NXTGN Startup Factory is expanding: Tübingen, Freiburg, and Hohenheim are joining the initiative
The NXTGN Startup Factory is expanding its consortium to include three additional universities from Baden-Württemberg. Going forward, the University of Tübingen, the University of Freiburg, and the University of Hohenheim will also be part of the state-wide innovation platform. With this expansion, NXTGN is strengthening its scientific foundation and expanding its network for technology-oriented startups and the transfer of knowledge and technology.
The initiative’s goal is to more quickly transform research findings into marketable companies and to foster closer ties between small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and academic institutions.
Three Universities with Different Strengths
Each of the new partners brings its own research focus to the network.
The University of Tübingen is one of Germany’s leading centers for AI. Through the Tübingen AI Center and its participation in Cyber Valley—Europe’s largest research consortium for artificial intelligence—it is strengthening the field of AI and digital technologies in particular.
The University of Freiburg complements the consortium with its expertise in the life sciences, sustainability research, and its high level of innovation. It is one of Germany’s most prolific universities in terms of patents and participates in several Excellence Initiatives.
The University of Hohenheim contributes its expertise in the fields of bioeconomy, agricultural sciences, and FoodTech. According to the Gründungsradar 2025, it ranks among the top three medium-sized universities in Germany for startup activity.
A Stronger Network for Startups and SMEs
With the addition of these three universities, their startup and technology transfer centers will be more closely integrated into the NXTGN ecosystem. Researchers and startup teams will gain access to a broad network of industrial companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, investors, and innovation partners.
At the same time, NXTGN is expanding its scientific expertise, tapping into new technology fields, and strengthening its regional presence within Baden-Württemberg.
Innovation Platform for Baden-Württemberg
NXTGN sees itself as the state’s central innovation platform, connecting academia, industry, and the startup ecosystem. The goal is to accelerate the transfer of scientific findings into successful companies and thereby strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Baden-Württemberg as a business location.
The consortium now includes, among others, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the universities of Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Ulm, Tübingen, Freiburg, and Hohenheim, the Stuttgart Media University, IPAI, Campus Founders Heilbronn, and NXTGN Management GmbH as the operational unit.
With this expansion, the network continues to grow into one of Germany’s largest academically-backed innovation platforms.
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