Braunschweig to get new incubator for high-tech start-ups Economic development agency, TU Braunschweig and PTB provide further impetus for the start-up process
Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH is collaborating with Technische Universität Braunschweig and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) to support start-ups in the region. The High-Tech Incubator 2.0 (HTI 2.0) is a comprehensive support programme for high-tech and deep-tech start-ups in the growth phase in Lower Saxony, particularly those in the fields of mobility, information technology, microelectronics, and quantum technology. Deep-tech start-ups are defined as young companies that require significant technological or scientific advances to realise their potential. The project is funded by the state of Lower Saxony as part of the new High-Tech Incubators Directive, which is co-financed by the European Union.
‘I am delighted that Braunschweig has received the state subsidy for HTI 2.0. With this incubator, we aim to set new standards in start-up support and establish Braunschweig as a beacon for high-tech start-ups in Lower Saxony,’ said Mayor Dr Thorsten Kornblum. ‘The consortium of the Economic Development Agency, TU Braunschweig and PTB has an incredibly valuable treasure trove of expertise from which the incubator’s founders can benefit greatly.’
State funding is provided under the new guideline ‘On the Granting of Subsidies for the Promotion of High-Tech Incubators/Accelerators’, with up to €500,000 available annually until the end of 2028. In addition, a total of approximately €8 million will be available for up to 30 selected start-ups over the next four years. The funding comprises 90 per cent equity financing and is granted as a non-repayable grant.
‘With the HTI programme and the financial support available for high-tech start-ups, we are specifically closing the “Valley of Death” financing gap, which many start-ups encounter when they are generating initial sales but lack the capital for rapid growth,’ says Gerold Leppa, Managing Director of Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH, which is responsible for the programme’s legal and administrative implementation. ‘Our goal is to support start-ups with great innovation potential in their transition from growth to scaling up, thereby increasing their attractiveness to investors, creating long-term jobs, and generating new prospects for the economy of Lower Saxony and Braunschweig as a business location.’
‘TU Braunschweig is consistently expanding its support for start-ups in the area of technology transfer. Through our incubator, we aim to provide start-ups with access to cutting-edge infrastructure, scientific expertise, and bespoke coaching. With HTI 2.0, our goal is to promote not only individual company development, but also to strengthen the regional start-up ecosystem and the entire start-up landscape in Lower Saxony,’ says Prof. Dr. Angela Ittel, President of TU Braunschweig. Prof. Dr. Arno Kwade, TU Braunschweig’s Vice President for Transfer and Innovation, adds, ‘By providing targeted support in areas such as business model optimisation and market strategies, as well as offering access to an international network of experts, we are fostering an environment that encourages long-term technology transfer, innovation and growth.’
‘In the new HTI 2.0, we are building on our experience with the state-funded high-tech incubator in Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS-HTI). This strong collaboration between the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Technische Universität Braunschweig (TU Braunschweig) and Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH is a decisive step towards enhancing start-up support and expanding the regional innovation ecosystem within the QVLS-iLabs future cluster,’ said Prof. Dr. Cornelia Denz, President of PTB. ‘As a metrology institute with a long tradition of conducting research and working closely with industry, transferring research into practical applications is very important to us. Our quantum technology competence centre, which provides a laboratory platform for this transfer, is a recent example of this, as well as being an active shaper of the region’s future.’
The project is also supported by a broad network of regional and national players from Lower Saxony’s start-up ecosystem, including Innovationsgesellschaft der TU Braunschweig mbH, which oversaw the HTI Made in 38 bridging programme that expired in March, as well as Quantum Valley Lower Saxony. The programme is scheduled to start in summer 2025.
About the High-Tech Incubator 2.0 (HTI 2.0)
HTI 2.0 is a joint initiative of Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH, Technische Universität Braunschweig and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. Its aim is to provide targeted support for high-tech and deep-tech start-ups in their growth phase by offering comprehensive support services and access to excellent infrastructure. The state of Lower Saxony is funding the project as part of its new guideline ‘on the granting of subsidies for the promotion of high-tech incubators/accelerators’.
About Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH
Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH is the central point of contact for commercial enterprises. The municipal economic development agency was privatised in 2002. With 24 employees and a managing director, Gerold Leppa, it provides the business community with a centre of expertise. Braunschweig Zukunft GmbH offers advice on location issues, permit management, commercial space brokerage, start-up advice and dialogue with municipal departments to the local economy, those interested in relocating to the area and start-ups. The company operates the Braunschweig Technology Park and the Startup Academy for Growth and Innovation (W.IN), and is a member of the Braunschweig Start-up Network.