The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has published an advert inviting bids for the establishment of a Hub Agency. This project forms part of the Digital Hub Initiative presented by Minister Gabriel at the IT Summit in Saarbrücken. A hub is a digital ecosystem with international appeal, in which German and international start-ups, scientists, investors and established companies cooperate with and strengthen one another. Major digital hubs are emerging in several German cities at present. They enjoy a lot of support and commitment by representatives from business, science and government, and are innovation leaders in the sectors represented there. The Economic Affairs Ministry wants to support these hubs, and is seeking people to build up a Hub Agency.

Federal Minister Gabriel said: “In order to network Germany’s main hubs, we are setting up a Hub Agency as a coordinating body. We want to find experts familiar with the start-up scene who wish to use their network and creativity for the German hubs. The Hub initiative aims to do more than bring the hubs with their start-ups and the established companies closer together. It also intends to showcase our strengths to the world. This should make Germany even more attractive as a base for start-ups. Our aim is to attract start-ups, young companies, investors and experts from abroad to come to Germany.”

Minister Gabriel presented the first five German hubs at the IT Summit. Following this, a selection process will open the programme up to between five and seven more hubs. The criteria are for example that companies from the region must be global innovation leaders in their sector, that an incipient start-up community must exist, and that outstanding sector-specific research and education facilities must be available in the hub region. Another precondition is the financial involvement and commitment by the local business community, the state, the city and the scientists.

Hubs can announce their interest in participating to the Economic Affairs Ministry up to 15 March 2017.

The advert for the establishment of the Hub Agency can be found here.

Further information about the Digital Hub Initiative can be found at www.de-hub.digital.