The latest Green Startup Report 2026 clearly shows that sustainable startups are a key driver of climate protection and emissions reduction in Germany. According to the report, green startups produce over 70% less CO₂ emissions than conventional solutions – a significant contribution on the road to climate neutrality by 2045. At the same time, new trend topics such as AI, security and geopolitical resilience are changing the focus of attention on the market – a good time for start-up teams to plan strategically.
Foundation funding: An opportunity that founders can now make greater use of
The results of the report also show that foundations such as the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) are becoming an increasingly important part of the funding ecosystem – alongside traditional federal, state and EU programs, which we already advise on at Startup Port. For example, the DBU has reached a new high with 208 applications for 2025 and offers funding of up to 125,000 euros over two years with no personal contribution.
The Startup Port provides support with orientation and funding selection
At Startup Port, we help you to strategically select the right financing options for your start-up project – from regional programs and start-up grants to foundation funding such as that provided by the DBU.
In concrete terms, this means:
- From the large number of programs (e.g. DBU, EXIST, Hamburg development banks, EU programs), we filter out the offers that really suit your business model and your start-up phase.
- We examine how funding and financing offers can be sensibly combined throughout the start-up process in order to create sustainable and stable framework conditions for your start-up.
- We work with you to structure the financing strategy so that foundation funding such as that provided by the DBU also interacts sensibly with regional and national instruments.
- We provide support with the application process – from strategic positioning to the formulation of a convincing project concept.
Conclusion
The Green Startup Report 2026 shows: Sustainable startups have great climate protection potential – and can develop this even faster with the right funding. Those who now consciously look to funding providers such as foundations will significantly expand their scope for action.
The Startup Port, as the first point of contact for founders from the university and research context, helps you to penetrate the jungle of funding opportunities and strategically utilize funding opportunities such as those offered by the DBU.
Do you need advice? Then make an appointment
