The German Startup Association has published a study focusing on GreenTech. It highlights the sector’s importance for Germany’s future development in the fields of energy, mobility and industry, but also identifies shortcomings. With 170 GreenTech startups, Hamburg is one of the most important hubs.
The GreenTech Monitor 2026 is a special analysis of the German Startup Monitor 2025 and contains data on a total of 2,903 young companies, representing just under 13% of all startups identified in Germany. The largest locations are Berlin (549), Munich (222) and, as mentioned, Hamburg. In 2025, 312 new GreenTech startups were founded nationwide, with a good third of these falling within the energy sector. The absolute figure is roughly on a par with the previous year, but given the overall rise in founding numbers – up 29% on the previous year – the trend is downward.
Close collaboration with universities and companies
In many areas, GreenTech startups achieve above-average results, including in terms of support from universities and research institutions. 62% of those surveyed have received such support. Across all sectors, the figure is just 51%. When it comes to collaboration with established companies, the lead is even greater, at 69% compared to 56%. The picture also appears positive at first glance when it comes to financing. 51% of GreenTech startups have received external funding, compared to only 39% overall. Just under a quarter of all venture capital invested in Germany went into this sector.
However, this is not enough to compete at eye level internationally. The GreenTech Monitor has calculated a funding gap of almost 1 billion euros per year. Nevertheless, optimism prevails: 75% of the GreenTech founders surveyed rate Germany as a more attractive location than other European countries, compared to just 61% overall. In summary, it can therefore be said that, despite some shortcomings, GreenTech is one of the most promising sectors in the German startup ecosystem.
