News brief from the Hamburg metropolis region

The Hamburg Metropolitan Region, Germany's northernmost metropolitan area, is a bustling hub of diverse industries, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Comprising 20 districts and independent cities, the region is at the forefront of Germany's economic growth, boasting a diverse mix of sectors such as maritime economy, logistics, port industry, aviation, renewable energies, life sciences, chemistry, food industry, vehicle and machinery manufacturing, and media and IT.

One of the region's key innovation hubs is the Geesthacht Innovation and Technology Centre (GITZ). With 10,000 square meters of space, GITZ is home to entrepreneurs and young companies, providing offices, labs, production areas, and workshops. The centre, which dates back to Alfred Nobel's development of dynamite in 1866, continues to foster innovation and growth in the region.

Various new opportunities are being created at different locations in the metropolitan region for businesses looking for space. In Itzehoe, Schleswig-Holstein, the site of the former Gruner/Prinovis printing works is being transformed into a mixed-use industrial and business park, particularly for logistics, production, trade, and light industry. Similarly, in Buchen, about an hour east of Hamburg by car, the Streinkruger Koppel industrial area is being developed with a focus on sustainability.

Regions outside major cities are also demonstrating their potential for success. In the southeastern part of Lüneburg in Lower Saxony, the 34-hectare Bilmer Berg II industrial area is being built with a network of foot and cycle paths. This development is set to attract businesses looking for a more rural setting while still benefiting from excellent infrastructure.

The Hanseatic Hackathon, an event offering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the chance to design AI applications tailored to their needs, is another initiative driving innovation in the region. Companies can apply with their specific problem until 26th September, and the hackathon will take place in November. However, as of 26th September 2025, no publicly available information about the companies registered for the Hanseatic Hackathon or the AI applications they have developed for their own needs is available.

Supporting the vitality of villages is also a priority in the region. The "New Village Centre" funding program in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ensures the creation or maintenance of new supermarkets, contributing to the overall well-being of these communities. A recent example is the new village store in Sukow, a town of around 1,500 people, which cost around 540,000 euros, with the state contributing 150,000 euros.

The Hamburg Metropolitan Region is not only fostering innovation but also implementing key measures of the future agenda. For instance, the region boasts four real labs for the mobility transition, working towards a more sustainable future. The Hanse Innovation Campus Lübeck is one of the organizers of the Hanseatic Hackathon, and the event is funded, among others, by the Federal Ministry of Research.

In summary, the Hamburg Metropolitan Region offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses, from bustling cities to rural industrial areas, and from traditional industries to cutting-edge technology. With initiatives like the Hanseatic Hackathon and the "New Village Centre" funding program, the region is committed to supporting businesses and fostering innovation across all sectors.