7 Paul-Ehrlich-Straße, Freiburg im Breisgau · 4.2 ★ (10 reviews)
At the Social Innovation Lab in Freiburg im Breisgau, the work of building a better society happens in the open — not behind closed doors. Located at 7 Paul-Ehrlich-Straße, this locally owned and operated space was built specifically to support social entrepreneurs, impact-driven startups, and changemakers navigating the early stages of an idea or venture. Reviewers consistently point to the genuine, hands-on support during the startup phase and an atmosphere that's "open, inspiring, and characterized by a true spirit of innovation" — in their own words. The space brings together meeting rooms, a conference room, event spaces, a community kitchen, and a lounge area alongside practical tools like high-speed Wi-Fi, a printer/scanner, and a projector. Regular community events and networking meetups keep the collaborative energy alive. Business mentorship and a staffed reception desk round out a setup designed less for heads-down isolation and more for people who build things together.
Social Innovation Lab offers Business Mentorship, Lounge Area, Printer & Copier/Scanner, Highspeed Wifi, Reception Desk, Projector, Meeting Rooms, Event Spaces and 3 more amenities.
7 Paul-Ehrlich-Straße, 79106, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
The Social Innovation Lab sits on Paul-Ehrlich-Straße in Freiburg im Breisgau, positioned within the broader Kreativpark Lokhalle district — a cluster of creative, cultural, and civic organisations that gives the area a distinctly purposeful feel. The nearest major transit connection is Freiburg(Breisgau) Hauptbahnhof (Gbf), Freiburg's central rail station, making the location reachable from across the Upper Rhine region and well connected to Basel and Karlsruhe by regional train. The surrounding neighbourhood mixes converted industrial architecture with independent cafés and project spaces, attracting the kind of foot traffic that comes from a city with one of Germany's highest shares of university graduates and a long-standing culture of sustainability-minded enterprise. Whether you're cycling in — Freiburg's extensive bike network reaches this area easily — or arriving by tram, the Lab is a practical and energising base for founders working on societal challenges.
The Social Innovation Lab is located within the Kreativpark Lokhalle at Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 7, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau. The Lokhalle is a converted railway hall and creative quarter — look for the Kreativpark signage on arrival. The lab occupies space inside the complex; visitors should proceed to the main reception/entrance of the Lokhalle building. For specific on-site questions or to arrange a visit, contact Felix Endrejat directly (felix.endrejat@gruenhof.org or +49 761 76993430).
Sophie Friedel
Feb 2026
SIL Freiburg is amazing and helped me with my startup. The atmosphere is open, inspiring, and characterized by a genuine spirit of innovation. Social innovation is truly lived here! With wonderful people, creative ideas, and real support for social projects. I was particularly impressed by the respectful collaboration and the courage to try new things. For anyone who wants to work on sustainable social change, this lab is a wonderful space for growth, networking, and learning. Thank you so much for your support! 💡🌱
Atran Aziatic
Oct 2024
This is the first port of call for social innovation. I found the advice very productive and constructive. Great support during our startup phase. Thank you very much.
tigris skincare
Oct 2024
Selia E.
Oct 2024
Nils
Mar 2024
