"Start-up Rhein-Erft" (short title: SURE!) is a funded project whose objective is to operate targeted startup ecosystem development in the medium term by setting up a startup support network in the administrative disctrict Rhein-Erft-Kreis in order to increase its qualities as an attractive business location.

The network will connect numerous know-how providers from business, higher education and administration in order to link knowledge and competence stocks for all-round consulting of startup companies on a case-by-case basis.

Through the use of two specialized startup coaches, companies will be offered professional mentoring and consulting services free of charge.
The Rhein-Erft-Kreis borders Cologne to the west and has just over 500,000 inhabitants.
The development of the network/ecosystem takes place against the backdrop of structural change in the Rhenish mining area and is financed by subsidies from the state of North Rhine-Westfalia.