Kick-off at the hei_INNOVATION Startup Hub: Welcoming the First Tenants

July 4, 2025
published by hei_INNOVATION

On June 23, 2025, a first soft opening took place at the new hei_INNOVATION Startup Hub from Heidelberg University. The Vice-Rector for Innovation and Transfer, Prof. Dr. Katja Patzel-Mattern, officially welcomed the first tenants to the recently opened location at Tiergartenstraße 15. The evening focused on pitch presentations by the start-ups, EXIST teams and EXIST Women scholarship holders, who are already working at the Startup Hub. The teams then had the opportunity to network with each other and with the hei_INNOVATION team in a relaxed atmosphere.

The hei_INNOVATION Startup Hub offers start-up teams with a connection to the university around 55 modern offices, co-working spaces and a lounge area. Start-ups, spin-offs, EXIST-funded teams and young companies from Heidelberg University’s environment - including its medical faculties - are welcome. The aim is to create a professional, creative and at the same time low-threshold environment for entrepreneurial thinking. Currently 50% of the space is already occupied.

Several start-ups, that have already registered their company headquarters at the Startup Hub, presented themselves at the soft opening. The presentations were complemented by EXIST teams that have already moved into their offices or will do so in the summer. EXIST Women scholarship holders also gave insights into their start-up projects. The ideas ranged from digital diagnostics and biotechnology to medical innovations and AI-supported applications, providing a promising start for the new location.

As a last pitch, Angela Queisser from the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) gave a preview of the TechLäb4U, which will go into operation in the summer of 2025. As one of four technology labs created as part of the European university network 4EU+, it will offer start-ups access to innovative infrastructure such as 3D printers, laser cutters, an electronics workbench, virtual reality equipment and other development tools. The TechLäb4U complements the space in the Hub with practice-oriented technology development and strengthens the bridge between science, prototyping and market application.

With the Startup Hub, hei_INNOVATION is creating a central location for innovation, exchange and entrepreneurial thinking at Heidelberg University. In addition to infrastructural support, community formats such as START UPeritivo, the Female Founders Brunch and other new event formats are planned for the future.

The official opening of the hei_INNOVATION Startup Hub is planned for the autumn of 2025. It is already clear that the new location is getting people, ideas and entrepreneurial energy moving in the Neuenheimer Feld.