Region and state capital Hanover at MIPIM 2026

© Runze & Casper

Focus: Innovative solutions for urban development and the economy

From March 10 to 13, 2026 , the Hannover Region and the State Capital Hannover (LHH) will be presenting themselves at MIPIM in Cannes – the world's leading real estate fair. Under the motto "Smart and Innovative Technology Region," they will be showcasing current projects, strategies, and investment opportunities.  They want to convince international investors, project developers, and municipal partners of the opportunities that Hannover offers as a place to live and do business. At the same time, the delegation will use the leading international trade fair to compare itself with other locations and learn from each other.

Together with its partner city Leipzig, the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, the Ruhr metropolitan area, and the city of Duisburg, Hannover is represented in the "German Cities and Regions Pavilion." A delegation from politics, administration, and business will inform international investors, project developers, and municipal representatives about the dynamic development of the region—from smart cities and technology-driven start-up scenes to climate-friendly urban planning.

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

The Techfactory as a magnet for investment

The Hannover region is placing a special focus on the Techfactory – a state-of-the-art start-up center for deep tech innovations, which is to be built at the ONETech Campus in Garbsen in the vicinity of the Leibniz University's mechanical engineering campus there and in Hannover's Nordstadt district, connecting research, start-ups, and established companies.

Mechanical Engineering Campus Garbsen (Leibniz University Hannover):

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

Hanover's Nordstadt district (near the central campus of Leibniz University):

• 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 start-ups 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: this is where the future is being created. 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-oriented smart city . After winning the "Rising Star of the Year" title in the Bitkom Smart City Index 2025, the city is showing how digitalization works in practice – and how it serves the people.

• Digitized administrative services (e.g., AI-supported citizen portals).
• Innovative mobility solutions such as the autonomous public transport pilot project "HannoverMobil 2030."
• Networked infrastructure through IoT sensors for energy efficiency, air quality, and traffic control.

Belit Onay, Mayor of the State Capital of Hanover:
"Digitalization and smart cities are not visions of the future, but already a municipal reality today, which we urgently need in order to ensure quality of life, competitiveness, and attractiveness for skilled workers and investors. Hannover, a city of medium size by international standards, is a prime example of how technology can serve people and improve everyday life. We will continue to pursue this path consistently."

City center and brownfield sites: Transformation for climate-friendly urbanity

Another topic is the sustainable development of the city center with a focus on sustainable mixed use, mobility transition, and climate resilience. Hannover is presenting three flagship projects at the trade fair that show how brownfield sites can be activated, climate-neutral neighborhoods created, and social diversity promoted:

• The Bahnhofsquartier Nord master plan outlines the vision for a green, mobility-friendly district with climate-neutral buildings and modern infrastructure.
• The Urban.Q district focuses on sustainable mixed use and is becoming a model for the city of short distances.
• The conversion of the former Galeria Kaufhof into "The Box" shows how historic buildings can be used in a contemporary and sustainable way.

Who are the partners with whom the region and the state capital are attending Mipim?

Together with the region and LHH, strong partners are on site in the form of the ONE TechCampus Group, commercial law firm KSB INTAX, and Deutsche Hypo - Nord/LB Real Estate.