Weeks 32 & 33: Science & Startups ranks 12th in List of Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs, ProValid moves into its Second Round, News from Noah Labs

In 2025, Science & Startups was ranked 19th; in 2026, it has secured 12th place in the Financial Times, Statista and Sifted ranking of Europe’s leading start-up hubs. This rapid rise is a special honour, as it is based, amongst other things, on the honest assessments of the founders who got their start at Science & Startups. Perhaps Berlin’s start-up hub will climb a few more places in 2027 – and you can help make that happen by taking part in the current survey: Start_UP_Hubs_Alumni

From 10 August to 5 October 2026, researchers and small and medium-sized enterprises based in Berlin can once again apply for the ProValid funding programme with their projects. Projects must still be in their early stages and therefore not yet ready for the market. Funding is available for validation activities such as technical feasibility studies, prototype development or market potential analyses. ProValid was launched to bridge the funding gap between research and commercial application. The programme is commissioned by the State of Berlin and administered by IBB Business Team GmbH. Apply now: ProValid Forschungsförderung | IBB Business Team GmbH

Health-tech start-up Noah Labs is a finalist in the Falling Walls Venture 2026 competition, making it one of 25 companies selected from 370 entries from 60 countries. On 6 November, the team will take to the stage at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin to deliver their pitch, entitled “Breaking the Wall of Heart Failure”, and compete for the Science Breakthrough of the Year 2026 award. The Falling Walls Foundation is the patron of the event and brings together science, business and society to create forward-looking impact. Tickets for the summit are available at: Attendees 2026 | Falling Walls