tech
FT ranking: Europe’s leading start-up hubs 2026
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
TL;DR
- The 2026 ranking highlights Europe's leading start-up hubs, with Germany featuring the top three.
- Munich-based UnternehmerTUM ranked first for the third year, followed by Start2 Group (also Munich) and BayStartUP (Nuremberg).
- The ranking considered 180 hubs across 25 European countries, with the UK, Germany, and Spain having the most recognized hubs.
- Methodology included alumni evaluations of mentoring, training, infrastructure, legal assistance, networking, and funding opportunities, alongside expert and track record scores.
- Hubs had to operate since at least 2021, maintain a physical location in Europe, and run at least one incubation or acceleration program to qualify.