Start-up Labs Bahrenfeld now open

21 September 2021

Innovation centre to house start-ups in scientific fields - part of Science City Bahrenfeld

The Startup Labs Bahrenfeld became the latest hotspot for start-ups in scientific fields after the opening Monday (September 20, 2021) on the DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) research campus. The innovation centre for deep-tech start-ups will house fledgling companies and founders in physics and biophysical fields. A two-year build costing EUR 17.5 million has led to the laboratories, workshops, offices and meeting rooms on 2,700 square metres. The joint project by DESY, the University of Hamburg and the City of Hamburg will see the Startup Labs become part of the planned Science City Bahrenfeld, which will bring together science, business, living, leisure and recreation in one place.

Startup Labs to combine commerce and science

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, Mayor of Hamburg, remarked: "The future Science City Bahrenfeld offers ideal conditions for scientific institutes, start-ups and innovative companies. We are creating a place near DESY where basic research and clever ideas can be turned into innovative products and applications thanks to the Start-up Labs Bahrenfeld. That is crucial for scientific transfer and for economic growth with innovation as a driver of progress and answers to the most pressing questions of the future."

Start-ups to benefit from DESY research network

Most of the space has already been rented out given the strong need and great demand. Arik Willner, Chief Technology Officer of DESY, said: “Especially in the era of a pandemic, young founders need active support from experienced colleagues in research and industry, if they are to be successful in the long term in economically challenging times.” The DESY campus offers ideal conditions, he added, given the research network involving scientific institutions such as the University of Hamburg and the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter. The diversity of fields covered by the budding companies is huge and ranges from synchronisation systems to individualised tests for diagnosing cancer. Some of companies are absolute start-ups while others are already established on the market.

More projects planned in Bahrenfeld

The news tenants include X-Spectrum GmbH, which builds high-end detectors for research. "Moving in here was a real stroke of luck for us. We can draw on competent contacts for support at all times. Being connected to DESY’s campus infrastructure is a real bonus for us,” said Julian Becker, CEO of X-Spectrum GmbH. Michael Westhagemann, Senator for Economics, commented: "Thanks to the new excellent infrastructure offer, start-ups can be optimally supported with development and networking." The Startup Labs will be flanked by two other projects, the "tecHHub" and the "DESY Innovation Factory" in the Innovation Park, he added.

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