More Founders, More Capital, More Visibility: The Future of the Startup Scene in Northern Bavaria

Published on March 18, 2026

Germany’s startup scene is often associated with Berlin or Munich. However, other regions are also increasingly developing into relevant technology hubs. Northern Bavaria - especially Nürnberg - is one such example.

In an interview with Benjamin Bauer, CEO of ZOLLHOF in Nürnberg, it becomes clear that the region already has many of the ingredients needed for a successful startup ecosystem: strong research institutions, industrial partners, capital, and an active community. What is often still missing, however, is stronger networking, greater visibility, and the willingness to start new companies.

Benjamin knows both sides of the startup world. He is a founder himself and now supports startups in his current role. In his view, the conditions for successful tech startups in the region have long been in place.

“We have the talent here, the technologies, the universities. We have great companies, and the capital is here as well. But we need to bring these threads together so that something meaningful can emerge.”

According to Benjamin, these connections are the key to building a strong startup ecosystem—not only in Nürnberg, but across Germany as a whole.

A Strong Ecosystem Emerges Through Networking

Many successful startup hubs do not develop purely by chance. Often, it is individual initiatives or organizations that begin bringing people together and gradually build an ecosystem step by step.

This is exactly where ZOLLHOF comes in. In addition to directly supporting startups, the organization focuses on developing new businesses collaboratively and connecting key players such as founders, investors, and corporations. In many cases, all these resources already exist in a region, but they are not yet working together closely enough.

In the interview, Benjamin clearly describes the initial situation that ultimately motivated him to support startups in the region through ZOLLHOF:

“I always saw that the region had great technology startups and founders, but the ecosystem was missing to some extent. People would meet more or less by chance.”

At the same time, a lot has already changed in recent years. Organizations like ZOLLHOF are actively driving this development forward. These networks are not only creating new connections but are also increasingly leading to concrete projects—for example, regional investments in startups or collaborations between young companies and established firms. This creates an environment where startups can find the right partners to build successful businesses.

Challenges Facing the Startup Scene

Despite the positive development, Benjamin still sees several challenges—not only for Northern Bavaria, but for Germany’s startup ecosystem as a whole. One of the most important priorities is inspiring more people to become founders.

“We need more founders. We have to inspire people to start companies.”

Entrepreneurship needs to become more visible in schools and universities so that more people see it as a realistic career path. At the same time, it is important to communicate a realistic understanding of what it actually means to build a startup.

In addition to talent, capital also plays a crucial role. In regions with strong mid-sized industries, Benjamin sees significant potential to increase investment in startups.

“There is capital sitting there, and many people approach us and say: we want to invest - we just don’t know how.”

If more regional investment can be mobilized for startups, it could significantly accelerate the development of the local startup ecosystem.

Tech Trends and the Future of the Startup Scene

Alongside structural challenges, many new technology fields are currently emerging in which startups can grow. Benjamin sees particularly strong potential in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, robotics, and healthcare.

Nuremberg also benefits from strong international research institutions, universities, and colleges. These institutions regularly generate innovation and new ideas. However, the crucial factor is ensuring that these ideas increasingly lead to startups—and eventually to successful long-term companies.

If the region succeeds in connecting its existing strengths and continuing to draw momentum from the tech community, Nuremberg is likely to further establish itself as a major startup hub in the long run.

“In five years, I see Northern Bavaria as a region where we have at least doubled the number of new startups.”

Benjamin Bauer knows the startup ecosystem from different perspectives: as a founder and now as CEO and Co-Founder of the ZOLLHOF Tech Incubator. With this experience, he works to strengthen connections between founders, companies, research institutions, and investors, helping further develop the startup ecosystem in the region. Initiatives such as the Nürnberg Digital Festival also contribute by bringing the tech community together and creating new momentum for startups in Bavaria.