Turning European DeepTech into Scalable Business

Connecting research, startups and corporates - shaping the next generation of technology and industry.

For Startups
WhereImpactHappens

southwestX brings together founders, researchers, corporates and investors to turn innovation into scalable ventures.
With structured programs, world-class research partners and cross-border access to France and Europe, we support the full journey from idea to international growth.

Our Ecosystem Highlights

SME Innovation Fast Track

Innovation Journey
Ongoing
A pragmatic, fast entry into corporate innovation - moving from idea to concrete pilot projects in three to six months, tailored to the realities of mid-sized businesses.

Startup Launchpad Saar

Founder Program
June 2026
A focused entry-point program for early-stage founders in the southwestX region - run by Triathlon, fitt and supported by southwestX, with a structured path from first idea to validated venture concept. Currently Saarland only.

southwestX Incubator

Startup Program
ongoing
southwestX Incubator supports selected founding teams over 9–12 months. You build your startup alongside a Venture Team that has founded companies before, with access to leading research, industry and investors. Includes funding from €100K. Currently Saarland only
Two journeys. One ecosystem.

From research to market - structured for Startups and Corporates

Startup Journey
From early validation to international scaling - built for DeepTech founders turning research into companies.
Explore the Startup Journey
Innovation Journey
From technological potential to real-world application - built for corporates looking to turn innovation into business.
Our Core Strengths

Where southwestX creates impact

Excellence in AI
Built on one of Europe's strongest AI research clusters - home to DFKI, CISPA, Max Planck Institutes and leading universities - turning DeepTech into industrial application.
German-French Innovation
As a partnership of leading institutions from Germany and France, southwestX builds programs fostering European cross-border ventures.
Entrepreneurial DNA
Built by founders, for founders. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs and access to WHU’s world-class talent network, we combine entrepreneurial execution with one of strongest founder ecosystems

The southwestX Ecosystem

A strong network across Germany and Europe

southwestX is the startup and innovation ecosystem in the southwest of Germany, connecting the leading universities and research institutes of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate with partners across France and Luxembourg. Through strategic partnerships, research-driven collaboration and strong cross-border networks, we connect startups and corporates with the expertise, talent and market access needed to drive long-term innovation and growth. As part of both the Startup Factories initiative and the de:hub network - two of Germany’s leading innovation initiatives - southwestX is deeply embedded in the national startup landscape STARTUP GERMANY while operating with a strong European perspective. By connecting ecosystems across Germany, France, Luxembourg and beyond, we create new opportunities for venture building, industrial innovation and scalable DeepTech entrepreneurship.
Explore our Ecosystem Get in Touch

Powered by Europe's leading AI research Institutions and Universities
Events and Insights from our Ecosystem
Explore events, reports and perspectives across research, startups and industry - from conferences and demo days to analysis, news and emerging technologies.

Backed by strong corporate partners
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Find your entry point.

Whether you're a founder, a corporate, a researcher, an investor or an institutional partner - we'll help you find the right way into the southwestX ecosystem.
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