Welcome to Hamburg - the knowledge hub in northern Europe

Hamburg’s Scientific Excellence Needs Bright Minds

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

With five clusters of excellence, over 40 renowned research institutions, leading universities and a thriving startup scene, Hamburg stands out as a leading centre of innovation. Whether digitalisation, life sciences, green tech or innovative materials - Hamburg is developing solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.

Scientists in protective gear operate advanced laser equipment in a cleanroom laboratory setting.

Research, education, knowledge transfer - excellently connected in Hamburg

Hamburg is a dynamic science and innovation hub with international reach and reputation. Here, universities, research institutes, companies, and startups collaborate closely to foster progress. The following institutions and initiatives turn Hamburg into a place where knowledge grows and the future takes shape.

Science City
Hamburg Bahrenfeld

A district dedicated to science

Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld combines cutting-edge research, academic excellence, urban living, and forward-thinking development on one visionary campus. DESY, the University of Hamburg, pioneering startups and innovative 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 on the planet. Scientists from all over the world use it to visualise the finest structures of molecules, cells and materials.

Desy Research Centre

World-class Research

DESY is one of the world’s leading accelerator research centers. Scientists here explore groundbreaking materials, medical innovations, and cutting-edge technologies—from fundamental science to real-world applications. This is where international research excellence meets tangible impact.

Cluster of Excellence in Hamburg

Driving Global Scientific Impact

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

Research Institutes in Hamburg

Science in Great Diversity

Hamburg is home to more than 40 renowned research institutions, covering the full spectrum from basic research to applied application. Whether Max Planck Society, Helmholtz, Leibniz or Fraunhofer: the Hanseatic city unites scientific excellence and expertise across disciplines, with strong international networks and close ties to industry.

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 higher education landscape. Over 100,000 students and researchers from all over the world benefit from an outstanding academic environment.

Startup City Hamburg

Setting Ideas in Motion

In Hamburg, scientific insights are transformed into practical innovations. With strong transfer structures, targeted spin-off funding and platforms such as PIER PLUS or the tecHHub, the city offers ideal conditions for startups, spin-offs and technology-driven innovations.

PIER PLUS

Putting Ideas into Practice

PIER PLUS is Hamburg's innovation platform that connects science, startups and businesses. It’s where knowledge transfer comes to life: research findings are rapidly translated into real-world applications through strong partnerships, targeted funding and a practice-orientated culture of innovation.

Hamburg combines Quality of Life and Science

Young man wearing floral shirt and headphones relaxing on rooftop at sunset with city skyline in background.

Science in Hamburg is more than just Research.
It is about social added value, shaping solutions for tomorrow and fostering spaces where academia, city life, science and business work together as equals. Hamburg creates space for knowledge, change and impact - and invites you to be part of it.

An world-class 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 you’re building a startup or leading high-level research - Hamburg gives your ideas space and your team finds connections here.

Science needs Space - for thinking, living and connecting.
Between the Elbe River, parks and urban life, Hamburg offers not only state-of-the-art labs, but also a place to call home: a welcoming, 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’s what makes Hamburg truly special.

Future Hamburg Talks: Innovation, Future Topics and Perspectives from Hamburg

Overhead view of two people seated in a discussion about Northern German Living Lab
Future Hamburg Talks

Future Hamburg Talks meets Mike Blicker of NRL

Northern German Living Lab (NRL) treading down new paths to climate neutrality
Two people seated in chairs having a discussion about Hamburg's public sector and startup innovation.
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

Future Hamburg Talks meets Jenne Wendt, Business Location Development Stade

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

Future Hamburg - Platform for Science, Innovation and Talent

Logo with the words "future hamburg" in blue and a red anchor-shaped arrow pointing right above the text.

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

From international conferences and business congresses to innovation fairs – Hamburg brings science to life. 

As a host city for high-level events, Hamburg offers a stage where bold ideas emerge, knowledge is exchanged, and future solutions are co-created. In an open, international, and practice-oriented atmosphere, researchers, companies, and talents meet at eye level.

Hamburg Innovation Summit (HHIS) June 18, 2026, Oberhafenquartier

Innovation as far as the eye can see: At HHIS, Hamburg’s innovation scene presents practical solutions and impulses across more than 1,800 square meters. The focus topics are AI & Data Science, Talent & Education, Social & Impact Innovation, Mobility, Craft 4.0, Health, and Entrepreneurship.

AI Summit June 2026

The AI Summit is dedicated to artificial intelligence in all its diversity. The initiative AI.Hamburg aims to promote knowledge and the widespread use of artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning, in the region. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular are to be supported in learning from AI use cases and implementing smart solution concepts.

ISC High Performance June 22 to 26, 2026, CCH

At this conference, scientists, engineers, and technology leaders come together to shape the future of high-performance computing. The focus is on current breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and quantum technologies. ISC 2026 brings together participants from different levels of experience and fields—from students to senior management—true to the motto “Connecting The Dots.” This is complemented by the ISC Exhibition featuring over 200 leading organizations from industry, research, and academia.

Sustainability Summit June 24 and 25, 2026

The Sustainability Summit is the new trade fair and conference for sustainability in companies. Sustainability leaders from SMEs to large corporations meet here to discuss the future of sustainable business development. At the same time, IT solutions for sustainability and ESG are presented at the exhibition.

ICCS 2026 – 26th International Conference on Computational Science June 29 to July 1, 2026, DESY

Under the motto “At the Forefront of Science through Computation and Data,” leading researchers in computer science, mathematics, and other application fields gather at ICCS to discuss current developments and help shape the future of research.

Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) June 29 and 30, 2026

In parallel with Hamburg Sustainability Week, the Sustainability Conference also takes place in Hamburg. It focuses on dialogue and transformation in times of global uncertainty. International stakeholders develop perspectives for a sustainable and cooperative future at the HSC.

HSC Future Economy Day 2026 July 1, 2026

The HSC Future Economy Day 2026 deepens key topics of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference and focuses on the “twin transition”—the simultaneous digital and sustainable transformation of the economy. Representatives from business, the financial sector, politics, and academia jointly discuss challenges and opportunities for a future-proof economy.

AML Autonomous Mobility & Law Summit September 2 and 3, 2026, CCH

The AML Summit brings together law, technology, politics, and industry to shape the future of safe and autonomous mobility in Europe. The summit aims to provide orientation, set standards, and make innovation tangible.

All about ports (aap) September 2 and 3, 2026

All about ports aims to become the stage for tomorrow’s port solutions. The conference and exhibition focus on resilient and climate-neutral ports, digitalization and automation, as well as security.

LogiNext Germany September 2 and 3, 2026, CCH

Taking place in parallel with aap, LogiNext Germany is the trade fair and conference on digital logistics technologies. How can sustainability and resilience in the supply chain be improved? What role do AI solutions, robotics, and autonomous applications play? Answers can be found here.

KI-Summit Hamburg 2026 September 8, 2026

The Chamber of Commerce, the Artificial Intelligence Center, and the SME Center Hamburg combine their expertise for the AI Summit 2026. The result is a day that takes AI experts and users on a journey into the future of artificial intelligence.

Hamburg Science Summit 2026 September 17, 2026, Körber Foundation

Under the theme “Europe in a Multipolar World,” the Hamburg Science Summit 2026 brings together leading actors from science, politics, and business. They discuss the role of science diplomacy, international partnerships, and synergies between research, innovation, and defense.

WindEnergy Hamburg September 22 to 25, 2026, Hamburg Messe

Wind energy plays a central role in the energy transition. At WindEnergy Hamburg, key players from the wind industry come together to present themselves and exchange ideas at this leading international trade fair. Four days fully dedicated to wind power.

Hydrogen Technology World Expo October 20 to 22, 2026, Hamburg Messe

The Hydrogen Technology World Expo is the world’s largest trade fair for hydrogen technology. More than 300 international experts and 20,000 participants present the latest innovations across the entire hydrogen value chain—from production and storage to applications in industry, mobility, and energy supply.

Carbon Capture Technology World Expo October 20 to 22, 2026

International experts and companies present solutions for CO₂ reduction and removal at the Carbon Capture Technology World Expo. Together with representatives from research, industry, and politics, discussions focus on how these technologies can accelerate the path toward a climate-neutral economy.

GSIS Global Security and Innovation Summit December 9 and 10, 2026

The Global Security and Innovation Summit explores how international security can be ensured in a world of disruptive technologies and global change. Experts discuss pathways to digital sovereignty, resilience, and security strategies for an increasingly interconnected Europe.

(Status: March 2026)

Get started in Hamburg with the Support of the Welcome Centre

Whether you're coming to Hamburg for a research project, a guest professorship, or to kick off your academic career – the Hamburg Welcome Center is your central point of contact as an international scientist.

From visa requirements and city registration to housing tips, health insurance, and childcare : the Welcome Center offers personalized, multilingual guidance and supports you at every step of your relocation. So you can focus on your research – and we’ll take care of the rest.

Learn more about Future Hamburg

Want to discover more about innovation made in Hamburg or explore the city’s dynamic science and business network? You’ve come to the right place.

Carmen Leichsenring
YOUR CONTACT PERSON

Carmen Leichsenring

Project Manager Future Hamburg
+49 40 / 41 11 10 - 639

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