Sustainability: Hamburg startups for an environmentally friendly economy

The City of Hamburg counts among Europe’s leading economic, trade and cultural centres and is a breeding ground for startups in the sustainability sector. Hamburg is committed to implementing the United Nations' Agenda 2030 with 17 sustainability goals. Thus, preserving natural resources and a high standard of living is a top priority for the senate.

Given this backdrop, which startups with environment-friendly products and a focus on sustainability are there in Hamburg? Which local institutions offer the right network for collaboration and sharing knowledge? What special funding schemes can startups avail of in the city?

© toern: Jonas Zeuner (CTO) and Alena Schneck (CEO)

Startups for a green economy

Hamburg is home to many successful and promising startups such as toern, which is implementing a resource-efficient shipping procedure in online shops. Instead of sending returned goods back to the shop as good as new, the customer sends them straight to the next purchaser’s address thereby cutting reducing shipping routes and packaging material.

The Recyclabs team also focuses on packaging as merely 40 per cent of PET plastic is recycled in Germany. Recyclabs chemically treats textile and packaging waste, thereby halving the CO2 emissions of PET products. Packaging waste that ends up on the street instead of being recycled is an issue for OCLEAN startup. The not-for-profit company educates people about waste and how to deal with it sensibly. OCLEAN runs team-building workshops on waste prevention and recycling for companies, organisations and schools, and organises sponsored public waste collection campaigns. Meanwhile, the Hamburg-based startup CarbonStack works across sectors to help companies meet their climate change targets. CarbonStack develops reforestation projects as long-term carbon sinks and helps companies meet their climate targets by offsetting their CO2 emissions. CarbonStack's focuses mainly on regional forests.

© Claudia Hoehne: at the Start-Hub of the Körber-Stiftung

Networks and communities for sustainability

Are you looking for an exciting pitch environment for your startup idea and like-minded sparring partners to share knowledge? Many institutions and networks in Hamburg are committed to sustainability and promoting innovation ideas:

Networking events in Hamburg

The Social Entrepreneurship City Hamburg, for instance, brings together stakeholders focusing on the common good. Founders and entrepreneurs under 30 years will find all kinds of incentives for joint learning, networking and founding a future-orientated startup in the Körber Start-Hub. The 105/Viertel and Impact Hub Hamburg are great networks for sustainability startups. The Chamber of Commerce has launched the ‘We act for the Climate’ campaign to enable companies and startups to share their ideas. The highlights include the Hamburg Sustainability Conference on October 7-8, 2024. This conference provides a platform for global sustainability alliances and brings together movers and shakers in politics, business and civil society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rapidly. The conference features panel discussions, workshops and networking opportunities on e.g., sustainable cities, green mobility and renewable energy.

Industry clusters for sustainability startups

Hamburg is home to numerous industry clusters, each of which initiates its own sustainability-related funding scheme: homePORT is an innovation campus in the Port of Hamburg and provides a space in which forward-looking stakeholders in science, technology companies and startups can meet and experiment. The regional Renewable Energy Hamburg (EEHH) cluster focusses on sustainable energy systems of the future, such as hydrogen and offshore wind energy. The Digital Hub Logistics Hamburg puts logistics startups and stakeholders in contact with research and science and opens up opportunities for talks. As a technology centre and incubator for civil aviation research, the Hamburg-based ZAL TechCenter provides cutting-edge laboratories, infrastructure and networking events for sharing and transferring knowledge. The free Sustainable Aero Lab scheme targets startups and research projects in the sustainable aviation industry. Meanwhile, the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft provides coaching and events for companies in the creative industries that are committed to environmental protection and sustainability.

©Hamburg Innovation

Funding schemes for eco-friendly startups

Hamburg offers targeted funding for both startups and established companies in the sustainability sector. The Startup Port is one of the main organisations and supports startups founded as university spin-offs. If you have already founded a startup with an innovative business idea or are planning a sustainability startup, Hamburg Innovation GmbH can advise you on funding schemes and various networking events.

The annual Hamburg Innovation Summit brings together movers and shakers in business, politics and academia to share ideas and explore all the latest trends. The Hamburg Innovation Awards for forward-looking companies and startups, which are presented during the summit, round off the events.

If you are looking for loans or grants, the EU’s funding scheme LIFE might be a perfect match. The scheme subsidises environmental protection and nature conservation projects You can find more information on funding and an overview on Startup City Hamburg and can book an appointment with the Startup Unit there as well. We outline how to attract investors for your startup and the investments available.

Tips for startups with a sustainable business idea

Founders and startups keen to succeed in sustainability, should heed the following tips and best practices:

1. Develop a clear sustainability strategy

Define your mission and vision: Determine your startup’s ecological, social and economic goals. State clearly and briefly how your business idea contributes to sustainable development.

2. Understand market research and customer needs

Analyse your target group: Understand your customers’ sustainability needs and expectations. Identify market trends and requirements to adapt your product or service accordingly. Also watch your potential rivals and learn from their successes and mistakes.

3. Develop innovative and sustainable products/services

Develop products and services that are fully or almost circular to save resources and keep waste to a minimum. Use sustainable materials and production methods that reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

4. Seize funding opportunities

Contact investors who value sustainability and are willing to invest in sustainable business models. Also take advantage of anygovernment and private funding schemes for sustainable startups and projects.

5. Build networks and partnerships

Join sustainable networks and initiatives to learn from the experiences of others and create synergies. Co-operate with other companies, NGOs or research institutions to carry out joint sustainability projects.

6. Transparent communication and marketing

Communicate your sustainability measures and successes transparently to your stakeholders. Tell the story behind your sustainable business idea to gain the trust and loyalty of your customers.

7. Efficient and sustainable operating processes

Launch procedures in your startup that minimise energy and resource consumption. Also ensure that your supply chain is sustainable by working with suppliers who use environment-friendly practices.

8. Continuous improvement and innovation

Establish a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in your business, based on regular feedback from customers and employees. Keep up to date with the latest developments and technologies in sustainability, e.g., through training and by attending exhibitions and events.

Hamburg contributing to a sustainable economy

Hamburg is pioneering sustainability and offers founders, entrepreneurs and investors ideal conditions for developing and successfully implementing a business model. The city has a diverse corporate landscape, institutions and networks, many funding opportunities and sustainable initiative all of whom are committed to building a sustainable and future-proof economy. If you are planning to launch a sustainable startup or have an idea that you would like to develop, Startup City Hamburg offers plenty of consulting and funding opportunities and information about networks and stakeholders among others.

Learn more about Hamburg's startup scene with a focus on sustainability

Get our monthly newsletter