HHL Once Again Germany’s Best University for Founders: Top Spot in the 2025 Startup Radar
HHL remains Germany’s leading university for founders: For the seventh consecutive time, HHL has claimed the top spot in the Startup Radar by the Stifterverband. In the category of small universities with up to 5,000 students, HHL continues to set the benchmark for startup support.
The Startup Radar, published for the seventh time in 2025, analyzes and evaluates the conditions for startups at German universities. This year’s edition focuses on the institutionalization of startup support and long-term strategies for fostering entrepreneurial thinking.
Excellent Startup Support in Six Out of Seven Categories
HHL ranks first among 63 small universities in six out of seven categories, including startup integration, startup qualification, startup support, startup activities, evaluation and monitoring, and networking. The university also excels in startup awareness, setting national standards for entrepreneurship promotion.
We are the top destination for aspiring entrepreneurs in Germany. Entrepreneurship is part of our DNA – at HHL, excellent education, talent, drive, and a strong network come together. Starting a business means experimenting, taking risks, and continuously evolving. We provide the best environment for this. At the same time, we serve as a key economic driver for Leipzig and Saxony.
A particularly positive development is the increase in startup activities at HHL: Between 2021 and 2023, the number of startup projects rose by 28% from 97 to 124. Additionally, the number of female founders has grown significantly, increasing from 30% to 41% over the same period.
The Startup Radar: A Key Indicator for University Entrepreneurship
The Startup Radar is a nationwide study by the Stifterverband that analyzes the startup culture and support structures for startups at German universities every two years. The study is based on 45 indicators derived from both external sources and university surveys. In 2025, 227 universities participated in the survey.
The Startup Radar is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and conducted by the Stifterverband. Until 2018, it was supported by the Heinz Nixdorf Foundation, while the 2020 and 2022 editions were additionally funded by the Marga and Kurt Möllgaard Foundation.
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