The newly published Startup Report by the German Startup Association confirms in black and white what we witness daily at the MediaTech Hub Potsdam (MTH): the power of innovation in our region and the media industry is growing rapidly. The current figures paint a clear picture of Potsdam as a firmly established start-up hub and underscore the growing symbiosis between media technology and artificial intelligence.
Potsdam has once again proven itself to be one of the leading powerhouses for founders in a nationwide comparison. In the current analysis of per capita start-up density, the state capital holds an outstanding 5th place across Germany. In doing so, Potsdam has not only left major cities like Cologne and Hamburg behind but has also improved further compared to its already strong position in the previous year.
Comeback of the Media Industry However, it is not just the location that is thriving; our relevant sectors are also recording impressive gains. According to the report, the media sector is experiencing a significant comeback. In 2025, new start-ups in this area rose by a substantial 25 per cent. With a total of 133 new start-ups, the sector is once again one of the key drivers within the German start-up ecosystem.
AI and MediaTech: An Inseparable Bond The detailed look at the technological orientation of these new companies is particularly exciting. The report makes it clear that MediaTech is now almost inconceivable without artificial intelligence. AI acts as the decisive growth engine here. In the media industry, 31.6 per cent of all new start-ups already utilise AI as the core of their business model. In the advertising sector, this figure is even higher, at over 55 per cent.
The combination of media technology and artificial intelligence is the defining field of the future for our industry. The fact that Potsdam is at the forefront of this development is both an incentive and motivation for us for the year ahead.
