The Gateway Factory emerged from the innovation hubs of RWTH Aachen, Gateway Universities of Cologne, and HHU Düsseldorf. We're proud to call these three of Germany’s leading university locations together with the Start2 Group as our consortium partners. United by a shared vision, we set out to create a place where groundbreaking research meets entrepreneurial drive. → Explore all Partners and Enablers
Since October 2025, we are one of the ten official Startup Factories in Germany, selected and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). For us this means a huge recognition on our mission to make Europe a global deeptech powerhouse.
Why we exist?
Europe has the research. Europe has the talent. But Europe still lacks the structures to scale.
The Gateway Factory closes this gap by connecting science, startups and industry to accelerate DeepTech solutions that matter.
We give founders the space, network, and support to transform complexity into clarity, and potential into performance. That's why we are truely confident, that we can offer a deeptech program that fits you and supports your unique scaling journey! → Explore our Horizontals and Programs
What drives us?
We're here to drive Europe to reinvest not only in bold and ambitious ideas, but most importantly in deep technology innovation, and furthermore in building a sustainable future that creates a better tomorrow for generations to come. We’re driven by the belief that real innovation starts deep: - By founders for founders: We've walked the path. We know what it takes. -Science meets scale: We turn research breakthroughs into market-ready ventures. - Europe first, global by design: Build here. Scale everywhere. - Impact over hype: Real innovation takes time, depth, and guts.
Want to learn more? Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our work, values, and the startups we support.
What's our dual misson?
Our dual mission: bridging corporates and SMEs with innovative startups in their growth and traction phase. We connect Europe’s brightest scientific minds with leading industry players, mentors, investors, and infrastructures to accelerate innovation.
By fostering collaboration across research institutions, corporates and entrepreneurial talent, we create a flywheel of growth: startups gain access to capital, customers, and expertise, while established companies tap into cutting-edge technologies.
Made in the Rhineland, built for the world — we turn ideas into impactful companies and position them for international success.
The Faces Behind the Factory
Behind every program, report, and event stands a passionate team of entrepreneurs, scientists, and ecosystem builders. We are united by one mission: to make Europe the best launchpad for DeepTech innovation.
