Hamburg wins Startup Ecosystem Stars Award

Thanks to GovTecHH and an experimental award guideline, Hamburg simplifies cooperation with startups and technology companies - internationally recognized in Paris.

Paris, December 2024 - The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg was honored at the Startup Ecosystem Stars Award in Paris for its outstanding achievements in the field of venture clienting. The Hamburg startup unit GovTecHH of the Senate Chancellery impressed in the "Innovative Procurement" category with its efficient procurement processes and promotion of technological innovations. Together with the public IT service provider Dataport, GovTecHH is working with start-ups and technology companies in an uncomplicated and modern way to drive forward the digitization of public administration.

We need access to innovations and new technologies in order to remain fit for the future as a metropolis. Start-ups and scale-ups play an important role in this. We are creating the right framework conditions so that young, innovative companies can emerge and grow in Hamburg.

Christian Pfromm, Chief Digital Officer Hamburg

One important step is the introduction of an experimentation clause in the procurement directive, which reduces bureaucratic hurdles and accelerates the implementation of new technologies. GovTecHH is already working successfully with start-ups in pilot projects, for example to optimize the distribution of charging infrastructure for e-cars.

Winning the Startup Ecosystem Award once again underlines the attractiveness and strength of the Scaleup Hamburg program. With this program, we are specifically promoting cooperation between local industrial companies and international start-ups.

Dr. Rolf Strittmatter, Managing Director of Hamburg Invest

Hamburg's commitment shows how successfully cities can promote innovative solutions in order to position themselves as a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

The Ecosystem Stars Award

With the Startup Ecosystem Stars Award, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Mind the Bridge organization annually recognize cities and regions that achieve outstanding performance in building and promoting innovation ecosystems. The award highlights initiatives that specifically support start-ups and technology companies in order to promote economic growth, digital transformation and sustainable innovation. The award is a significant international seal of approval for forward-looking strategies and programs that enable startups to grow successfully and establish their solutions in new markets.