Ecosystem
The BRYCK Startup Alliance is a joint initiative
Stronger Together: Shaping the Future of Industry in the Ruhr Region
This one-of-a-kind alliance is bringing together science, business, innovators, and investors to create an unprecedented opportunity to boost economic growth on both regional and national scale.
Our vision is to create a leading European innovation hub for science-based deep tech startups, driving sustainable economic transformation.
The BRYCK Startup Alliance is among the Top 15 in the “Startup Factories” competition, a government-backed initiative to develop world-class startup centers to unlock the full startup potential at universities. We want to become one of Germany’s Startup Factories!
Our lighthouse for Germany’s startup ecosystem
Our Goals:
Technology transfer and spinoffs
We accelerate the launch of high-growth startups and breakthrough technologies that address both current and future challenges.
Market launch and growth of startups
We help startups launch and scale by providing better access to industry, funding, talent, and mentors.
Co-Innovation between startups, corporates and investors
We facilitate collaboration between startups, corporations, and investors at the earliest stages.
Vibrant startup ecosystem with international appeal
We strengthen international visibility and connections, attracting top talent and investors to the Ruhr region from across Europe.
Turning the Ruhr Region into Europe’s Deep Tech Powerhouse
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
The Ruhr region has unique potential to lead the next wave of industrial transformation.
The BRYCK Startup Alliance is here to bring that vision to life.
The future depends on new technologies and bold solutions that will:
- Tackle global challenges
- Maintain international competitiveness and prosperity
Why the Ruhr Region?
A unique concentration of universities, research institutions, and talent, offering unmatched potential for innovation
22 universities and colleges
The highest number of universities of any metropolitan area in Germany
248.000 students
The largest population of students in Germany
150 research and innovation centers
A launchpad for breakthrough ideas
A high industrial and corporate density with great market potential for deep tech startups
160.000 businesses in the Ruhr region
**One-third of Germany’s “Hidden Champions” ** („Hidden Champions”) are based in North Rhine-Westphalia.
100 of these world-leading companies („Hidden Champions”) call the Ruhr region home
As Germany’s largest urban area and the fifth-largest in the EU, the Ruhr region is the ideal launchpad for startups looking to scale
53 cities with over 5 million people
A central location in NRW and Europe
The BRYCK Startup Alliance will enable a powerful and holistic range of services across all phases of the startup journey.
Education & Inspiration
Engaging students and researchers in entrepreneurship
Incubation
Helping teams turn their ideas into successful businesses
Acceleration
Fast-tracking pilot projects and guiding startups through growth stages
Economic Success
Connecting startups with key customers, partners, and investors
A Platform for Innovation & Startups
- We will build a central hub where students, researchers, founders, investors, and businesses can connect, collaborate, and grow.
Startup & Entrepreneurship Programs
- We will provide hands-on support to startups through every stage of their journey, turning early ideas into success stories.
Funding & Investment
- We will create opportunities to invest and facilitate investments with our extensive network of investors.
Corporate Partnerships & Co-Innovation
- We will help startups collaborate with established businesses, leveraging the full potential of the BRYCK Startup Alliance.
A Space Built for Startups
- From co-working areas to makerspaces, labs, and event spaces—we provide the infrastructure startups need.
High-Impact Events
- We host various events that increase visibility and connect the ecosystem on regional, national, and international levels.
Initiators
BRYCK
Since 2022, the innovation and startup center has provided support for more than 100 startups from 20+ countries. 80% of these startups seeking investment secured funding and 75% of these supported startups found new customers after graduating from BRYCK programs.
RAG-Stiftung
One of Germany’s largest foundations, RAG-Stiftung is backing the BRYCK Startup Alliance with up to €10 million in privately managed funding, paving the way for a new era of innovation.
University Alliance Ruhr
Home to 110,000 students and 14,000 researchers, Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, and the University of Duisburg-Essen form the epicenter of Germany’s academic excellence.
Initiativkreis Ruhr
Bringing together over 70 leading companies and institutions, this regional business alliance is designed to build a thriving, sustainable, and future-ready Ruhr region.
Team
Our Network
