DeveLUP becomes latest start-up centre in Hamburg Metropolitan Region

24 April 2023

Hub in Ludwigslust just an hour's train journey from Hamburg

A brand new start-up centre known as DeveLUP is likely to become a magnet for the pretty little town of Ludwiglust surrounded by a forest and lakes. Up to 30 founders from the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and beyond can find workspaces in a light-flooded building in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. The campus boasts apartments, shops and short distances to key local authorities. "Demand has increased steadily since the opening last autumn. We welcome every application," said Berit Steinberg, Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderung Südwestmecklenburg economic development agency.

Workplaces for viable start-up ideas

Start-ups focusing on sustainability from every industry are welcome. "Whether for transport, climate protection, agriculture and nutrition - any idea that advances our society can be developed and implemented here," said Sabine Winkler, Service Manager for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region with emphasis on innovation and projects in Ludwigslust-Parchim. A fully-developed business plan is not required initially as DeveLUP provides the framework to grow an idea into a viable business model. Founders can also avail of training and coaching services. A mere EUR 100 rent per month per workstation is payable until the actual launch. Then, the rent increases to only EUR 250 thanks to local subsidies.

Experimenting in maker space

Cutting-edge equipment, fast fibre-optic internet, a kitchen, conference room and height-adjustable desks are on hand for founders in DeveLUP while a maker space with tools and a 3D printer are available for experiments. The team helps start-ups to find partners for experiments in factories or in the field. "We take an extremely flexible and agile approach. DeveLUP's range of services is developed proportionate to founders’ goals," said Winkler. Südwestmecklenburg GmbH helps spin-offs from DeveLUP to find office and commercial spaces.

Shared Office im Gründungszentrum DeveLUP

Good connections and short distances

"People who have left our district for an apprenticeship and want to return are a particularly welcome target group," said Henrik Wegner, Co-ordinator of DevLUP. Ludwigslust-Parchim has a train station on the Hamburg-Berlin line and can be reached from surrounding cities in just over an hour making it attractive even for founders without roots in the region. "We also offer a strong network as well as short and fast routes to local government, the building authority and to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce," Winkler stressed.

DeveLUP business incubator to boost regional strength

Speaking during the opening of DeveLUP, Reinhard Meyer, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister for Economics, remarked: "The start-up centre can become a nucleus of innovative jobs in the region.” However, DeveLUP’s success hinges on its competitiveness as other start-ups and co-working initiatives such as the Prignitz Technology and Business Centre in Wittenberge or in Perleberg are also striving to attract budding entrepreneurs to their areas. "We are pleased to boost this trend towards working in rural areas with DeveLUP," said Wegner.
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