On 5 December 2025, the TechnologyCentreDortmund (TZDO) at the start2grow Camp in the innoclub Dortmund and thus right at the centre of the start-up scene!
Our colleagues Dr Joanna Stachnik and Marcel Hildebrand not only introduced the TZDO and its services, but also presented two new construction projects that will further increase Dortmund's relevance as a centre of innovation: the Centre for Integrated Drug Research (ZIW) and the Centre for Integrated Logistics (ZLI).
Centre for Integrated Drug Research (ZIW)
Currently under construction, the ZIW a state-of-the-art research and development environment for companies and start-ups in the fields of life sciences, biomedicine, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals.
The focus is on early-stage drug development and the translation of scientific results into specific applications. Planned are
- Fully equipped S1 and S2 laboratories
- Individual rental units and modern office space
- Proximity to renowned research institutions and companies
- Direct connection and expansion of the Biomedizin Zentrum Dortmund
The ZIW thus becomes a new nucleus for Biomedical drug research in Dortmund and an active part of the growing life science cluster in the Ruhr region.
Centre for Logistics and IT (ZLI)
With the ZLI another centre of excellence is being created in the Technology Park - this time for the future of logistics, supply chain and industrial processes.
Here, founders, companies and research institutions will work together on solutions that address current challenges in the industry - from AI-supported process optimisation and automation technologies to sustainable supply chains. In concrete terms:
- Flexible office and hall space for technology-orientated logistics start-ups
- Access to logistics networks and research and industry partners
The ZLI will thus become a place where future logistics is conceived, developed and transferred into real processes - and in the direct neighbourhood of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics
Our goal: room for innovation - in every phase
Participation in the start2grow Camp was therefore no coincidence: we are specifically looking for young, technology-orientated start-ups who want to work with us to advance the regional innovation ecosystem with ideas, prototypes and the future.
A camp full of practice, networking & expertise
The start2grow Camp offered founders a varied and practical programme - with experts who passed on their knowledge in exciting sessions and interactive workshops.
The programme included, among other things:
- „How to pitch?“ - Storytelling workshop with Sven-Daniel Gettys
- Reverse pitches with VCs and investors such as Dr Daniel Harder (VORNvc) and Tobias Rupprath (NRW.BANK)
Numerous start-ups and founders used the stage for short, concise pitch presentations to introduce their ideas, business models and visions - directly to representatives from the venture capital scene, the business world and the network of start2grow.
The event was an excellent opportunity for all participants to learn more, network and prepare for the competition.
10,000 € TZDO special prize
This year, the TZDO is once again awarding its special prize of €10,000 as part of the competition. With this prize, we would like to specifically support a start-up that impresses with its innovative strength, strength of realisation and social added value.
Good luck to all founders!
We wish all the start-ups taking part in the competition every success, creative energy and the courage to drive their ideas forward.
More about the competition at: www.start2grow.de
Information about the TZDO and our offers: www.tzdo.de
Photos: Dortmund Economic Development Corporation / Andreas Buck
