BRYCK: Innovation and start-up center

BRYCK is creating a unique ecosystem for start-ups, research and industry. Supported by the RAG-Stiftung, the initiative aims to advance the energy transition and decarbonization.

Essen, January 2025 - With an ambitious vision and a strong network, the start-up and innovation center BRYCK from the Ruhr region aims to transform German industry in a sustainable way. BRYCK is supported by the RAG-Stiftung, one of the largest German foundations with assets of around 18 billion euros, as well as a broad network of partners from business, science, education, research and politics. The aim is to make Germany fit for the future as an industrial location and to strengthen the competitiveness of the region and the country on a global level.

A strong alliance for innovation

BRYCK has a clear mission: to drive forward Germany's industrial transformation through new technologies and targeted support for start-ups. The center relies on a symbiosis of research, economic cooperation and practice-oriented support. The two initiators and entrepreneurs Philipp Herrmann and Christian Lüdtke, well-known from the German start-up scene, contribute their extensive experience in founding and scaling companies. Both were previously involved in founding the digital consultancy etventure, which was later sold to EY.

We are creating the basis for the industry of tomorrow by specifically promoting start-ups, investing in them and networking them with strong partners. Sustainable innovation can only come about through collaboration.

Christian Lüdtke

BRYCK as a driver of the energy transition and decarbonization

BRYCK focuses on three key economic sectors: Energy, healthcare and industry

These sectors are to be developed disruptively with new technologies and approaches. The focus is particularly on the energy transition and the decarbonization of industry. To this end, BRYCK will be used as a platform to connect start-ups with established companies and jointly develop business models, future technologies and innovative solutions.

The Ruhr region offers the perfect environment for our work. With the highest industrial density in Germany, a large number of universities and research institutions and a large pool of talent, this region has enormous potential that we want to leverage together.

Philipp Herrmann

Partners and successes

The RAG-Stiftung, which has its origins in the German coal mining industry, is the majority shareholder and driving force behind BRYCK. The aim of the foundation is not only to finance the perpetual obligations of the mining industry, but also to promote innovative projects in education, science and culture. Together with BRYCK, the foundation invests in promising start-ups that develop solutions to global challenges.

BRYCK can already point to initial successes. The start-ups that have been supported by BRYCK include

• Greenflash: Develops regenerative energy systems and has successfully implemented a PV system with charging and storage infrastructure at FC Schalke 04.
• vGreens: Builds vertical farms that sustainably produce large quantities of fresh food in a small area. The start-up is currently expanding to Singapore.
• SHIT2POWER: Turns sewage treatment plants into power plants that generate renewable energy or hydrogen from sewage sludge.
• Dubidoc: An Essen-based software solution for medical practices that makes appointment management more efficient and has already completed a successful Series A financing round.

An innovation ecosystem

In addition to the RAG-Stiftung, BRYCK works with a large number of renowned partners, including Initiativkreis Ruhr, the hydrogen hub H2UB, universities such as Ruhr-Universität Bochum and TU Dortmund University, as well as numerous industrial companies and investors.

As part of the German government's "Startup Factories" lighthouse competition, BRYCK was selected together with the University Alliance Ruhr as one of 15 concepts to establish a European B2B tech real-world laboratory for deep-tech startups in the Ruhr region. This program is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and aims to increase the number and quality of knowledge-based start-ups.

Architects of the future from the Ruhr region

BRYCK has positioned itself as a commercial enterprise that thinks and acts entrepreneurially. It deliberately sets itself apart from non-profit start-up initiatives by aiming to generate commercial success.

"Our goal is to build sustainable start-ups that not only grow, but are also commercially successful. With our broad network and close cooperation with politics, science and business, we create the conditions for long-term innovation," says Christian Lüdtke.

Based in the historic Colosseum Theater in Essen, BRYCK will continue to serve as a nucleus for innovation and growth in the future and be a role model for sustainable transformation and entrepreneurial shaping of the future.