Potsdam: Innovation stronghold of the future – start-ups are shaping change!
Potsdam is considered an innovation location with a creative ecosystem, excellent science and lively start-ups.

Potsdam: Innovation stronghold of the future – start-ups are shaping change!
Potsdam – a place full of possibilities
What makes Potsdam one of the most exciting places for innovative minds and entrepreneurial talent? Loud Potsdam.de The city is not only a dynamic business location, but also a hotspot for creativity and progress. Here you will find excellent scientific institutions, future-oriented companies and a lively start-up ecosystem that boasts a high start-up rate.
The MediaTech Hub, the only competence center for media technologies in the country, is a prime example of Potsdam's innovative strength. Here, companies, start-ups and research institutions work hand in hand on the latest media innovations. In addition, over 40 scientific institutions have pitched their tents in Potsdam to develop solutions for the pressing challenges of our time. Innovations in the areas of life sciences, climate research and sustainability are sprouting like weeds in the Potsdam Science Park and the Albert Einstein Science Park.
Energy for the future
Another important aspect is the city's role in the UNESCO Creative City Network, specifically as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. This is supported by the cultural diversity and cinematic innovation that Potsdam represents internationally. The “Map of Competencies” impressively shows the density of innovative strength and scientific know-how that come together in Potsdam. This is available free of charge from the Economic Development Office - an excellent resource for anyone interested in the city.
EU initiatives to support start-ups
But what about the broader European context? The EU faces major challenges such as sustainable green and digital transformation. This is where innovative solutions come into play. Like that Steinbeis Europe Center reports, start-ups, especially in the deep tech sector, are important drivers for such developments. Unfortunately, the EU lags behind in these areas compared to alliance partners such as the USA.
As part of the INNOVATE-EU project, the EU now wants to strengthen and connect five local innovation ecosystems. The aim is to close the innovation gap and promote exchange between different regions, such as Baden-Württemberg, Lithuania and Aragon. This also provides targeted support to promising deep tech start-ups in order to exploit their potential.
Innovation through networking
Direct support for these start-ups includes training and comprehensive knowledge exchange. The Steinbeis Europe Center coordinates the project and takes care of connecting innovation ecosystems in Europe. With project financing of 1.46 million euros as part of Horizon Europe, strong synergies are being leveraged to increase Europe's competitiveness.
Would you like to find out more about the events and developments in the MediaTech Hub? On the MTH website You will find current information and details about upcoming conferences.
Potsdam shows how cooperation and creative ideas can benefit not only the city itself, but also the entire European innovation landscape. Anyone who starts a business and conducts research here is investing in a great future. And who knows, maybe you will soon be a part of what makes Potsdam so special!