Optimising tumour therapies through AI-driven analysis of vast data sets? Using virtual backgrounds instead of green screens for film and television productions? Implanting artificial corneas that restore vision? This and much more is possible: with innovations "Made in Potsdam". Despite the diversity of these examples, they share one commonality: they are the result of close collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and businesses in Potsdam.
Potsdam is an innovation hub. On one hand, there is an impressive number of innovative companies, and on the other, ample space for new ideas: innovations emerge here in companies and dynamic start-ups, as well as through the interplay of IT, science, and practice. Numerous specialised innovation centres and a comprehensive funding structure ensure that new ideas are quickly put into practice.
Potsdam excels with innovative economic clusters. A significant concentration of innovative companies and dynamic development characterise the Potsdam economic clusters in media, IT, film and creative industries, as well as healthcare and life sciences, which are drivers of technological and societal innovations. Additionally, economically significant sectors for Potsdam include tourism and retail.
Potsdam is a city of science. In relation to its population, it has the highest number of employees in research and science nationwide. With the University of Potsdam, the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, and the Babelsberg Film University, along with subject-specific private universities and over forty non-university research institutions, the state capital boasts an extraordinary landscape of science and research.
Potsdam promotes innovation transfer. The common goal of all stakeholders in Potsdam is to foster innovations through open and creative collaboration and to extend the list of good examples. Potsdam offers solutions! Innovation arises in Potsdam through and with top-tier research, as well as a highly effective knowledge and technology transfer. The translation of research results into entrepreneurial solutions is supported by specialised technology transfer offices at the university, colleges, and individual research institutions. They provide innovative companies—whether small or large—with access to scientific expertise and public funding. The MediaTech Hub Accelerator offers a tailored post-establishment programme that specifically supports early-stage start-ups.
Future Locations in Potsdam
New ideas, innovations, and a vigorous spirit of creativity can be found in every corner of the city. Some outstanding locations are true hotspots of innovation in Potsdam. Here, science and research, entrepreneurial expertise, application orientation, and an inspiring environment converge:
Potsdam Science Park in Golm
Three institutes of the Max Planck Society, two institutes of the Fraunhofer Society, and the largest campus of the University of Potsdam make the Potsdam Science Park a premier location for research and development in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology, physics, chemistry, optics, photonics, and materials science. Many science-related companies and start-ups have established themselves at this site to develop and market new technologies and products.
Media City Babelsberg
The Media City Potsdam-Babelsberg has evolved into a versatile location. Here, established companies meet innovative start-ups and scientific excellence, forming the Media Tech Hub—the only competence centre for digital media technologies in Germany. The Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF Film University and two media and technology centres offer excellent training and education opportunities, as well as support for young companies and founders.
Albert Einstein Science Park on Telegrafenberg
The Albert Einstein Science Park on Telegrafenberg in Potsdam unites science and research on topics such as geosciences, sustainability, weather, climate impact research, as well as polar and marine research. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, the Helmholtz Centre for German GeoResearch, the German Weather Service, and the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics in Potsdam work transfer-oriented on solutions to the challenges of our time. Collaborations with industry and spin-offs implement innovative projects and measures in both regional and international contexts.
Griebnitzsee Campus
At Griebnitzsee Campus, the University of Potsdam, in collaboration with the Hasso Plattner Institute, operates the Digital Engineering Faculty, training the next generation for tomorrow's digital innovations. With the establishment of a Digital Health Centre, the Hasso Plattner Institute consolidates research and teaching, bringing together scientists and stakeholders from the fields of medicine and IT. The Media Innovation Centre (MIZ) of the Berlin-Brandenburg Media Authority (mabb) offers funding programmes, events, and networking opportunities for start-ups, media professionals, and journalists.
IT Campus Jungfernsee
Griebnitzsee, Jungfernsee—there is evidently a fluid connection between impressive proximity to water and the IT applications of the future, at least in Potsdam. The campus, located north of Potsdam's city centre, is a hotspot for research and development. At this innovation and technology site in the Nauener suburb, the SAP Innovation Centre and the THINK CAMPUS research and development centre have established themselves, including two private universities as tenants.
Bornstedter Feld
The Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, located in the growing northern district of Bornstedter Feld, stands for application-oriented teaching and is well-known far beyond the borders of Brandenburg in the fields of architecture, civil engineering, and design. Thanks to its practical orientation, a variety of spin-offs are emerging in the nearby Potsdam Centre for Technology (Potsdamer Centrum für Technologie), one of the five communal technology and start-up centres.
Get to know some innovators in Potsdam: The Potsdam Science Park, the MEHR ZUKUNFT campaign (Kampagne MEHR ZUKUNFT), and the MediaTech Hub Potsdam offer exciting projects, products, and networking partners, showcasing the region's innovative strength. We would be happy to inform you about opportunities for collaboration.
Contact
Your contact person at the Potsdam Economic Development Agency: Mr. Latt.
