BRYCK Startup Alliance: A New Era for Startups in the Ruhr Region Begins
At the Colosseum Essen, the Ruhr region took a bold step in the Startup Factories competition, uniting universities, industry leaders, and investors to build a world-class startup ecosystem. Here's how this partnership intends to make its vision a reality.
Last week, nearly 500 founders, investors, researchers, and corporate leaders gathered at the Colosseum in Essen to witness the official kickoff of the BRYCK Startup Alliance—an initiative that will stablish the Ruhr area as a major B2B Tech powerhouse in Europe.
This event was the moment when months of preparation, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for the future of startups in the region became tangible, as the ecosystem came together to celebrate and support the Ruhr area’s bid in the Startup Factories competition launched by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
A Night of Vision and Momentum
The evening presented a chance to introduce the BRYCK Startup Alliance, highlighting its core vision:
• Strengthening university-driven innovation
• Boosting collaboration between startups and industry leaders
• Increasing venture capital and investment opportunities
• Driving economic growth and job creation
Throughout the event, key partners and stakeholders shared their perspectives on why the Ruhr region is uniquely positioned to become a tech innovation hub as one of the German Startup Factories. They highlighted the region's industrial network, academic strength, and investment potential, employing two of its greatest assets:
• Germany’s densest university landscape, which produces a robust pipeline of research and innovation.
• An unparalleled volume of industrial businesses that offer access to markets and prospects for scalable expansion.
What is the Startup Factories Competition?
The EXIST Startup Factories is a national tender promoted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), aiming to build up to ten world-class startup factories across Germany, turning research-based innovations into successful businesses at scale.
Each Startup Factory is designed as a regional hub for university-driven startups, where pioneering ideas are transformed into market-ready ventures. The competition requires strong partnerships between universities, private investors, and corporations—at least 50% of funding must come from private sources, ensuring a sustainable and high-impact startup ecosystem. The Ruhr region, with its unique mix of top universities and industrial powerhouses, is a strong contender in this race.
Meet the Key Players of the BRYCK Startup Alliance
Building something this ambitious requires strong and committed partners—and that’s exactly what we have. The BRYCK Startup Alliance is backed by some of the most influential players in academia, industry, and investment:
Comprising Ruhr-Universität Bochum, TU Dortmund, and Universität Duisburg-Essen, this academic association connects 110,000 students and 14,000 researchers to the startup ecosystem.
A coalition of 70+ business leaders that provides startups with direct access to industry partners, corporate clients, and experienced mentors.
One of Germany’s largest private foundations, managing around €18 billion in assets, ensuring long-term financial support.
Since 2022, BRYCK has supported 90+ startups, with a 75% success rate in securing investments and corporate partnerships. As the driving force behind the alliance, BRYCK connects founders with the resources and expertise they need to succeed.
Why the Ruhr Region?
For decades, the Ruhr area has been known for its industrial heritage—but today, it’s transforming into a hotbed for tech and entrepreneurship. Here’s why this region has the perfect conditions for a Startup Factory:
University Excellence: With Ruhr-Universität Bochum, TU Dortmund, and Universität Duisburg-Essen, the Ruhr area has Germany’s densest university landscape, producing a steady stream of talent, research, and innovation.
Industry Access: The Ruhr offers unmatched opportunities in one of Germany's most dynamic business environments, with numerous companies listed on the DAX and a strong presence of 100 global players in key sectors like energy, health, chemicals, and logistics.
Investment Potential: With organizations like the RAG-Stiftung, one of Germany’s biggest private foundations with around €18B. under assets and several Corporate VCs the region has the capital to fuel the next generation of high-growth startups.
What’s Next?
The launch event was just the beginning. The BRYCK Startup Alliance is not just about winning a competition—it’s about creating a lasting impact on the region’s startup ecosystem.
Placing the Ruhr in the BMWK Startup Factories program, means:
• More funding for early-stage startups
• Better connections between academia and industry
• Stronger investment networks and international visibility
With the right talent, strong partnerships, and access to funding, we are building an ecosystem where tech startups can thrive, scale, and influence the direction of the industry.
