The metropolitan region’s startup scene has what it takes – the Nürnberg Digital Festival makes it visible

Published on June 04, 2026

Bavaria at the top and Nuremberg right in the middle

The fact that Bavaria is leading the way when it comes to startup culture can now be measured. The “Europe’s Leading Startup Hubs 2026” ranking by the Financial Times and Statista evaluated 180 hubs in 39 countries – based on surveys of founders, investors, and researchers, as well as an analysis of the economic success of supported startups.

Four of the top 10 are from Bavaria. UnternehmerTUM ranks first. Start2 Group ranks second, BayStartUP third.

And right behind them: ZOLLHOF – Tech Incubator at number 37 out of 180 evaluated hubs! At the opening of the Nürnberg Digital Festival on June 22, 2026, Dr. Judit Klein, Head of Startups at ZOLLHOF, will join as a keynote speaker and bring the startup perspective directly to the stage.

11 days of festival – also by and for startups

11 days, more than 220 events, no boundaries. And right in the middle of it all: real founder substance. Events by and for founders, organized by the people who are building the region’s ecosystem. These include startup centers from Nuremberg, Erlangen, and Ansbach. Formats that are open – whether you have an idea, are in the early stage, or are already scaling up.

Two ZOLLHOF events that are a particularly good fit:

June 25 – Tech Day: AI in Business (ZOLLHOF)
How are startups and companies really using AI today – not as a promise, but as a tool? ZOLLHOF shows practical applications.

June 25 – AI Between Trust & Deception (ZOLLHOF)
What AI can do. What it only pretends to do. Anyone building or founding something should know the difference.

The ecosystem is here. NUEDIGITAL makes it accessible.

Here’s what many people do not have on their radar: the startup ecosystem of the metropolitan region is strong. ZOLLHOF is among Europe’s top 40, alongside other active startup centers such as OM7 and ANsWERK.
They, too, are contributing more exciting events, including:

June 25 – Klee-Center Open House (City of Nuremberg Economic Development)
Doors open at the Klee-Center: anyone who wants to see how startup activity is organized in Nuremberg will get a direct look behind the scenes.

June 25 – OUT OF THE GARAGE (OM7)
Out of the idea stage. The push that makes the difference between “I have an idea” and “I’m doing this now.”

June 27 – Startup Café (ZAM Center for Exchange and Making)
No pitch. No application process. Just a conversation about an idea – open to everyone.

July 1 – ANsWERK Connect (ANsWERK Digital Startup Center)
Startups are not just a Nuremberg topic. ANsWERK shows how far the metropolitan region’s ecosystem really reaches.

July 1 – NKubator Innovation Night (City of Nuremberg Economic Development)
An evening for everyone who is building something – or wants to find out who else is building.

Most importantly, the Nürnberg Digital Festival brings us together once a year, and as a founder, you should be part of it. Get inspired, make connections, and see what others are building.
The startups emerging in the region today help shape what tech will look like here in ten years. That is another reason why a nearly free festival with a low barrier to entry is so important. It is more than a nice offer: the Nürnberg Digital Festival opens the door to a connected ecosystem that, among other things, helps launch startups and paves the way forward.

Your entry point into the ecosystem

The Nürnberg Digital Festival 2026 runs from June 22 to July 2. It offers a diverse, hands-on program, and most events are free.

You can find the full program HERE. Are you a founder, or are you specifically looking for startup-scene events? Then the best place to look is in the Business & Innovation, Marketing & Communications, or Data Science & AI tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nürnberg Digital Festival free?
Yes. Most events are free for participants. Registration for individual events is available via nuernberg.digital.

Who is the Nürnberg Digital Festival for?
For everyone interested in tech – whether from business, research, society, or the startup scene. Founders and anyone who wants to become one will find input, inspiration, and a network at the festival that is unmatched in the metropolitan region.

What is the connection between the Nürnberg Digital Festival and ZOLLHOF?
ZOLLHOF is a cooperation partner of the Nürnberg Digital Festival. We are pleased that startups receive visibility at the festival and that aspiring founders have the opportunity to learn directly from the scene.