The SouthwestX Ecosystem — Research, Industry & Capital

The southwestX Ecosystem

Regional roots. National network. Global reach.

Europe's strongest AI research cluster. A national Startup Factory. A living Franco-German cross-border ecosystem - active across Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, France and Luxembourg, connected to partners across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. A community where innovation and entrepreneurship are lived every day.

Stronger connections for greater impact.

The ecosystem is already here. southwestX makes it work as one. Founders, startups, corporates, investors, universities and research institutes, ecosystem facilitators, political partners and international networks - all active in one place. With dedicated programs, shared formats and cross-border collaboration, southwestX turns proximity into collaboration and collaboration into results.

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Research & university partners

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Corporate & industry partners

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Active startups & ventures

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Countries in the network

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How we are connected

One ecosystem. Three layers of connection.

Regional core

Our home base across Saarland, Rhineland-Palatinate, Luxembourg and France. This is where we operate day to day, where industrial depth meets scientific excellence, and where most of our partners, programs and ventures are based.

National embedding

A direct link to Startup Germany: southwestX is both a Startup Factory and a de:hub location. Together with further national initiatives, this anchors us firmly in the national startup landscape.

Global reach

With a strong base in France and Europe, southwestX reaches into selected international markets - including South Korea, India and the Middle East. This opens access to research, talent and opportunities worldwide.

One connection. Strong network.

Whatever your role - founder, investor, researcher or corporate - the ecosystem is already assembled. One connection gives you access to the right people, programs and partners ready to engage.

Research that reaches the market

Move from scientific potential to market traction, backed by the programs, formats and partners that close the gap between research and industry - with early access to emerging DeepTech before it reaches the open market.

A community where innovation lives in practice

southwestX is an active community - founders, researchers, corporate innovators, investors and ecosystem builders working side by side in shared programs, co-creation formats and cross-border events. The ongoing network that keeps momentum between milestones.

Operate beyond borders

Active partnerships in Europe and beyond give direct access to relationships that would take years to build alone - first pilot projects, market entry, technology partners and global talent

Startup Germany

Part of Germany’s innovation network

southwestX is a federally selected Startup Factory and the de:hub Artificial Intelligence in Saarbrücken. Startup Factories bring science-based ventures from research to market - ten across Germany, southwestX among them. de:hub is Germany's largest innovation network, with 25 thematically focused hubs that connect industry, SMEs, startups and science. Being part of both is rare - and opens unique opportunities, from federal innovation programs to curated startups, deal flow, research partnerships and a credible entry into Germany's innovation system.

Become part of the southwestX ecosystem

Whether you are a founder building a venture, a researcher turning science into reality, a company looking for partners, an investor exploring new ground, an institutional partner or a talent finding your place - the southwestX ecosystem is open for you. Together, we shape what comes next: new companies, new technologies, new ways of working across the region and beyond.

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