Aalto University 

The Helsinki–Espoo region is a dynamic hub of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in Northern Europe. Finland consistently ranks among the world’s most innovative countries (WIPO, European Innovation Scoreboard), and the capital region is at the forefront of this success. With world-class research institutions, a vibrant startup scene, and a strong culture of public-private collaboration, the Helsinki–Espoo ecosystem is a magnet for tech talent and forward-thinking ventures.

The area is internationally recognized for strengths in deep tech, digital health, AI, cleantech, and circular economy. Espoo in particular is home to a unique concentration of research and business activity, with Aalto University, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and numerous corporate R&D centers in close proximity. 

Slush, held every November in Helsinki, attracts leading venture capitalists, startups, and scale-ups from around the globe, making it a pinnacle event in the startup world. At the heart of this ecosystem is Finland’s highly educated and tech-savvy workforce, known for their commitment and independent work ethic.

Aalto Start-Up Center  

Aalto Start-Up Center is located at Aalto University in Espoo. It is your main host for startup activities in this region. Located within AGrid—Finland’s largest community for deep tech innovation. Aalto Start-Up Center accelerates startups by offering expert guidance, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and access to a global network of partners.  

With more than 25 years of experience, Aalto Start-Up Center specializes in supporting early-stage, deep tech, and impact-driven startups with significant growth potential. Each year, the Center assists dozens of new ventures and spin-offs, which originate from Aalto University’s pioneering research initiatives.

The Center manages a range of specialized programs, including:

• Business Generator Program
• ESA BIC Finland (European Space Agency’s Business Incubation Center)
• ESA Phi-lab Finland (providing €4.4 million in funding and support for geospatial innovation projects)
• Urban Tech Helsinki
• Research to Business
• Aalto Creatives
• Seeds of Bravery
• D2XCEL

These initiatives target critical sectors such as space technology, sustainable startups and cities, the creative industry, support for Ukrainian startups, and the commercialization of academic research.

Events and Ecosystem Engagement

Startups and founders at Aalto Start-Up Center benefit from access to high-quality training, coaching, and mentoring, as well as exclusive networking events and connections to both local and international investors. The Center maintains close collaborations with key ecosystem players, including A Grid, Business Finland, Helsinki Business Hub, Maria 01, KIUAShub, and Startup Sauna, alongside global partners.

International and Cluster Collaborations  

Aalto Start-Up Center and its startups benefit from Aalto University’s extensive international alliances, including Unite!, Nordic Five Tech, and CERN IdeaSquare. The center also takes part in several EU innovation initiatives and startup exchange platforms, enabling ventures to scale globally while staying anchored in one of Europe’s most stable and progressive innovation environments.

Through its integrated model and strong academic-industry interface, Aalto Start-Up Center plays a key role in making the Helsinki–Espoo region one of Europe’s most vibrant innovation hotspots.  

Contact 

Head of Aalto Startup Center 
Marika Paakkala 
marika.paakkala@aalto.fi
Website

Graz University of Technology

Your contact in Graz will be the Entrepreneurship support team at Graz University of Technology dedicated to support start-ups, innovators and (potential) entrepreneurs.  

With eight institutions of higher education - representing an academic community of around 90.000 people of all academic disciplines - Graz is a real student city and is regarded as one of the cities of central Europe and the European Union with the highest quality of life. Our university hosts about 13.000 Students and 2.000 Researchers based on three campus locations. 

Our university offers various support programs for potential entrepreneurs. 

We are collaborating with other local innovation centres and incubators and support start-ups in various ways. Based on your specific needs we will help you navigate throught the exiting opportunities here in Graz. 

Innovation Ecosystem in the Region of Styria

Graz is part of a larger innovation ecosystem that includes several key cluster organizations representing the pillars of the Styria economy. The major clusters in the region are Human.technology Styria (health technologies, medical engineering, and pharmaceuticals), Green Tech Valley Cluster (green innovation), Silicon Alps (electronic-based systems), ACstyria Mobility Cluster, Holzcluster Steiermark (forestry and timber industry) and Creative Industries Styria (innovation across design, media, architecture).

Our university is integral part of this regional innovation ecosystem and actively engages in collaboration. It works with the cluster organizations to support start-ups by providing access to specialized knowledge, industry contacts, and potential funding opportunities. In addition to local clusters, Graz hosts several events and conferences that connect entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

Contact 

TU Graz, Research & Technology House
Mario Fallast 
mario.fallast@tugraz.at
Website

Grenoble INP-UGA

Information coming soon

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Stockholm is one of Europe’s foremost start-up capitals and a global leader in innovation. Ranked among the most innovative regions in the EU and one of the world’s top tech ecosystems, the city is a powerhouse of science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Sweden as a whole is recognized as the second most innovative country in the world (WIPO) and ranks highly in sustainability and impact. Stockholm’s innovation culture is rooted in collaboration, and its mature ecosystem is deeply connected—both locally and internationally.

The city stands out in several sectors including life science and medtech, sustainability and cleantech, new and advanced materials, semiconductors, and mobility. With top-tier universities, strong access to capital, and a deeply supportive infrastructure, Stockholm continues to produce world-changing technologies and companies.

KTH Innovation

Your host in Stockholm will be KTH Innovation, the innovation support unit at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden’s leading technical university. Located centrally on the historic and dynamic main KTH campus, KTH Innovation is situated in one of Stockholm’s most vibrant innovation hubs—where groundbreaking research, student-driven ideas, and deep tech startups converge.

KTH Innovation supports more than 400 new ideas annually and currently has around 500 active alumni companies. With over 20 years of experience, KTH Innovation offers a "one-stop-shop" for early-stage innovations, delivering free and confidential support to people at KTH. This includes:

• Business development coaching
• Access to legal experts and IP professionals
• Co-working space
• Investor matchmaking and funding opportunities
• Mentoring, team development, and co-founder recruitment
• A proprietary innovation framework (KTH Innovation Readiness Level), now used by over 3,000 organizations globally

KTH Innovation focuses on supporting deeptech and research-based startups, and its work has made it a cornerstone of the Stockholm innovation landscape.

Events and Ecosystem Engagement

KTH Innovation is deeply embedded in Stockholm’s innovation community. The team organizes KTH Innovation Collide, a recurring networking event that draws around 500 attendees each time. The event is known for its informal atmosphere and trade-show style format, where 10–15 KTH startups showcase their work. In addition, KTH Innovation regularly partners with major industry players such as IKEA, Scania, Volvo, and Ericsson, and hosts visits from high-profile figures including Daniel Ek (Spotify) and Sundar Pichai (Google).

KTH Innovation also collaborates extensively with other Stockholm-based academic institutions like Stockholm University, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm School of Economics, and Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship, which together represent a diverse academic population across disciplines.

International and Cluster Collaborations

KTH Innovation is an active participant in the broader European innovation ecosystem. As a core member of Rise Europe, it collaborates with leading institutions such as ETH Zurich, EPFL, Imperial College London, DTU Skylab, UnternehmerTUM, and IE Madrid. These partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing, ecosystem building, and access to global opportunities for KTH startups. We are also members of Unite!, CESAER, Nordic Five Tech and more.

Through these international connections, international programs for our startups and local partnerships, KTH Innovation plays a critical role in driving Stockholm’s position as a global innovation hub.

Contact

Viktor Olsson, Internationalisation Lead at KTH Innovation
viols@kth.se
Website

TU Darmstadt

 Darmstadt is considered an ideal location for innovators and start-ups due to its blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and robust support networks. The Technical University of Darmstadt and other leading research institutions foster an innovation-friendly environment, especially for technology-driven start-ups in fields like artificial intelligence. With a start-up density of 9.1 new companies per 100,000 inhabitants, Darmstadt ranks among Germany’s top five cities for new ventures.

HIGHEST is the innovation and start-up center of the Technical University of Darmstadt, serving as a central hub for researchers, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs. It provides comprehensive support—from idea assessment and business model development to securing funding and intellectual property protection—along with access to office and laboratory space, networking opportunities, and specialized training. Recognized as a leading incubator for deep tech and green tech, HIGHEST is an ideal launchpad for ventures with a strong technological or sustainability focus.

The Rhein-Main region offers access to a dynamic economic area with established companies, international markets, and a diverse industry mix. This region is distinguished by its high density of technology companies, research institutions, and investors, making it one of Germany’s most dynamic and economically powerful areas. Key industries include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, machinery, electrical engineering, food processing, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and IT. Its connectivity, proximity to Frankfurt Airport, and strong integration of research and industry make the Rhein-Main region ideal for university spin-offs and technology-driven ventures.

The Startup & Innovation Day—organized by HIGHEST—is an annual highlight for founders, innovators, and the regional ecosystem. Typically held in October, it brings together over 100 exhibitors, inspiring keynotes, and a lively program featuring a start-up pitch corner, networking sessions, and workshops. The event is a unique platform for entrepreneurship, connecting university teams with business, academic, and political representatives. The highlight is the presentation and award ceremony for the TU Ideas Competition finalists, showcasing the university community’s most promising innovations.

Contact 

Sabine Remmert, Head Ecosystem Management & Resources | HIGHEST
sabine.remmert@tu-darmstadt.de
Website

Universidade de Lisboa

Are you planning to explore the Portuguese market and grow your business in a dynamic and supportive environment? If so, Lisbon is the right place for you, and Tec Labs – the Innovation Centre of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon – is ready to welcome and support your entrepreneurial journey.

Lisbon: A Thriving Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Lisbon is a dynamic European capital with a fast-growing tech scene, a welcoming business environment, and strong international connections. Known for its openness to innovation and collaborative spirit, Lisbon has become a hotspot for startups, scaleups, and investors.

The city is home to over 1,500 startups, supported by more than 150 incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces. It attracts significant international attention, in part thanks to major events like Web Summit, which brings together over 70,000 participants from more than 150 countries every year.

Lisbon also benefits from a growing community of tech and digital talent, fuelled by its universities and international appeal. In 2023 alone, Lisbon-based startups raised approximately $800 million, and the ecosystem has grown at an average annual rate of 18%, making the city increasingly attractive for foreign direct investment and entrepreneurial relocation.

With a high quality of life, access to funding opportunities, and a supportive regulatory environment, Lisbon offers an ideal setting for launching and scaling innovative businesses.

Portugal as a whole has proven its ability to generate high-impact companies, with seven unicorns emerging in recent years: OutSystems, Talkdesk, Feedzai, Remote, Sword Health, Anchorage Digital, and most recently, Tekever — a Lisbon-based company specializing in autonomous drones for defence and maritime surveillance. These success stories highlight the strength and potential of the national innovation ecosystem.

Tec Labs: Where Science Meets Entrepreneurship

Tec Labs is the innovation and entrepreneurship centre of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon(Ciências ULisboa). Since its foundation in 1989, it has played a strategic role in bridging the gap between science and business. It combines two complementary missions: acting as a startup incubator and coordinating innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives across Ciências ULisboa.

As a university-based incubator, Tec Labs has supported more than 120 startups and spin-offs. Its main focus areas include emerging technologies, the agri-food and sea industries, health and well-being, and urban mobility and sustainability. Companies benefit from flexible incubation models — from virtual incubation to office and laboratory spaces — and tailored support such as mentoring, business development guidance, and investor access. A key differentiator is the availability of specialised human resources and high-quality laboratory infrastructure, which is rare in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.

Beyond incubation, Tec Labs leads Ciências Ulisboa’s innovation and entrepreneurship strategy, promoting the creation of value from scientific knowledge. This mission is carried out through the ScienceIN²Business® methodology — a comprehensive approach to knowledge valorisation that includes both formal (with curricular units across all three study cycles) and informal learning through capacity-building programmes like the Impact Program. The initiative supports the creation of spin-offs, licensing of intellectual property, and the establishment of partnerships and service contracts.

By actively involving students, researchers, and faculty members, Tec Labs helps bridge the gap between science and society, whether through entrepreneurship, collaborative R&D projects, or technology transfer. Its efforts have already led to the launch of several successful spin-offs associated with Ciências ULisboa, including Delox, Vawlt, KeepIt, and LusoTurf. The team also plays a central role in intellectual property protection and fosters strategic collaborations with industry and other innovation stakeholders.

Ciências ULisboa is part of Universidade de Lisboa (ULisboa) — the largest and most prestigious University in Portugal, and one of the highest ranked in Europe. This connection provides Tec Labs with privileged access to top scientific talent and state-of-the-art research facilities across several disciplines.

Contact 

Daniela Alves, Head of Incubation | Tec Labs
dmaalves@ciencias.ulisboa.pt
Website

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - Barcelona Tech

Catalonia continues to consolidate its position as one of the most dynamic and mature startup ecosystems in Europe. With a steadily growing number of companies, robust investment figures, and a highly international profile, the region presents an ideal environment for entrepreneurship, innovation, and business expansion.

A Dynamic and Expanding Ecosystem

As of 2024, Catalonia is home to 2,285 startups, representing a 9% increase compared to the previous year. These companies generate a combined revenue of €2.34 billion, equivalent to approximately 0.8% of the region’s GDP. This steady growth reflects a healthy, resilient ecosystem with a strong foundation for future development.

International Talent and Global Outlook

Catalonia’s startup ecosystem is characterized by its openness and international orientation:

• 21% of professionals  working in startups are international.
• 20% of startup founders  are foreign nationals, highlighting the region’s attractiveness for global entrepreneurial talent.

This cosmopolitan character reinforces Catalonia's role as a gateway to European and global markets.

A Skilled and Experienced Entrepreneurial Community

A key indicator of the ecosystem’s maturity is that 60% of startup founders have prior experience in launching or managing other startups. This entrepreneurial depth contributes significantly to the strategic development and scalability of emerging companies across all sectors.

Excellence in Deep Tech and Health Innovation

Catalonia stands out as a leader in high-impact innovation:

• 16% of startups  in the region are deep tech companies.
• Priority areas include biotechnology (37%), artificial intelligence (28%), and other emerging technologies.
• In 2024, the health innovation sector attracted €347 million in investment, positioning Catalonia as a major European hub in digital health and biomedical technologies.

A Diversified and Industrially Connected Ecosystem

The startup ecosystem benefits from strong synergies with Catalonia’s industrial and services sectors, as well as with universities, research centers, and public-private innovation platforms. Key sectors include:

• Information and communication technologies (ICT)
• Life sciences and health
• Mobility and smart cities
• Energy and sustainability

Why Choose Catalonia?

Catalonia offers a unique combination of advantages for startups and innovative ventures:

• Strategic location within the European Union
• Access to a highly qualified and multilingual talent pool
• Supportive innovation and business infrastructure
• High quality of life and excellent international connectivity

Catalonia Invites You to Grow

Startups looking to scale, access new markets, or co-innovate in a thriving environment will find in Catalonia the ideal conditions to succeed. The Government of Catalonia is fully committed to supporting the growth of this ecosystem and welcomes new initiatives that contribute to its development and international leadership.  For more information on how to establish your startup in Catalonia, please  contact us .

Contact 

Sonia Touriño, Tech Transfer and Innovation Unit
sonia.tourino@upc.edu 

Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Academic Entrepreneurship Incubator - Your launchpad for innovative business in Wrocław.

The Academic Entrepreneurship Incubator is a support center for individuals aiming to develop their own innovative ventures – whether they are students, PhD candidates, graduates, or university staff. The incubator has been active for over 18 years and has supported the creation of more than 300 companies during that time.

The Academic Entrepreneurship Incubator offers:

• Workspaces: open space areas, offices at preferential rates, and conference rooms located both on the university campus and in the Wrocław Technology Park.
• Pre-incubation and incubation programs, including the intensive GROW UP TECH program with mentoring, workshops, and expert support.
• Legal, accounting, and tax advice, support with grant applications, and business consulting.
• The possibility to register a company using a virtual office address at a preferential rate.
• Networking opportunities: numerous events including Wrocław Tech Date, Made in Wrocław, and participation in international conferences (Hello Tomorrow, Web Summit, Women in Tech, and others).

The Academic Entrepreneurship Incubator is integrated into both the regional and European innovation ecosystems. It is part of the Lower Silesian Academic Entrepreneurship Incubator and participates in international projects (EIT HEI, Horizon Europe), while also developing sectoral innovation programs (e.g. AIDEAS, QuantumShift).

The incubator supports not only technology start-ups (AI, medtech, deep tech), but also companies operating in space technologies, sustainable construction, game development, and many more. It is a place where innovation meets real market needs.

More information: www.inkubator.pwr.edu.pl
Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aip-pwr/ ; https://www.facebook.com/AIP.PWr/ ; https://www.instagram.com/aip_pwr/

Contact 

Anna Górecka, Head of Academic Entrepreneurship Incubator at Wroclaw Tech
anna.gorecka@pwr.edu.pl