In 2025, Fraunhofer IZM strengthened its role as a driving force for innovation and start-up promotion in Berlin. On April 22, 2025, a press conference was held at the institute's own Start-a-Factory, with Berlin Senators Franziska Giffey and Dr. Ina Czyborra. A new pre-seed fund from IBB Ventures was presented, which is intended to provide targeted support for science-based spin-offs in the early stages.

During the press conference, Institute Director Prof. Ulrike Ganesh presented the capabilities of Start-a-Factory as a unique infrastructure for hardware startups: From the initial idea to the first prototype, the laboratory complex supports start-up projects with individual advice and tailor-made solutions.