In the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence is playing a transformative role in manufacturing, logistics, biotechnology, and automation. For international startups aiming to break into the German and European markets, Dortmund offers an unrivalled ecosystem that blends cutting-edge research, industrial expertise, and strong business networks. Our Go-To-Market program provides AI-driven startups with the ideal foundation to scale, collaborate, and succeed.
Why Dortmund? A Hub for Industry 4.0 and AI Innovation
Dortmund is one of Germany’s leading industrial and technological centers, making it a prime location for AI startups focused on Industry 4.0 applications. With a strong industrial heritage and a forward-thinking approach to digital transformation, Dortmund offers vast opportunities to connect with customers and partners in both B2B and B2C sectors. Situated in the heart of Germany’s Ruhr Metropolis—the largest industrial region in Europe, home to over 5 million people and 160,000 companies—Dortmund also benefits from proximity to South and East Westphalia, home to more than 150 world market leaders across various industries.
Key advantages of Dortmund:
- Excellent infrastructure: Well-connected transport hubs, including a city airport and harbor, ensuring seamless logistics.
- Competitive costs: Affordable living and business expenses compared to other German tech hubs.
- High quality of life: A vibrant, livable city with a thriving tech community.
What else can you expect?
1. World-Class Research and Academic Excellence
Dortmund is home to top-tier research institutions that specialize in AI, data science, and industrial automation:
- Technical University Dortmund – leader in AI, data science, and industrial engineering, integrating AI applications across multiple disciplines since 1991!
- Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Specialises in applied AI and digital transformation projects in smart cities, embedded systems, robotics and acoustics.
- Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence – One of five state funded research centres on AI in Germany, dedicated to cutting-edge AI and machine learning advancements, especially in sustainable and trustworthy AI.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) – A globally recognized research hub for AI-driven logistics, automation, and supply chain innovation, including autonomous robots and drones as well as machine-human interactions.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Software and System technology (ISST) – Specializing in data-driven solutions and sovereign dataspaces enabling secure and efficient data exchange between organizations, a critical element in the Industry 4.0 landscape.
- Institute for Fire and Rescue Technology (IFR) – A pioneering institute developing AI and digital solutions for emergency response and disaster management.
- German Rescue Robotics Center (DRZ) in Dortmund – Specializing in AI-powered autonomous systems and robotic solutions for disaster response, emergency services, and industrial safety applications, providing startups with collaboration opportunities in robotics and automation.
2. A Thriving Industry 4.0 and Startup-Friendly AI Ecosystem
Dortmund is home to a network of established companies and SMEs which jointly with incubators, accelerators, events and funding opportunities build a vibrant startup ecosystem for AI and Industry 4.0 ventures. This proximity to hidden champions and the industry, science and research, as well as strong networks, facilitate finding potential customers, pilot projects, and strategic partnerships within the region and beyond.
- Digital Hub Logistics Dortmund – Connecting startups with corporations and research institutions.
- TechnologieZentrum Dortmund (TZDO) – One of Europe’s largest tech incubators, supporting deep-tech and AI startups with infrastructure and mentorship.
- Innoclub – A new innovation network connecting companies and.
- Young AI Leaders Dortmund Hub – Part of the UN’s AI for Good platform, this community empowers young individuals to drive positive change using AI.
- “Welcome to Dortmund – Package” Includes 6 months of virtual office space and 6 months of on-site workspace to support business establishment.
- Digital Week Dortmund – Annual event showcasing digital innovation, bringing together startups, industry leaders, and academics.
Dortmund offers the perfect combination of research excellence, industry access, and startup support to accelerate your AI business. If you’re looking to enter the German market with your AI-driven solution, our Go-To-Market program provides the resources and networks to make it happen.
Apply now and take your AI startup to the next level in Dortmund!
