Germany leads in research, but lags behind in commercializing and scaling innovations...
... to close this commercialization gap (see figure, 2021) and to foster more knowledge-based spin-offs, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy launched the EXIST lighthouse competition "Startup Factories". The Learning & Exchange Center (LEC) supports as a central partner by connecting the Startup Factories and sharing the expertise and best practices of UnternehmerTUM.
If a successful startup center emerges at each of the ten locations, Germany will become one of the world's leading startup nations. All the prerequisites are in place.
Prof. Dr. Helmut Schönenberger, CEO of UnternehmerTUM, Chairman of the Lighthouse Competition Expert Group
Our funding in science and research aims to achieve systematic impact. One of the LEC's core objectives is to establish a tailored impact measurement framework for startup support in Germany.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. Sabine Kunst, Chairwoman of the Executive Board, Joachim Herz Foundation
Our Valued Partners:
Driving Innovation Together
Resources & Insights
Growth Pathways for German
Key levers for unlocking a market potential of €1.7 trillion across the six key technologies of the high-tech agenda, developed in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group and TUM Venture Labs.
From Metrics to Impact
A practical KPI framework for measuring and managing the impact of startup factories across their entire lifecycle, developed by UnternehmerTUM, Boston Consulting Group, Stifterverband, and the Joachim Herz Foundation.
Growth Capital for Deep Tech
Analysis of the capital gap and four concrete levers to strengthen growth financing for innovation-driven companies, supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation.
Mentorship Matters
A guide for startup factories on designing, implementing, and measuring the success of effective mentoring programs, supported by the Joachim Herz Foundation, XPRENEURS, and XPLORE.
Innovation Ecosystem Framework
A toolkit by Stifterverband for scaling regional innovation ecosystems through strategic interventions.
Startup & Scaleup Strategy
Recommendations for the German government's new 2025 Startup and Scaleup Strategy to optimize framework conditions for startups and scaleups in Germany.
Our Contact
Have questions about the Learning & Exchange Center or want to explore partnership opportunities? Reach out to us - we’d love to hear from you!
Let’s Connect!
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Senior Project Manager Learning & Exchange Center
Verena Schottenloher
