Bayreuth: RIZ start-up center secures contract for groundbreaking project

Bayreuth: RIZ start-up center secures contract for groundbreaking project

In an exciting turn for the start-up and innovation scene in Bayreuth, the city and district committees signed a crucial contract for the Regional Start-up and Innovation Center (RIZ) on June 27, 2025. This public law contract regulates important financial contributions and the rights and obligations of the district in relation to the construction project. Mayor Thomas Ebersberger announced the start of the procurement process for the construction of this visionary center, which is intended to strengthen the regional economic structure. The plan is to complete the RIZ by the third quarter of 2028 and interest from construction companies is already high, as shown by numerous expressions of interest.

District Administrator Florian Wiedemann described the RIZ as a strong asset for the city and the district of Bayreuth. Equal sponsorship by the city and district could help develop the RIZ into a location for innovation and act as a lighthouse project for start-ups. It will also be a valuable addition to the Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Bayreuth. The RIZ will also house an additional laboratory in the district, which could provide a further boost to the regional innovation ecosystem.

Supporting the regional economy

The aim of the RIZ is not only to find support for new start-ups, but also to support existing companies in their transformation. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) for Upper Franconia Bayreuth and the district craftsmen's association are strongly committed to the realization of the project. Jörg Lichtenegger, chairman of the Bayreuth IHK committee, emphasizes that the RIZ is intended to build a bridge between well-trained founders and established companies. This could make the city and the district an innovative location with strong networks.

According to the IHK, business start-ups in Germany are currently at a low point. There is a strong need to strengthen Germany's attractiveness as a start-up location, and the RIZ could play a central role in this as a contact point for new technologies and as a space for business cooperation. Entrepreneurs like Stefan Weißflach from SW Color Lackfabrik emphasize the access to new technologies and research results that such a center can offer. Stefan Trassl from Sigmund Lindner GmbH also sees the RIZ as an interface between university and business that could be of great benefit to both sides.

Creation of future prospects

The importance of the RIZ is also underlined by the funding from the Free State of Bavaria and the Oberfrankenstiftung, which is crucial for the realization of the project. A memorandum of understanding for the establishment and operation of the planned laboratory was also signed. The goal: A strong network of creative minds, information about new technologies and a course for the next entrepreneurial steps.

Startup centers can be found in many places in Germany and, thanks to their high survival rate of 90%, are very popular among start-ups and young companies. The RIZ thus promises to create a welcoming home for future innovators and entrepreneurs and could play a crucial role in becoming a thriving business location. Bayreuther Tagblatt provides comprehensive information on this, while the courier and For founders provide important background information on the support and functioning of such centers.