NXTGN - for the Next Generation Mittelstand

Gründermotor has renamed itself Startup Factory as part of the application process. Now it is time to build the new innovation network NXTGN together with our partners and pursue our goal: a successful, innovative and closely networked next generation of SMEs.

OUR offers

NXTGN connects start-ups, science and business

We are your innovation boost

We promote talent in the field of innovation, help to realise start-up ideas and help start-ups to grow. We also accelerate B2B start-ups through SME matchmaking and the support of experienced founders.

Our alumni start-ups

Over 1000 start-ups have already taken part in our programmes. You can find many of them in our overview.

Together we put theory into practice

We provide a platform for a profitable exchange in entrepreneurship research and teaching.

Our partners from the world of science

Our network includes all universities and colleges in Baden-Württemberg that are strong in start-ups.

Together we strengthen the SME sector

We strengthen the innovative power of SMEs by promoting the exchange of best practices and links with start-ups.

Our partners from the business world

We can count many of the strongest medium-sized companies from Baden-Württemberg among our partners.

You actually wanted to go to Gründermotor?

Wondering where the Gründermotor page has gone? It's right here! That's because Gründermotor has changed its name - as part of the currently emerging network and the Startup Factory application.

You can see the open Delta Report 2023.
LIGHTHOUSE COMPETITION

NXTGN network applies as Startup Factory

Five to ten lighthouses, known as startup factories, are to provide a central point of contact for innovations in Germany. Under NXTGN, we are currently building a network to become one of these startup factories and thus the lighthouse for Theänd.

Our network is made up of:

Logo KIT
University of Stuttgart
Logo Heidelberg University
University of Stuttgart
Logo HdM
Logo of NXTGN GmbH
Logo IPAI
Logo Campus Founders
Vector
Balluff
Festo
Vector
Logo Mätch VC
Faces of Our Ecosystem

NXTGN in the spotlight: What our network says

Prof Dr Steffen Reik
Ulm University of Applied Sciences | #academicpartner
"All players in the Baden-Württemberg startup ecosystem are pursuing the same major goal: to produce more successful startups. NXTGN pulls many threads together here and forms the supra-regional network that develops potential through synergies and mutual support and helps us to achieve this goal together."
Bettina Lichtner
AOK Baden-Württemberg | #corporatepartner
"Access to knowledge, the latest technologies and trends strengthens our competitiveness and creates added value for our policyholders, but also supports us in sustainable developments through environmentally friendly and socially responsible solutions."
Benedikt Ilg
Founder and CEO of Flip | #startup
The right network is priceless. After all, founders are doing many things for the very first time. The right partners help you to learn from past experiences, get new food for thought and open the right doors.''
Prof Dr Christina Ungerer
University of Konstanz | #academicpartner
"NXTGN has become an integral part of Baden-Württemberg - I am part of the ecosystem, broadening my horizons through the initiative's excellent programmes and events and getting to know people from business, politics and science who are passionate about start-ups."
Alexander Wehrle
VfB Stuttgart 1893 e.V. | #corporatepartner
"Like VfB Stuttgart, NXTGN is focussing on young and wild people, striving for innovation and bringing together strong partners for a successful future in our economic region."
Prof Dr Alexander Brem
University of Stuttgart | #academicpartner
"Successful start-ups are created when the right people with the most promising ideas come together at the right time. Being able to support this motivates me and is fun. And I always learn something new."
Junior Professor Dr Theresa Veer
University of Tübingen | #academicpartner
"The NXTGN network is a real game changer for the academic world! The direct exchange with innovative founders inspires my research and allows it to grow beyond the ivory tower. What's particularly exciting is that our proximity to politics opens up new opportunities to translate scientific findings into concrete policies."
Steffi Blumentritt
Knowledge Factory | #communitypartner
"A good network is so important, as a lively exchange accelerates start-ups, new business models are created and excellent partnerships are forged. We need this in the Ländle, in Germany and throughout Europe for our future.
Dominik Meyer
Novatec | #corporatepartner
"Modern technologies, methods and business models are no longer topics from Silicon Valley, but have long since arrived in the centre of THE LÄND. Novatec sees itself as an enabler to support the 'next generation of SMEs' in these areas. A functioning network is crucial for this."
Andreas Brauchle
Horváth | #corporatepartner
"Our region is full of potential. NXTGN is the catalyst to realise all that potential!"
Maresa Schleich
PwC | #corporatepartner
"We are partners with NXTGN in order to discover new synergies between innovation managers. The access to the regional innovation ecosystem and the direct exchange with the founders and their developments give us new perspectives."
Prof Dr Nils Högsdal
HdM | #academicpartner
"A good network is so important because a network is more than the sum of the individual players. Not everyone can do everything themselves, but needs to know someone who can help."
Marion Wagner
Würth Elektronik eiSos Group | #corporatepartner
"The close dialogue with other corporate partners, the insights into science and, of course, the direct access to innovative start-ups with exciting developments are very valuable for us. We also always get to know new perspectives and learn from them."
Prof Dr Bettina Merlin
Heilbronn University | #academicpartner
"As a university that places great emphasis on entrepreneurship, we have the ideal partner in NXTGN, which supports us in our work with its large network, organises top-class events and strengthens networking with other universities - that really helps us all move forward."
Selina Lehmann
MAHLE New Ventures | #corporatepartner
"This network is an absolute must for any company in "THE LÄND" that wants to increase its innovative strength by collaborating with start-ups."
Nils Blume
EnBW Innovation | #corporatepartner
"As an energy supplier from Baden-Württemberg with more than 10 years of innovation experience, supporting start-ups "in the state" is very important to us. In NXTGN, we have a great partner that connects corporates with startups, strengthens and inspires the startup landscape in Baden-Württemberg."
Wolfram Schnelle
Vegetable ring | #corporatepartner
"A good network is important because it's the only way to 'think outside the box'. And because it can lead to projects that we wouldn't have thought of otherwise, but that still help us move forward."
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