This is what a Hamburger looks like

Knowledge Hub Hamburg

In Hamburg and the metropolitan region, science, business and committed people work hand in hand to drive innovation and actively shape the future. Find out why Hamburg is the ideal location for research, knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary co-operation.

Five clusters of excellence, over 40 renowned research institutions, excellent universities and a dynamic start-up scene make Hamburg a leading centre of innovation. Whether digitalisation, life sciences, green tech or innovative materials - Hamburg is developing solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.

Two scientists wearing protective goggles and gloves work on a laser device in a laboratory. — © European XFEL

Research, teaching, transfer - excellently networked in Hamburg

Hamburg is a dynamic science centre with international appeal. Universities, research institutions, companies and start-ups work closely together here. The following institutions and initiatives make Hamburg a place where knowledge grows and the future is created.

Desy Research Centre

World-class research

DESY is one of the world's leading accelerator centres. New materials, medical procedures and technological breakthroughs are researched here - from basic research to application.

Science City
Hamburg Bahrenfeld

A district characterised by science

Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld combines cutting-edge research, teaching, housing and living on a forward-looking campus. DESY, the University of Hamburg, start-ups and urban development come together here in an innovative neighbourhood.

X-ray laser centre European XFEL

Insights into the structure of life

The European XFEL is the most powerful X-ray laser centre in the world. Scientists from all over the world use it to visualise the finest structures of molecules, cells and materials.

Cluster of excellence in Hamburg

Research at the highest level

Hamburg is home to five clusters of the federal government's Excellence Strategy - a strong sign of scientific quality. New discoveries are being made here in areas such as photonics, climate research, mathematics, materials science and infection research - with global relevance.

Universities in Hamburg

Strong in teaching and research

With the University of Hamburg, HAW, TU Hamburg, HafenCity University and private universities such as Bucerius Law School, Hamburg offers a diverse and dynamic university landscape. Over 100,000 students and researchers from all over the world benefit from an excellent academic environment.

Research institutes in Hamburg

Science in great diversity

Hamburg is home to over 40 renowned research institutions - from basic research to application. Whether Max Planck Society, Helmholtz, Leibniz or Fraunhofer: the Hanseatic city bundles scientific excellence and expertise, interdisciplinary, international and networked with industry.

Startup City Hamburg

Setting ideas in motion

In Hamburg, scientific findings are translated into practical innovations. With strong transfer structures, targeted spin-off funding and platforms such as PIER PLUS or the tecHHub, the city creates ideal conditions for start-ups, spin-offs and technology-driven innovations.

PIER PLUS

Putting ideas into practice

PIER PLUS is Hamburg's innovation platform that connects science, start-ups and companies. Transfer is a way of life here: research results are applied directly - through strong partnerships, targeted funding and a practice-orientated culture of innovation.

Hamburg combines quality of life and science

Young man with headphones lying relaxed on a roof at sunset with a city skyline in the background. — © Mediaserver Hamburg / Christian Brandes

Science in Hamburg is more than just research.
It is about social added value, concrete solutions for tomorrow and places where the city, science and business work together as equals. Hamburg creates space for knowledge, change and impact - and invites you to be part of it.

An excellent location with quality of life.
Hamburg impresses with its outstanding infrastructure, diverse funding opportunities and an inspiring environment with a high quality of life and international flair. Whether start-ups or cutting-edge research - ideas find space and people find connections here.

Science needs space - for thinking, living and meeting.
Between the Elbe, parks and urban life, researchers in Hamburg not only find excellent laboratories, but also a home: a cosmopolitan, tolerant city with short distances - to international schools, cultural highlights or a stroll along the Alster.

A living environment that inspires and connects.
With green neighbourhoods, sustainable mobility, family-friendly infrastructure and a diverse, international community, Hamburg offers the best conditions for excellent science. Here, research is part of everyday urban life and that is exactly what makes Hamburg so special.

Future Hamburg Talks: Future topics, innovations and perspectives from Hamburg

Two people seated in chairs having a discussion about Hamburg's public sector and startup innovation. — © Future Hamburg Talks / Hamburg Marketing GmbH

Future Hamburg Talks

Future Hamburg Talks meets Paulo Kalkhake, Head of GovTecHH

Startups boost digitisalisation of local government and benefits everyone

Two women seated and discussing the Hamburg Metropolitan Region's future as an energy transition hub. — © Future Hamburg Talks / Hamburg Marketing GmbH

Future Hamburg Talks

Future Hamburg Talks meets Jenne Wendt, Business Location Development Stade

Giving Hamburg Metropolitan Region cutting edge in renewable energy and green hydrogen

Overhead view of two people seated with text about Hamburg's flagship mobility transition projects and speaker Harry Evers. — © Future Hamburg Talks / Hamburg Marketing GmbH

Future Hamburg Talks

Future Hamburg Talks meets Harry Evers of New Mobility Solutions

Mobility expert on UITP Summit 2025 and Hamburg as a model of mobility

Future Hamburg - platform for science, innovation and talent

Future Hamburg is the gateway to the knowledge metropolis of the next generation

The platform is aimed at anyone who wants to combine science, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in a liveable, open city. Researchers, start-ups and international talents will find direct access to Hamburg's excellent universities, over 40 renowned research institutions, five clusters of excellence and strong innovation networks such as PIER PLUS, DESY and Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld.

Future Hamburg networks knowledge, projects and opportunities

The platform bundles location information, future projects, events and funding offers - and makes visible what characterises Hamburg: a modern science location that lives knowledge, welcomes people and offers space for real future solutions.

Experience science: Events in Hamburg

Science comes together in Hamburg at international conferences, specialist congresses and innovation fairs.
The city hosts high-calibre events where ideas are created, knowledge is shared and the future is shaped together. Researchers, companies and talented individuals meet here as equals in an open, international and practice-orientated environment.

Conference on financial services 5.-6 June 2025
Discussions on fair financial services and consumer protection.

UITP Global Public Transport Summit 15.18 June 2025
World Congress for Public Transport with a focus on innovative mobility solutions.

Sustainability Summit 25.26 June 2025
At the Sustainability Summit, sustainability managers from SMEs to corporations discuss the latest trends, strategies and technologies that can support them in the sustainable and future-proof transformation of corporate development. In the exhibition area, leading providers will present their IT solutions for sustainability and ESG (environment, social affairs, corporate governance).

Solutions Essentials 26. June 2025
Solutions Essentials describes itself as a "makers' summit" and aims to provide participants with fresh impetus and solutions. The focus is on knowledge transfer, co-creation and sharing experiences: with presentations, workshops, masterclasses and expert insights.

Green World Tour Hamburg 27.28 June 2025
The Green World Tour Hamburg is a trade fair for sustainable products, technologies and concepts. Products, services and information will be presented on topics such as e-mobility, renewable energies, CO2-neutral heating systems, green lifestyle products and green office concepts.

11. International Granulation Workshop 2.-4 July 2025 Hamburg University of Technology, conference on agglomeration technologies with international contributions from science and industry.

NEIS Conference 202515.16 September 2025
Focus on renewable energies, energy storage and smart grids with international experts.

Open Science Conference 2025 8-9 October 2025
International platform for discussing current and future developments in the open science movement.

AI Summit 15. 8 October 2025
The AI Summit is dedicated to artificial intelligence in all its diversity. The AI.Hamburg initiative aims to promote knowledge and the broad use of artificial intelligence, especially machine learning, in the region. SMEs in particular are to be supported in learning from AI use cases and implementing smart solution concepts.

Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe 21.23 October
Advanced technologies in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry and solutions for a low-carbon hydrogen future - this is what Hydrogen Technology Expo aims to deliver. The world's leading trade fair brings together the entire value chain to discuss efficient production, storage and distribution at the Hamburg trade fair.

Carbon Capture Technology Expo 21.23 October
The world's largest event for the capture, use and storage of carbon is taking place in Hamburg. At the Carbon Capture Technology Expo, the introduction and commercialisation of technologies on the way to net zero emissions will be discussed. Participants include engineering firms, technology manufacturers and suppliers, energy companies, research groups, government agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Arrive and get started with the Hamburg Welcome Centre

Whether for a research project, a visiting professorship or a career start at a Hamburg university: the Hamburg Welcome Centre is the central point of contact for international academics.

From visa issues and registering in Hamburg to tips on housing, health insurance and childcare: the Welcome Centre offers personal advice, multilingual support and expert assistance with every step of your arrival. So you can concentrate fully on your research - we take care of the rest.