Realising Visions
If you want to grow quickly today and be at the top tomorrow, there's no getting around the Ruhr region. Companies scale faster here because cost structures are smarter and there is greater scope for growth. Talented individuals from the worlds of technology, industry and science are moving to a region that is truly embracing the issues of the future – from energy to digitalisation. Nowhere else is direct access to industry, SMEs and strong partners so close together.
And best of all, innovations can not only be planned here, but also tested immediately in real production environments.
Meet the Ruhr: Your pragmatic entry into the German market
Tap into the German market where customer access, pragmatism and speed come together. In compact online sessions, Meet the Ruhr shows you how international companies can gain a foothold in the Ruhr region more quickly, win pilot customers and build a scalable market presence.
See the Dates for Meet the Ruhr
Location search & investor service
Benefit from the strong network of the Ruhr business metropolis: you will quickly discover the best sites and settlement options – clear, compact and perfectly suited to your growth plans.
Health and Water: Ways to Grow
Water and health are two future-oriented fields in which the Ruhr region already has the infrastructure, research, networks and real-world test environments that will enable future innovations. These topics are not only relevant – they are strategically important for our region, offer strong growth potential and are internationally compatible.
Water is a critical global issue, and the Ruhr region is one of the most efficient water management regions in Europe. It is home to Germany's largest wastewater disposal companies and some of the most modern sewage treatment plants, such as the one in Bottrop, which operate almost entirely self-sufficiently in terms of energy and are introducing a fourth stage of treatment. At the same time, the region has one of the densest waterway networks in Europe and outstanding research expertise in water treatment, measurement and control technology, and climate adaptation. The state-wide ‘Future Strategy for Water’ also creates a political and economic framework that specifically promotes innovation.
Healthcare is one of North Rhine-Westphalia's strongest economic sectors, generating up to €89 billion in gross value added and boasting a concentration of research, clinics and medtech companies that is unique in Germany. The Ruhr Metropolis forms a closely networked innovation ecosystem: from the digitally leading University Hospital Essen and projects such as SmartHospital.NRW to clusters such as MedEcon Ruhr and incubators such as the GesundheitsCampus Bochum. This is where solutions are developed that can be quickly put into clinical, technological and economic use.
The Ruhr: WaterTech-Excellence begins here
- Europe's strongest water management and unique research landscape right on your doorstep
- Direct access to leading players in the German water sector
- For founders, expanding companies, skilled workers and investors in the water sector
- Participants gain exclusive partnerships, strong networks and access to a dynamically growing market
The Ruhr: Germany's Living Lab for Health Innovations
- Direct access to one of Europe's most complex yet promising healthcare ecosystems
- Real-world testing in a region with a unique healthcare infrastructure, including the highest density of hospitals in Germany and a large patient volume
- Accelerated market entry through established connections to stakeholders
- Scalable growth supported by industrial strength and talent
Our event formats: Meet, Zoom, Explore
Meet the Ruhr
In this compact, free online session, we show you why the Ruhr region is your fastest and most reliable gateway to Germany: dense customer access in industry and consumption, short distances to decision-makers, and a strong ecosystem for proof-of-concepts, pilots and scaling.
Zoom into the Ruhr
This digital format offers a compact, professional introduction to each topic area. It strikes the perfect balance between the more general introduction provided by Meet the Ruhr and the in-depth excursion offered by Explore the Ruhr.
In a short digital session, you will gain a precise insight into the region's strengths in terms of innovation and economy, get to know relevant players and learn about the opportunities available for developing your projects and business models in the Ruhr area.
Explore the Ruhr
We will take you on an entertaining journey through the Ruhr region and show you key innovation and business locations. You will have the opportunity to establish direct contacts with important players for setting up or expanding your business.
Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur or skilled worker, this two-day trip offers concise insights and valuable contacts in one of Germany's most dynamic regions.
Are you excited?
So are we. Then get in touch with us.