This ranking of Europe’s leading start-up hubs, now in its third year, recognises the top centres providing programmes to help people build or grow a company.
Germany is home to the top three hubs in the 2026 list. In first place is Munich-based UnternehmerTUM for the third year running. Founded in 2002, it has incubated more than 1,000 companies.
Start2 Group, also in Munich, takes second place, with its strong international presence across 18 countries. BayStartUP in Nuremberg, which comes third, stands out for its consistent track record in connecting early-stage founders with financing opportunities across Bavaria.
This year’s list covers 180 hubs in 25 countries across Europe. UK, Germany and Spain were home to the most winners overall.
To create the ranking the FT co-operated with the data and research company Statista as well as Sifted, the FT-backed media start-up that covers European tech.
