Stuttgart's BRYCKE project concludes on July 31, marking three fruitful years of boosting start-up businesses in the city.
The BRYCKE Creative Market, a significant platform for start-ups in Stuttgart, Germany, is set to close its current stationary location in Schmale Straße 9−13 on July 31, 2025, marking the end of a three-year journey that supported around 150 start-ups[1][2]. The closure is due to high costs, personnel expenses, and Stuttgart’s tight budget situation.
However, the city’s economic development department is not letting this be the end of the BRYCKE story. A relaunch of the BRYCKE brand is planned, involving the development of new formats to continue promoting start-ups[1][2]. Notably, there are plans to offer a shop window in the former department store building as part of the BRYCKE brand for start-ups. The coordination of temporary spaces, a proven promotional tool, will also continue under the new format[1][2].
To mark the closure of the existing physical site, the current partner Hotel Central e.V. will host a closing weekend with a panel talk on August 1 and a closing party on August 2, 2025, inviting all interested parties[1][2].
Torsten von Appen, head of the city's economic development, emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities for start-ups to establish, grow, and contribute to the attractiveness of the state capital. He states, "The goal of the relaunch remains to allow start-ups to establish, grow, and enhance Stuttgart’s attractiveness as a business location[1][2]."
Over the past three years, approximately 150 start-ups have presented their innovative products and services at the BRYCKE, taking advantage of the temporary pop-up spaces, individual consulting, and extensive networking opportunities[1][2].
The city's economic development department is committed to ensuring the continuation of start-up support despite the closure of the BRYCKE Creative Market's stationary location. The BRYCKE Start-ups brand is expected to include a showcase in a former department store building, ensuring that the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship continues to thrive in Stuttgart[1][2].
[1] Stuttgarter Nachrichten. (2025, June 1). BRYCKE Creative Market in Stuttgart to close, plans for relaunch announced. Retrieved from https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/wirtschaft/brycke-creative-market-in-stuttgart-schliesst-plaene-fuer-restart-offenbar-16387240
[2] SWR. (2025, June 1). BRYCKE Creative Market in Stuttgart to close, plans for relaunch announced. Retrieved from https://www.swr.de/stuttgart/stuttgart-brycke-creative-market-schliesst-plaene-fuer-restart-offenbar-id216387209
- The BRYCKE Creative Market, initially a significant platform for start-ups in Stuttgart, is set to undergo a relaunch, with plans to continue promoting these start-ups.
- Notably, the new formats for BRYCKE will include a shop window in a former department store building, open for start-ups to showcase their innovative products and services.
- While the physical location in Schmale Straße is closing, the economic development department is committed to the continuation of start-up support, including temporary spaces for promotional purposes.
- Beyond fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping, various start-ups have benefited from the extensive networking opportunities at the BRYCKE Creative Market over the past three years.
- As the city's economic development department emphasizes, the goal of the BRYCKE relaunch remains to allow start-ups to establish, grow, and contribute to Stuttgart's attractiveness as a business location, ensuring the persistence of the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in the city.
