New ecosystem for green startups in Bonn-Rhein-Sieg starts!

New ecosystem for green startups in Bonn-Rhein-Sieg starts!

On May 6, 2025, the universities of the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg region launched a new ecosystem for social innovations and sustainable startups. This innovative project, under the name Sonar-Sustainable, sustainable , is realized with a funding of almost one million euros from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection. The institutions involved are the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, the University of Bonn and the Alanus University of Art and Society.

The main goal of the new impact startup cluster is the support of start-ups that focus on social and ecological issues. The project promotes entrepreneurs who want to anchor the common good in their business models. To achieve this, the impact cluster offers a platform for those interested in start-up and existing companies to maximize their social and ecological effects.

focus on social innovations and sustainable development

The main topics of the project include the Green Economy, sustainable business, circular economy, as well as the areas of games and accessibility. In particular, the cooperation with the Bonn Lab for Analog Games and imaginative Play emphasizes that innovative business ideas are also promoted in game development. The Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences coordinates the network and brings its experience in economic founding advice, while the University of Bonn offers advice on Games and Accessibility and the Alanus University of Applied Sciences focuses on sustainable business.

A central element of the project is the creation of a social innovation ecosystem, which is supplemented by advice and peer-to-peer learning. This interdisciplinary cooperation between the universities is crucial to counter the challenges of the social-ecological transformation in the region and to strengthen a common good-oriented founding culture.

kick-off event and sustainable corporate landscape

The official kick-off event for the project takes place on May 22, 2025 and will present the goals and structure of Sonar. Thanks to the focus on green economy and circular economy, the project is intended to support innovative business ideas and contribute to achieving climate targets. According to the Report by Mein Stuttgart , the relevance of the project for the economic development and the coping with global challenges is not too underestimate.

Green startups have now established themselves as central innovation drivers in the German economy. Around 29 % of all new foundations can be categorized as green startups, as the Green Startup Monitor 2024 . These companies combine economic success with ecological responsibility and play an important role in the German corporate landscape.

The future perspective for these startups remains promising, despite challenges such as the procurement of capital and long evaluation cycles. Innovative business models that offer environmental solutions and close cooperation with industry companies and universities promote the dynamic development in this sector.

The "Sonar" project will not only contribute to the economic promotion of the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg region, but also play an important role in the development of sustainable business models that generate social added value.