"With the tecHHub project, Hamburg is reaffirming its commitment to integrating business and science more closely. The DESY research centre, facilities of the University of Hamburg and, in future, the tecHHub, are all part of Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld. Researchers and innovative companies will be able to work here as part of an innovative network, and with funding from Hamburg’s business development agency, we are creating an environment that will also facilitate successful economic spin-offs and innovations. Hence, this project is strengthening Hamburg’s innovative capacity."
The new life sciences location in the Altona Innovation Park
In the Altona Innovation Park, the development of tecHHub Hamburg, the new location for startups and young technology-based companies, is currently in full swing. The site is situated in the immediate vicinity of the DESY research centre and several facilities of the University of Hamburg. Today, Hamburg’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Dr Melanie Leonhard, laid the foundation stone of the building.
Scheduled for completion in late 2023, the building will provide state-of-the-art lab space as well as additional office space for rent, available across five full floors with a gross floor area of approx. 5,600 m².
The aim of the project is to meet the ongoing strong demand for cost-efficient lab and office space for young tech companies and research institutions from the life sciences sector.
Hamburg’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Dr Melanie Leonhard, stated:
Dr Rolf Strittmatter, Managing Director of the Hamburg Invest business development agency, said:
"The development of tecHHub enables us to swiftly respond to the high demand for lab space in the life sciences industry. We are not only offering a new home for young talent, entrepreneurial minds and innovative enterprises, but also a highly attractive ecosystem for DESY and the University of Hamburg. This will add to Hamburg’s success as a location for science and industry and put it on the international map."
Dr Andreas Kleinau, CEO of HafenCity Hamburg GmbH, said:
"The tecHHub Hamburg project fits in neatly with the aspiring overall concept of Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, as one of the main goals of Science City is to promote knowledge and innovation. By combining excellent research conditions, a living environment shaped by short distances, an attractive mix of uses and the proximity to Altona Volkspark, Hamburg aims to produce and attract bright minds. Such a vibrant mix will add to creating a strong innovation climate."
The project is implemented by Hamburg Invest and tecHHub Hamburg on behalf of the Hamburg Ministry of Economy and Innovation and in close cooperation with DESY to meet the growing demand for lab space. The building will be constructed using a modular structure. The general contractor is ADK Modulraum GmbH. The facade will be made of Kebony wood and comprise a facade-mounted steel canopy system to facilitate facade greening. The total project costs amount to approx. €40 million.
The tecHHub Hamburg project is part of the development plan for the Altona Innovation Park, which is currently still in progress. In the immediate vicinity, the DESY Innovation Factory II technology and startup centre is scheduled for development and shall be completed by 2026. Together, these initiatives respond to the current and future demand of young tech companies and research institutions in the field of life sciences, while also strengthening Hamburg’s position as a leading location for innovation and economic growth. Interested parties are most welcome to contact Hamburg Invest for more information on space units available from 2024.