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Würzburg is becoming an exciting start-up hub: ZOHO Factory opens its doors!
Nuremberg is becoming the center for start-ups in Franconia: The ZOHO Factory is planning innovative start-up centers with the University of Würzburg.
Würzburg is becoming an exciting start-up hub: ZOHO Factory opens its doors!
There is a lot of work being done on a new start-up landscape in northern Bavaria: the region should become a marketplace for innovative ideas and young companies. Loud Radio gong The Nuremberg start-up center “ZoHo Factory” will launch the first start-up factory in northern Bavaria in cooperation with the University of Würzburg. The aim is to establish Franconia as a leading center for founders.
The plan calls for decentralized “factory labs” to be created at a total of four universities in the region. Construction of one of the first facilities is beginning in Würzburg at the Hubland campus. By the end of 2026, the factory will not only provide creative space, but also create 20 to 30 jobs where students can develop prototypes for technical devices made of wood or using 3D printers. The cooperation promises a wide range of possibilities, such as assembling electronic components or programming AI software for drones.
A strong network for young entrepreneurs
The initiative receives support from over 20 regional entrepreneurs as well as strategic partners such as Siemens Energy and Sparkasse Erlangen. The project will be funded by the federal government with up to ten million euros over five years, according to a report by University of Würzburg. The award ceremony for the “EXIST Lighthouse Competition Startup Factories” recently took place in Berlin, where the ZOHO Factory was recognized as one of ten prize winners.
Matthias Bode, Vice President of the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, emphasized the importance of this development for the university's founding culture. With an investment of 20 million euros from private funds and federal funding, a strong foundation is being laid for founders. In order to gain a foothold in Europe, additional locations are planned in cities such as Paris and Madrid.
Growing start-up culture in Bavaria
The initiative fits into a high-growth context, as more and more start-up centers are being created in Bavaria. An example of this is the Alte Schlosserei in Aschaffenburg, which supports aspiring entrepreneurs with digital business ideas. These centers not only offer advice and coaching, but also coworking rooms and conference facilities, as on Founderland Bavaria can be read.
The signs are good that Northern Bavaria will soon be perceived as a startup hub not only nationally but also internationally. Start-up culture is being rethought here - and the opportunities for creative minds couldn't be better.