Altona Innovation Park: an ecosystem for research and development
© Hamburg Invest/Martin Elsen
The Altona Innovation Park in the west of Hamburg forms the northern prelude to Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld and is a key component of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg's innovation strategy. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the renowned Bahrenfeld research campus, which has developed into a global hotspot for structural research in recent years. With facilities such as the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) research center, the University of Hamburg and pioneering institutions such as the X-ray laser research facility XFEL and PETRA, the region has become a magnet for first-class research and innovation.
The Altona Innovation Park builds on this rich potential. With the opening of the tecHHub, which specializes in biological and chemical wet laboratories, in 2024, the park is setting a first milestone. Planning for the DESY Innovation Factory II (DIF II), which focuses on physical laboratories, is also already in full swing. These facilities offer start-ups, spin-off initiatives and young companies a space for development and networking.
In addition to these laboratories, the Innovation Park offers further space for companies specializing in research and development in the fields of structural research, life sciences, nano and laser technology, materials science and quantum computing. Thanks to the close connection to the Hamburg innovation ecosystem, companies can benefit from the unique opportunities that arise from the combination of research, teaching and innovation.
The Altona Innovation Park plays a key role in establishing Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld as a world-leading location for research and innovation and securing the city's future as a pioneer in these fields.
Innovation Park Altona:
Planning data
Concept - Incubator (tecHHub Hamburg) + commercial space
Anchor institutions - German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), European XFEL, Fraunhofer IME ScreeningPort, University of Hamburg
Technology focus - life sciences, nano and laser technology, materials sciences, quantum computing
Quarter/district - Lurup | Altona
Location - Vorhornweg | Luruper Hauptstrasse
Owner - HIE Hamburg Invest Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
Size of the planning area - 8.4 ha as part of Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld (125 ha)
Marketable area - 53.000 m²
Planned building size - approx. 125.000 m² GFA
Available for marketing - expressions of interest can be made now
Available for construction - expected 2027
Current status - preparation of function plan
About Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld
Institutions in the Altona Innovation Park
DESY
DESY is one of the world’s leading accelerator centres. DESY’s large-scale facilities help scientists explore the microcosm in all its diversity – from the interplay of tiny elementary particles to the behaviour of novel nanomaterials and the vital processes that take place between biomolecules.
European XFEL
European XFEL has a length of 3.4 kilometres and generates extremely intense X-ray laser flashes that can be used by researchers from around the globe. The facility is operated by a non-profit limited liability company, the European X-Ray Free-Electron Laser Facility GmbH (European XFEL GmbH).
University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg is the largest and most diverse research institution in Northern Germany. The university’s research profile includes excellent basic research as well as application-oriented research and transfer projects.
Fraunhofer ITMP
Based in Germany, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the world's leading organisation in the field of application-oriented research. With its focus on key technologies for the future and on utilising its findings across business and industry, it plays a central role in driving innovation processes.
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