The state of Hessen and Merck are forming a public-private partnership for a start-up accelerator in Gernsheim

The state of Hessen and the science and technology company Merck have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to setup a start-up accelerator at the future Greentech-Park ‘Fluxum’ in Gernsheim, near Darmstadt.

The common goal is to support start-ups in their technical evolution, business development, and to facilitate partnerships with investors and corporates. The accelerator will provide infrastructure such as laboratory space and technical equipment that will enable the start-ups to grow to a stage of industrial maturity.

Greentech plays a decisive role for the sustainable transformation of the economy. In this regard, Hessen´s minister for economic affairs, Tarek Al-Wazir stated: “By fostering the greentech industry, we are not only focusing on a future-oriented growth sector, but also strengthening Hessen as an industrial location.”

Dr. Kai Beckmann, Member of the executive board and CEO Electronics at Merck added: “Our site in Gernsheim has available space and development opportunities in a designated and approved industrial area. We want to develop this site into a greentech park under the brand name 'Fluxum'. Start-ups as well as established companies in the field of environmental technologies will settle here and create an ecosystem to drive green innovations in business, science and research."

The new building will include laboratories, a technical area and office space. It is expected to be completed by 2025. Until then, Merck will provide transitional space in Gernsheim where young companies can work on their innovations even before the accelerator is operational.