Strategy III - district
research with AI
Key Selection Criteria for the Best District
Proportion and Number of People with Disabilities
Socioeconomic Structure (Low Level of Education, Unemployment, Senior Citizens)
Degree of Digitalization and Need for Support Services
Proximity to Government Agencies, Social Services, and Hospitals
Rental Prices and Economic Development Potential
Accessibility (Public Transport Connections, Barrier-Free Access)
​
​
Analysis:
Top 5 Districts for an AFAI Digital Center
​
1. Berlin-Mitte
Advantages: Central location, numerous government agencies, strong social infrastructure.
Target Group: High proportion of people with support needs, including residential homes, senior citizens, and migrants.
Suitability: High (pilot location with political signaling)
​
​
2. Berlin-Neukölln
Advantages: Very high proportion of people with language barriers, Hartz IV recipients, and migrants.
Target Group: Strong need for bureaucratic assistance.
Suitability: Very high (social hotspot, many opportunities for cooperation)
​
​
3. Berlin-Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Advantages: Older population, many people with physical disabilities, affordable rents.
Target group: Seniors, long-term unemployed, people in need of care.
Suitability: High (scaling potential at low costs)
​
​
4. Berlin-Reinickendorf
Advantages: High proportion of people with disabilities, many nursing facilities.
Target group: Seniors, people in need of care.
Suitability: Medium to high (good complement to other locations)
​
5. Berlin-Lichtenberg
Advantages: Affordable housing, increasing social challenges, good infrastructure.
Target group: Socially disadvantaged groups.
​
Suitability:
Medium to high (development potential)
​
​
Recommendation:
Start with a pilot center in Berlin-Mitte or Neukölln to achieve political visibility or maximum impact. Then scale up to Marzahn-Hellersdorf and Lichtenberg to ensure access for broader target groups and minimize fixed costs.
​
1. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
The No. 1 startup hotspot in Berlin (especially around Skalitzer Straße, Wrangelkiez, and Media Spree).
High demand for advice and funding for solo entrepreneurs, creatives, and migrant entrepreneurs.
Many co-working spaces and a tech scene.
Suitability for AFAI Funding: Very high
​
2. Berlin-Mitte
Center of the digital economy, many young companies, tax advisors, and funding consultants.
High density of advice centers and start-up offices.
International target group with language barriers and funding issues.
Suitability for AFAI Funding: Very high (especially for internationally oriented services)
​
3. Neukölln (northwestern part)
High start-up rate among migrants, many solo entrepreneurs.
Creative industries meet structural funding needs.
Low entry barriers for affordable ADC locations.
Suitability for AFAI Funding: High
4. Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Incubator "Innovation Campus" around Südkreuz.
Many micro-enterprises in consulting, healthcare, education, and IT.
A mix of funding access and gaps in funding.
Suitability for AFAI Funding: Medium to high
​
5. Pankow (Prenzlauer Berg & Weissensee)
Many freelance creatives, coaches, designers, and therapists.
Funding for the self-employed (e.g., start-up grants, continuing education) is frequently applied for.
​
Digital affinity + desire for automation.
Suitability for AFAI Funding: Medium to high
​
Conclusion & Strategy
If you focus on "self-employed + funding," the ideal order is:
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Berlin-Mitte
Neukölln (North)
Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Pankow
District Profiles in Detail
1. Pankow
Biotechnology & Healthcare: The BiotechPark Berlin-Buch is one of the largest technology parks in Germany, focusing on biomedicine and biotechnology.
Crafts & Startups: High proportion of small, traditional craft businesses and an active startup scene.
Digital State Library Berlin
+4
Wikipedia – The Free Encyclopedia
+4
Wikipedia – The Free Encyclopedia
+4
Business Location Center
2. Mitte
Startups & AI: Center of the digital economy with numerous startups and AI initiatives.
Artists & Creative Industries: High density of artists and creative companies.
​
​
3. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Startups & Creative Industries: Known for its vibrant startup scene and creative industry.
Artists: High concentration of artists and cultural institutions.
Business Location Center
+1
Wikipedia – The Free Encyclopedia
+1
4. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Technology & AI: Home to numerous technology companies and AI research institutions.
Biotechnology & Startups: Active startup scene in the biotechnology field.
Business Location Center
5. Neukölln
Crafts & Artists: Strong presence of craft businesses and artists' studios.
Startups & Creative Industries: Growing number of startups and creative companies.
​
​
6. Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Crafts & Commerce: Traditionally a strong district for crafts and commerce.
Biotechnology: Development of biotechnology initiatives and institutions.
Conclusion & Recommendations
For the AFAI funding pillar, it is recommended to focus on the districts of Pankow, Mitte, and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, as these districts have a high concentration of funding applications in the relevant sectors. These districts offer a dynamic environment for startups, the creative industries, skilled trades, and biotechnology.
In Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Neukölln,
argeted programs for technology, AI, and creative industries should be developed. Marzahn-Hellersdorf offers potential for supporting skilled trades and businesses.
​
A detailed analysis of specific funding programs
and close cooperation with local economic development agencies can further increase the effectiveness of AFAI funding initiatives in these districts.
