Recommended by successful entrepreneurs

Hessen combines economic strength, innovative potential and internationality with traditional industrial locations.

Internationally operating corporations, versatile medium-sized companies, craft enterprises and start-up businesses offer flexible growth options for realizing any business idea. The job market in Hessen ensures first-class prospects for companies due to its high level of qualification. Investors easily find highly motivated and well-trained employees.

Did you know...

that 99.6 percent of Hessen companies are SMEs?

Small and medium-sized enterprisesare therefore of great importance for local employment, training, innovation and economic performance.

Start-up ecosystem

Where ideas and innovations are born

The future belongs to innovative and dynamic start-ups that strive to change the status quo with a combination of game changing ideas and cutting edge technology. To support these future leaders we created a motivating, supportive start-up ecosystem built on a wide range of opportunities for creativity, implementation, networking, and business development.

More than 1,500 start-ups are currently active in Hessen in areas of software, e-commerce, life-sciences, finance, food, mobility and industry
7.6 start-ups per 1,000 inhabitants (German average: 6.6)
40 cluster and network initiatives with almost 3,500 members
The StartHub Hessen (website only available in German) serves as a central contact point for start-ups and stakeholders in Hessen. The TechQuartier in Frankfurt serves as contact point for Tech start-ups in the Greater Frankfurt Area.

Knowledge transfer

About 3,500 companies are involved in around 40 cluster and network initiatives, and the number is increasing. This is the foundation for growth and business development. Investors find a unique pool of expertise for knowledge transfer, continuing development and cooperation in Hessen.

Innovative companies and research institutes in numerous future-oriented sectors have organized themselves into clusters focused on promising new technologies. These regionally-focussed communications platforms support a common strategic goal and support the transfer of knowledge in high tech segments. Companies from numerous sectors are active in these clusters all along the supply chain.

The key factor for success is the participation of different technologies, competencies and areas of knowledge. Participation in a cluster has proven to be a key factor for business success.

Successful clusters exist in Hessen in various sectors. You can find more information on our portal of cluster networks (available only in German).

Automotive Cluster Rhein Main Neckar

The Automotive Cluster Rhein Main Neckar was established in September 2003 by the Chamber of Commerce in Darmstadt, the County of Groß-Gerau and the engineering office Bertrandt. The cluster bundles the expertise of companies in the automotive supply sector, and coordinates and moderates among different partners within the automotive industry.

Automotive Cluster Rhein Main Neckar

Wetzlar Network e.V.

Wetzlar Network is an industrial network for the areas of optics, electronics and mechanics aiming to strengthen the regional economic area and to actively promote its development. The network sees itself as a communicator and multiplier, creating the cooperative basis so that unique industry profiles of the optical, electronic and mechanical industry are perceived even more - within the region as well as on a national and international level. In addition, networking leads to an even better use of competencies and innovation potential.

Wetzlar Network

Optence e.V.

After more than 15 years of networking, Optence e.V. has established itself as an important part of the cluster landscape in Hessen. Members benefit from personal contacts and expertise in events and workshops. Industry and universities are thus moving closer together and strengthen the economic power of the region through joint activities.

Optence e.V.

deENet

The competency network for decentralized energy technologies (deENet) creates a unique link between innovative companies and research institutions along the entire value chain of decentralized energy and efficiency technologies. deENet has set itself the goal of expanding north Hessen into a recognized location in the area of efficient energy supply.

deENet

MoWiN.net

The network MoWiN.net and the mobility cluster form the regional platform for cooperation and innovation in the northern Hessen mobility industry. It offers project development and management, funding advice, events and publications for its members and partners.

MoWiN.net