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” (SES Award) 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 prestigious 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.
Alexander Türpe, Managing Director of ExciteLab in Dresden,says:“Being honored with the SES Award shows that Saxony is no longer an underdog in innovation. It’s becoming one of Europe’s deep-tech powerhouses. At ExciteLab, we help founders move faster, scale smarter, and connect with the right partners to turn ambitious ideas into global success. This award celebrates the collective effort of our ecosystem with the SpinLab group and we’re just getting started. The best is yet to come."
Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer: "The SpinLab Group impressively demonstrates why it is one of the leading innovation hubs in Europe and the world. Saxony is a center of technology and innovation – institutions like SpinLab are of central importance 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 that the important work of the team and the founders based here is also being recognized internationally. Congratulations on the SES Award!"
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.