Our focus

Future Industries Future Life Science Future Cities

We concentrate on three innovation verticals that fuel economic growth and societal progress. Each of them is shaping global transformation and offers vast potential for pioneering solutions and new business models. Within these future topics, we collaborate with our partners in innovation clusters that drive progress across companies and sectors.

FUTURE INDUSTRY

Automation, digital manufacturing, and new materials define the landscape of Future Industry. Thanks to its central location in Europe and its high density of industrial companies undergoing major transformation, the Ruhr Region is ideally positioned to advance next-generation production processes — with a strong focus on climate-neutral manufacturing.

Water

With Europe’s first real-world laboratory for water innovation, we shape technologies that secure the world’s most vital resource.

Energy

From Essen, Europe’s energy capital, we drive innovations that redefine how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed.

Materials

We empower science-driven innovators and startups developing smarter and more sustainable materials that shape the industries of tomorrow.

Secure and Intelligent Systems

We accelerate data-driven innovation that build secure, resilient und trustworthy systems for the future.

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FUTURE LIFE SCIENCE

Digital technologies enhance diagnostics and treatment methods, while new biotechnological approaches revolutionize disease prevention and therapy. The Ruhr Region hosts a strong network of hospitals, research institutes, and companies. Its proximity to universities and specialised research centres creates ideal conditions for innovation in healthcare and biotechnology.

Chemistry

Together we empower startups to create innovation that makes industries cleaner, materials smarter, and life more sustainable.

Personalised Medicine

We support innovators by driving innovation that creates tailored prevention and treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.

FUTURE CITIES

Rapid urbanisation calls for innovative solutions to make cities more liveable, efficient, and sustainable. This growing market is driven by advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G connectivity, and climate-friendly construction and energy technologies. The Ruhr Region’s dense urban fabric offers vast potential for PropTech and smart city solutions.

PropTech & Real Estate

From the heart of Germany’s most densely populated region, we reimagine how people live, work, and connect.