Hamburg Metropolitan Region

News briefs from Hamburg Metropolitan Region

16 September 2025
Awards, investments and innovations across metropolitan region - from Fehmarn to Soltau, Cuxhaven to Schwerin

Lübeck: AI can be used to research grants, summarize meetings, or translate manuals. However, companies often have individual needs. SMEs can design tailor-made AI applications  with developers and designers during the Hanseatic Hackathon (November 14-15, 2025) in Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein. Companies can enter their specific problems, and a jury makes the selection. Then, everyone will put their heads together to come up with solutions. Applications are being accepted until the deadline of September 26. The hackathon is organized by the Hanse Innovation Campus Lübeck and is funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research.

New submarine jobs in Wismar shipyard

Wismar: The completed cruise ship, Disney Adventure, has left the shipyard in Wismar. Now, Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is taking the helm. The Kiel-based defence contractor has a full order book after Norway, Germany, and India ordered submarines. Talks are also being held with companies in Canada. TKMS has also announced plans to invest €220 million in the site and create 1,500 jobs by 2029, reports said.

US battery manufacturer Lyten takes over Heide’s battery factory

Heide: The US battery manufacturer, Lyten, has signed a preliminary agreement to take over the gigafactory near Heide in Schleswig-Holstein. This comes after the previous investor, the  Northvolt battery startup, filed for bankruptcy in Sweden earlier this year. However, some issues have yet to be resolved. Daniel Günther, Prime Minister of Schleswig Holstein, spoke of “welcome news”. “The latest development proves that Heide with its high share of renewable energies and well-developed infrastructure, continues to offer the best conditions for battery cell production,” he added.

Northvolt's logo
High hopes for continued build of battery factory near Heide

Wacken Open Air yields up to €40 million

Wacken: Begun as a village fest attended by a mere 800 fans, the popular Wacken Open Air Festival attracts around 85,000 fans every year. Organisers are now laying plans for the 2026 festival near Steinburg, Schleswig-Holstein, which is also celebrating its 35th anniversary. Wacken is now a world-famous heavy metal centre. The festival has proven a real money spinner and generates between €30 million and €40 million from overnight stays, food, and merchandise, researchers at the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences in Heide have estimated. Everything from sauna towels to candles for graves are on offer during the festival.

Thousands of heavy metal fans
85,000 metal fans at Wacken Open Air

Greater efforts to secure skilled workers in metropolitan region

Lüneburg: The Hamburg Metropolitan Region is stepping up efforts to secure skilled workers, the lack of which is proving a hurdle for many companies. The project aims to boost the health and well-being of employees. Companies, employees, trainees, and self-employed people can contact the Perspective Work & Health advice centres in Lübeck, Schwerin, Lüneburg, Hamburg and elsewhere.

Süderelbe AG celebrating 20th anniversary

Süderelbe: The Süderelbe AG is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Its 114 shareholders include several companies in Harburg, Lüneburg, and Stade, as well as the Hanseatic City of Luneburg. Founded in 2005, the company has secured an impressive €25.8 million in funding for 61 projects in the meantime. Congratulations!

ag/mm/pb

Sources and further information

Hamburg Metropolitan Region

The Hamburg Metropolitan Region is home to 5.4 million people in 20 districts and cities. The region in northern Germany is one of the country's eleven metropolitan areas and is characterised by a diverse range of industries, including maritime, logistics, port, aviation, renewable energy, life sciences, chemicals, food, automotive and mechanical engineering, as well as media and IT.

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