Bayreuth receives start-up center: contract signed for RIZ!

Bayreuth receives start-up center: contract signed for RIZ!

In a big step for the regional economy, the conclusion of the contract for participation in the Regional Start-up and Innovation Center (RIZ) in Bayreuth was approved on June 27, 2025. This pioneering project, which is being driven forward by the city of Bayreuth and the district, aims to sustainably strengthen the economic structure in the region. The resolution to sign was passed in the city council on June 25th and in the district council today bayreuth.de reported.

The contract not only regulates the financial framework, but also the rights and obligations regarding the district's investment cost subsidy. The district has agreed to contribute 3 million euros to the RIZ and to cover half of the operating costs. This means that young entrepreneurs in particular receive the support they need to implement their business ideas, especially in the technological area Bayreuther Tagblatt highlights.

An innovative place for founders

The RIZ will provide future start-ups with a variety of facilities, including workshops and laboratories. The University of Bayreuth plays a central role in this by overseeing a laboratory in the district for at least three years - a task that is not taken on by the city of Bayreuth. The district council has also decided to set up an expert advisory board for the RIZ in order to actively support the development of start-up ideas and innovations.

A further decision from the city and district council resulted in the original investment volume being reduced from 13.8 million euros to 6.9 million euros. By revising the construction concept, the construction costs were reduced from 25 million euros to 19.9 million euros. This illustrates the commitment of those involved to think progressively and find solutions even in the face of financial challenges.

Future steps and challenges

The next steps include detailing the operator concept and drawing up a shareholder agreement in which the city and the district of Bayreuth have equal shares. The goal is to have the RIZ operational by the third quarter of 2028 and thus create a functional addition to the Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the University of Bayreuth. The support from the Free State of Bavaria and the Oberfrankenstiftung is seen as crucial to the realization of this project.

Developments in the area of ​​start-ups are very popular throughout Germany. Like that Federal Ministry of Finance says Germany plans to invest around 12 billion euros in the venture capital ecosystem by 2030. The framework conditions for start-ups are to be further improved through extensive packages of measures. These efforts support the innovative strength of regionally specific start-up centers and also contribute to strengthening Bayreuth as a business location.

With the new collaboration between the city, district and university, a significant step is being taken for the economic future of the region. The RIZ can serve as a catalyst for fresh ideas and innovative business concepts, which will not only benefit the start-ups but also advance the entire region.