Garage DU: Duisburg's Innovation Cluster Achieves Milestone
Since its establishment in 2022, Garage DU, Duisburg's primary startup platform, has been making significant strides in the innovation sector. With support from the City of Duisburg and organized by Duisburg Business & Innovation (DBI), Garage DU has evolved from a mere ideas contest to a major regional innovation cluster. Key partners such as GEBAG, Sparkasse Duisburg, Wirtschaftsbetriebe Duisburg, Duisburger Versorgungs- und Verkehrsgesellschaft, and Duisport have also been instrumental in its success.
Rasmus C. Beck, CEO of DBI, sees garage DU as a true reflection of Duisburg's dedication to economic transformation, intending to draw startups to the city for diverse projects, establishing it as an innovation hub. This commitment was evident at the recent Pitch & Match event on June 12th, 2024, where a record number of applications were received. From 120 applicants, thirty startups from nine European countries were selected to present their innovative solutions to various challenges.
The third edition of Garage DU places special emphasis on innovation and sustainability, featuring 17 specific challenges for collaborative project implementation. Bernd Wortmeyer, Managing Director of GEBAG, highlights their focus on themes such as climate-neutral building stock, sustainability reporting, and new mobility, showcasing GEBAG's receptiveness to innovation and active participation in four challenges this year.
Lord Mayor Sören Link stresses the initiative's objective of fostering collaboration between startups and established companies, particularly focusing on climate protection and sustainability, which will benefit the entire Duisburg community. Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisport, underscores the crucial role of entrepreneurial spirit in shaping the future of logistics, while Martin Murrack, City Director, City Treasurer, and Head of the Digitalization Department, underlines the importance of software and AI for startups concentrating on climate protection and sustainability — key areas for Duisburg's smart city ambitions. Joachim Bonn, Chairman of Sparkasse Duisburg, reaffirms their commitment to nurturing a startup-friendly environment, acknowledging the significant contributions of startups to local development and sustainable job creation.
This year's edition also introduces transparent reporting on social media, providing detailed insights into the project implementation process. As Garage DU continues to propel innovation and sustainability, Duisburg further solidifies its position as a leading hub for startups and forward-thinking solutions.