MIPIM 2026

February 6, 2026– Hanover presents itself as a smart and innovative technology region at MIPIM 2026

As the state capital and economic center of Lower Saxony, Hanover – like many other major cities – is facing profound changes: the redevelopment of city centers, the transformation of mobility, the
housing shortage and new working environments are shaping the real estate industry. The city is actively addressing these challenges and positioning itself as a pioneer for intelligent, sustainable, and livable urbanity. According to the latest Bitkom Smart City Index, Hanover is the "Rising Star of the Year" among German smart cities. With its smart city initiative, the city is driving forward digital, ecological, and citizen-oriented development—for example, through digitized administrative services, innovative mobility and environmental solutions, and networked infrastructure projects.

"We have two ambitious tech campus projects in Garbsen and in the northern part of Hanover, which we are promoting throughout Europe. Both locations pursue the same transfer-oriented approach: to specifically connect science and business and offer start-ups the best possible conditions for getting started. "

Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of Economic Affairs for the Hanover Region

"Digitalization and smart cities are not optional future projects, but necessary components of municipal normality in order to increase both the quality of life in our city and its competitiveness and attractiveness for skilled workers and real estate investors in international comparison. "

Belit Onay, Mayor

Hanover as a real estate location: bold ideas and successful transformation

The various aspects of the transformation of the city center and the revitalization of former industrial sites fit seamlessly into this strategy. A master plan has been drawn up and approved for the northern station district, which envisages a gradual redesign of the entire district in the coming years, with a particular focus on the mobility transition and climate change adaptation measures. The management of brownfield sites has also been established as a central task of sustainable land management. For example, the state capital of Hanover is working with the landowner to examine the potential for sustainable urban development on the approximately 90-hectare former Deurag-Nerag industrial site. The former refinery site is currently contaminated with unexploded ordnance and pollutants in the subsoil.

A technology and innovation hub with appeal

The Hanover region is Lower Saxony's strong industrial location, which focuses on innovation, technology, and sustainability in order to develop further. A key project is the Techfactory – a state-of-the-art deep tech start-up center that connects research, start-ups, and established companies. Two locations are planned: at the Maschinenbau Campus Garbsen – a renowned research location of Leibniz University Hannover – and in Hannover's Nordstadt district, near the Leibniz University's central campus there.

The first construction phase at the Garbsen campus covers 13,000 m², of which 4,600 m² will be dedicated to the Techfactory as the "heart" of the development there. Completion is scheduled for spring 2028. The project is one of the most significant investments in deep tech start-up promotion in Germany and strengthens the region's position as a leading technology location.

Garbsen: An attractive location for technology and business

As the second-largest city in the Hanover region, Garbsen offers ideal settlement opportunities for technology-oriented companies and investors at the Mechanical Engineering Campus. In addition to research infrastructure, space is available for residential construction and commercial development.

Personal exchange at MIPIM

Find out about our strategies for smart urban development, technology transfer, and investment opportunities. Available on site:

Belit Onay, Mayor of the State Capital of Hannover, with Anja Ritschel, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs and Environment, and Thomas Vielhaber, City Planning Officer
Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of the Department of Economic Affairs and Transport, Hanover Region
Christian Peters, First Deputy Mayor of the City of Garbsen

The delegation is completed by its private partners asto Group, Deutsche Hypo – NORD/LB Real Estate Finance, and KSB INTAX. Together, they position Hanover as a leading location for innovative and sustainable real estate projects.

Don't miss: Belit Onay at the "Intelligent Transitions" session
How intelligent systems can accelerate decarbonization in the construction and real estate industries as well as
energy networks.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 4:10 p.m. to 5:10 p.m., Road to Zero Stage (P3)