New start-up center in Hanover: Tech-Factory Nordstadt is taking shape!

New start-up center in Hanover: Tech-Factory Nordstadt is taking shape!

Hannover Region is planning an ambitious new project: the construction of a start-up center known as “TechFactory Nordstadt”. This center is to be built on the grounds of the Nordstadt-Klinikum and will serve to provide technology-oriented start-ups, particularly in the areas of natural sciences, computer science and electrical engineering, with a suitable infrastructure. The focus is on innovative topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and biotechnology. This reports haz.de.

Head of the Economics Department Ulf-Birger Franz (SPD) has taken responsibility for setting up the tech factory and emphasizes the advantages of this location due to its proximity to the university. He is optimistic that the combination of university and incubator will lead to a strengthening of the local economy and innovative strength. The late information from the economic development agency Hannoverimpuls about the plans was surprising, which caused annoyance among the head of the economic department, Anja Ritschel (Greens). However, the regional assembly has already approved the plan for the technology campus, with close coordination with the city of Hanover planned.

Planned infrastructure and costs

The project envisages dividing the site into around 25,000 square meters, into which laboratories, offices and dining options will be integrated in the future. Costs of around 25 million euros are planned for the development. The Hanover region will provide a capital contribution of 1.7 million euros in 2025, followed by annual investments of 2.5 million euros in each of the following years. This is being driven forward by Technologiepark Region Hannover GmbH, whose management is taken over by Dirk Felsmann. The first clinic buildings are expected to be put to new use from the end of 2026, while all ten buildings that are no longer needed are to be integrated into the area by 2034. In addition, the development of the technology campus is seen as an expansion of the existing technology park on the mechanical engineering campus in Garbsen, which will be twice as large at 200 million euros but will be realized by a private investor.

The involvement of the city of Hanover in economic development and urban planning is a central component of the strategy. Particular attention is also paid to the involvement of the North District Council in the planning of the outdoor facilities. In addition, the citizens' initiative “Make Bumke Yourself” has reported a need for discussion, which indicates a growing interest and commitment among citizens regarding the project. The clinic area, which formerly belonged to the city of Hanover, is being used for the tech factory as part of the “Medicine Strategy 2030”. The cooperation with Leibniz University represents a further building block to support spin-offs in the relevant departments.

Conclusion and outlook

The TechFactory Nordstadt could become a central location for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in Hanover in the coming years. Due to its strategic location near the university's main campus and the intended close collaboration between science and business, the project promises to become a magnet for young entrepreneurs and creative minds. The future success of the technology campus will depend not only on financial support but also on the acceptance and active participation of local residents.