The SpinLab Group, consisting of SpinLab in Leipzig, RootCamp in Hanover, and ExciteLab in Dresden has been awarded with the “Startup Ecosystem Star Award 2025” in the category: Exceptional Industry Support. The award was presented during a ceremony at the headquarters of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris. The Startup Ecosystem Stars Awards are organized by the ICC and Mind the Bridge, in collaboration with the OECD and the European Commission, and supported by Microsoft. They are among the world’s most reowned recognitions for organizations that measurably strengthen innovation ecosystems.
The award acknowledges the SpinLab Group’s integrated model, which unites multiple specialized innovation hubs across Germany. The three locations are strategically chosen to build on existing industrial and scientific strengths: Leipzig is a leading center for energy management, smart city solutions, and digital health; Hanover stands out with strong expertise in bioeconomy and AgriFoodTech; Dresden is considered one of Europe’s most important hotspots for deep tech, microelectronics, robotics, and semiconductor technology.
This location strategy follows a clear mission: to build and strengthen startup ecosystems exactly where the potential for innovation, technology transfer, and industrial impact is particularly high. The jury also recognized that the SpinLab Group not only empowers startups but increasingly supports established industries in becoming more innovative, especially through its venture clienting approach, which enables companies to adopt and scale new technologies faster.
“We are delighted about this recognition of the intensive work of our teams in Leipzig, Hanover, and Dresden. This award also belongs to the many founders who work hard every day to bring innovation to the market, as well as to our corporate partners who make all of this possible,” says Eric Weber, CEO and founder of SpinLab.
Minister President of the Free State of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, adds: “SpinLab impressively demonstrates why it ranks among the leading innovation hubs in Europe and worldwide. Saxony is a strong technology and innovation region, and institutions like SpinLab are central to our economic strength. In recent years, the outstanding collaboration between universities, research institutions, and startups has created enormous appeal for young talent. It is wonderful to see the important work of the SpinLab team and the founders based here receive international recognition. Congratulations on the SES Award!”
About the SpinLab Group
The SpinLab Group offers startups structured accelerator programs as well as launchpad programs for entering the German market. These programs provide access to coaching, networks, funding opportunities, and corporate partners. The results of this work are reflected in an 87 percent survival rate among supported startups, more than 587 million euros in raised capital and 15 exits. Moreover, the SpinLab Group supports companies in working effectively with startups and integrating new technologies into their organizations through venture clienting. The ecosystem is complemented by the VC fund SIVentures and an internal consulting team (Bitroad) that has already supported more than 100 projects.
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