With the new digital platform Scaleup Hamburg for open innovation challenges, the city’s economic development agency, Hamburg Invest, is creating a central hub for companies to highlight specific innovation needs and find suitable startup solutions from Germany and abroad.
© Hamburg Invest
Scaleup Hamburg has already proven its worth through pilot projects
The platform is aimed at companies in Hamburg that are working strategically on innovation topics, tapping into new technologies and seeking to boost their competitiveness through collaboration with innovative partners. Through the tried-and-tested venture clienting approach, they gain access to new solutions and products with low risk and minimal investment. Scaleup Hamburg’s offering includes:
Digital tenders for proposals addressing specific challenges
Visibility amongst national and international startups
Support in establishing standardised innovation processes through best practices, studies and templates
A matching marketplace for innovation service providers offering needs-based consultancy support
Free access for all user groups
Through the Scaleup Hamburg platform, startups gain direct access to current innovation needs from Hamburg-based companies and have the opportunity to apply directly with their matching solutions - creating value for both sides. The platform is free to use.
The first pilot projects from 2025 have already demonstrated just how diverse the use cases can be – ranging from reducing food waste and sustainable delivery solutions to safety solutions in public transport. Corporate partners to date include Beiersdorf, the Wünsche Group and Hamburger Hochbahn. Dr Rolf Strittmatter, Managing Director of Hamburg Invest, sums up the platform’s aim: “Companies facing similar challenges can network, exchange experiences and work together on innovations – regardless of sector or company size. This leads to practical solutions that benefit all those involved.”
“The ability to successfully put innovations into practice is increasingly decisive for the competitiveness of companies and business locations. Scaleup Hamburg strengthens the innovative capacity of our companies and, in doing so, the future viability of Hamburg as a business location.”
Dr Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economic Affairs, Labour and Innovation
