technology Hub

Berlin's first Coworking and Event space for quantum technology innovators. At Leap, we aim to connect startups, researchers, corporates, investors, and policy makers to support the growing ecosystem in the region and to promote quantum science in society.

  • Dedicated workspace for startups
  • Event- and workshop space in Berlin Adlershof
  • Incubation/Acceleration programme BERLIN QUANTUM Pioneer

Communications

6G / xG-Incubator

At xG-Incubator we help innovative startups and founding teams in the realm of next-generation communication technologies succeed by providing access to funding, cutting-edge labs, technical, and business expertise. By closely collaborating with the 6G-RIC, we transform groundbreaking ideas into market-ready solutions and empower the future of wireless networks.

  • Connect entrepreneurs with experts, industry mentors, and coaches
  • Business model development, financial planning
  • Create compelling pitch decks for investors and get access to funding

GreenChem

Ecosystem for Green Chemistry

The greenCHEM mission is to create an ecosystem of innovation, which unfolds sustainability impact that is rooted in green chemistry. Characterized by an open culture and equipped with necessary technical infrastructure, we foster technology transfer as well as the realization of creative, forward-thinking ideas.

  • Providing chemistry specific infrastructure and analytics for transfer
  • Bringing together startups, industry, and researchers
  • Alumni network and mentoring for green chemistry startups

Programmes for FOUNDERS

No matter if you’re ideating, working on a prototype or want to assess your market fit: There’s probably the right program for you.

exist Women

Empowers women* through mentoring, coaching and financial support on their path to entrepreneurship and professional independence.
Facts & Figures
  • Qualification support
  • Non-repayable grant of €3,000/person
    • Three months + €2,000 for material cost
    • Personalized coaching, counseling, training, workshops
    • One-on-one mentoring
    • Access to workspaces, events, and a peer-learning program
  • Get additional €150/month for each child when you're a parent.

AI NATION Grant

Assess the viability for AI-based products or startups by focusing on market validation and technical feasibility.
Facts & Figures
  • six-month program
  • up to 54,000 € funding per team; including
    • 2,000 € grant per month per person for up to 3 founders
    • 150 € child support per month per parent
    • up to 16,000 € for materials
  • free co-working space at Science & Startups venue
  • validation support

Berliner Startup Stipendium

Supports founders planning to launch their innovative, knowledge-driven, science- or technology-based business ideas in Berlin. The “Berlin Startup Stipendium – Science & Startups for Democratic Resilience” is funded by the European Union and the State of Berlin as part of the European Social Fund Plus, ESF+.
Facts & Figures
  • Startup support
  • Non-repayable grant of €2,500/person/month
    • For up to 12 months
    • For 2 to 4 people
    • Co-working space on campus
    • Access to business, finance, and mentoring network
  • Access to labs, technical equipment, workshops, master classes

exist Startup Grant

exist Gründungsstipendium supports founders from Berlin's universities and research institutions in the initial stages to transform their startup ideas into successful businesses.
Facts & Figures
  • Startup support
  • Non-repayable grant of up to €3,000/person/month
    • For 12 months
    • For up to 3 people
    • Free office space
    • €35,000 material and coaching budget
  • Access to labs, technical equipment, workshops, master classes, coaching, and consulting

exist Transfer of Research

exist Forschungstransfer supports outstanding, research-driven projects with a "proof of principle" that require further, cost-intensive development.
Facts & Figures
  • Two-phase startup support program
  • Phase I: Non-repayable grant for technical & business development.
    • up to 36 months
    • up to 4 full-time positions
    • up to €250.000 for material resources
  • Phase II: non-repayable grant for further development & initiating business operations.
    • up to 18 months
    • up to €180.000 for project costs

GO-Bio next

Supports life sciences startup projects by advancing R&D concepts to enable spin-offs and sustainable company development.
Facts & Figures
  • Two-phase startup support program
  • Phase I: Non-repayable grant of at least € 2.500.000 for technical & business development.
    • over 30 months
    • more than 4 full-time positions available
  • Phase II: non-repayable grant for further development & initiating business operations.
    • up to 36 months
    • private co-financing is required

AI NATION Accelerator

The AI NATION Accelerator offers six months of support to help incorporated AI startups to achieve their growth goals faster.
Facts & Figures
  • for incorporated AI startups only
  • tailored growth support (business and technology)
  • up to 10,000 € material grant
  • office space at the AI NATION venue in Mitte
  • access to investors network
  • connection to industry partners

Competitions

Test your idea, showcase your research or refine your product for market entry, and win prizes! Participate in Berlin's leading startup and research competitions, from the monthly 100 to 100 Challenge to the Forum Junge Spitzenforschung, covering everything from early-stage student contests to innovation challenges for research-based products and business concepts.

100 to 100 Challenge

Have a groundbreaking idea related to health, climate change, social innovation, culture, or education? Share your 100-word concept with us for a chance to win €100. Five winners are chosen each month. The best entries will be featured at the end of the year and recognized publicly.

Forum Junge Spitzenforschung

Each year, the Forum Junge Spitzenforschung competition - organized by Stiftung Industrieforschung and Berlin universities - honors young researchers with innovative, practical solutions stemming from foundational research. Six winners will share €42,000 in prize money to advance their research projects.

Unlock Your Startup's Potential

Science & Startups offers free workshops for founders in Berlin, covering topics like market strategy, commercial law, pricing and GDPR compliance, designed to build the skills you need to grow.

Find topics, dates, experts and detailed information on our program and topic-specific workshops here.

Our Locations

Berlin is a key European startup capital, where we have built an ecosystem to facilitate startup collaborations across Berlin's Universities of Excellence.

With locations across Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Campus Adlershof, we're right where the research happens.

Services for Businesses and Investors

An entire ecosystem to facilitate collaborations

For Businesses

We help boost your R&D efforts by connecting you with science-based startups from Berlin's universities, creating new products and services together.
You also gain early access to a rich talent pool and innovative technologies ahead of the market.

For Investors

We connect you with promising, research-based startups from Berlin's university ecosystem to strengthen your deal flow.
As a network and event partner, we also serve as your gateway to public funding opportunities.

Services for Partners & Institutions

We help partners and institutions build stronger connections with Berlin's startup ecosystem. By facilitating networking and collaboration with science-based startups, industry partners, alumni and experts, we support the development of new ventures and drive innovation within your organization.

Events

We host a variety of events across the Berlin University Alliance member institutions, including workshops, networking events and startup competitions.

OUR STartups

Meet science-based startups from Berlin's university ecosystem. Click on a profile to learn more on matchem, our startup matching platform.

Contact us

Talk to your 
personal advisor!

Free, equity-free advice, tailored to your startup. Book your appointment today.

Reach out via info@science-startups.berlin or
schedule your appointment right away!