The Hannover Region and the State Capital of Hannover at MIPIM 2026

© R&C

Focus: Innovative solutions for urban development and the economy

From March 10 to 13, 2026 , the Hanover Region and the City of Hanover (LHH) will be showcasing themselves at MIPIM in Cannes—the world’s leading real estate trade fair. Under the motto “Smart and Innovative Technology Region,” they will present current projects, strategies, and investment opportunities.  They aim to convince international investors, project developers, and municipal partners of the opportunities Hannover offers as a business and living environment. At the same time, the delegation is using this leading international trade fair to compare itself with other locations and learn from one another.

Together with its sister city Leipzig, the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, the Ruhr Metropolis, and the city of Duisburg, Hanover is represented in the “German Cities and Regions Pavilion.” A delegation comprising representatives from politics, administration, and business will inform international investors, project developers, and municipal representatives about the region’s dynamic development—from smart cities and technology-driven startup scenes to climate-friendly urban planning.

What topics are important for the region and the state capital of Hanover in 2026?

The Techfactory as a magnet for investment

The Hanover region is placing a special focus on the Techfactory—a state-of-the-art startup hub for deep-tech innovations set to be established at the ONETech Campus in Garbsen, adjacent to Leibniz University’s mechanical engineering campus there and in Hanover’s Nordstadt district, connecting research, startups, and established companies.

Mechanical Engineering Campus Garbsen (Leibniz University Hannover):

• 13,000 m² total area, of which 4,600 m² is allocated to the Techfactory as the centerpiece.
• Completion: Spring 2028.
• Planned use: Transfer of cutting-edge research to the economy (e.g., robotics, AI, sustainable production).

Hannover’s Nordstadt (near Leibniz University’s central campus):

• Synergies with existing research clusters
• Planned use: co-working spaces, prototyping labs, and incubators.

Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of Economic Affairs for the Hannover Region: “With the Techfactory, we are creating ideal conditions for deep-tech startups at two locations—from the initial idea to market readiness. Garbsen and Hannover’s Nordstadt district are becoming European beacons for technology transfer. This sends a clear signal to investors: the future is being built here. Because Hannover offers ideal conditions for companies that focus on research transfer and future-proof technologies.”

Hanover as a “Smart City”: Digitalization as the Key to Quality of Life

The state capital of Hanover is using MIPIM to present itself as a pragmatic and citizen-friendly smart city . Following its “Rising Star of the Year” title in the Bitkom Smart City Index 2025, the city is demonstrating how digitalization works in practice—specifically, in the service of people.

• Digitized administrative services (e.g., AI-powered citizen portals).
• Innovative mobility solutions such as the autonomous public transit pilot project “HannoverMobil 2030.”
• Connected infrastructure via IoT sensors for energy efficiency, air quality, and traffic management.

Belit Onay, Mayor of the State Capital of Hanover:
“Digitalization and smart cities are not visions of the future, but a municipal reality today—one we urgently need to ensure quality of life, competitiveness, and attractiveness for skilled workers and investors. As a city classified as medium-sized by international standards, Hannover exemplifies how technology serves people and improves everyday life. We will continue down this path with determination.”

Downtown and Brownfields: Transformation for Climate-Friendly Urbanity

Another key topic is the sustainable development of the city center, with a focus on sustainable land-use mixes, the mobility transition, and climate resilience. At the trade fair, Hanover is presenting three flagship projects that demonstrate how brownfields are being revitalized, climate-neutral neighborhoods created, and social diversity promoted:

• The Master Plan for the North Station District outlines the vision for a green, mobility-friendly neighborhood with climate-neutral buildings and modern infrastructure.
• The Urban.Q district focuses on sustainable mixed-use development and is becoming a model for the city of short distances.
• The conversion of the former Galeria Kaufhof into “The Box” demonstrates how historic buildings can be utilized in a contemporary and future-proof manner.

Who are the partners representing the region and the state capital at MIPIM?

Together with the region and the City of Hanover, strong local partners include the ONE TechCampus Group, the commercial law firm KSB INTAX, and Deutsche Hypo - Nord/LB Real Estate.