For the start-up radar, all state and state-recognized private universities were asked about their performance in promoting start-ups. Based on the points awarded in six different categories, three separate rankings were compiled for large, medium-sized and small universities, with Leipzig University listed among the large universities (more than 15,000 students).
In the overall ranking, Leipzig University collected 47.38 out of a possible 60 points. It was thus able to build on its result from the previous Start-up Radar in 2022 (46.4 points, 20th place) and achieved the best ranking among the major universities in Central Germany.
The start-up radar has been implemented by the Stifterverband in cooperation with and with the financial and technical support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection since 2012. The evaluations are intended to support universities, politics and business as well as science sponsors in recognizing how far the start-up culture at a university has developed and where there is still potential.
SMILE - the start-up initiative of Leipzig University, supported by the SEPT Competence Center at the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, has been supporting start-ups from the academic and scientific environment since 2006. SMILE is funded by the European Union, the Free State of Saxony and the participating institutions.
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More information about the Startup Radar 2025
Source: Leipzig University 2025, Nina Vogt.