Trends and FactsHanover Region

Trends and Facts 2025: The Economy of the Hannover Region in Transition

Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of the Economic Affairs Department: “Technology parks are key”
 
© loomn architekturkommunikation (LMT3 Architekten)
hannoverimpuls

Three Startups, Three Future-Oriented Topics: New Start-up Projects from Hanover Receive EXIST Funding

Three startups from Leibniz University Hannover are launching with government funding and are focusing on key future topics ranging from sustainable materials to space technology and modern …
 
© LIGARO
hannoverimpuls

Starting a business in uncertain times: Startup-Impuls 2026 honors bold solutions for the future

Recession, geopolitical tensions, and cautious investment are currently shaping the economy. Yet it is precisely during such phases that the ideas that transform markets often emerge. In Hanover, it is exactly these …
 
© Kevin Münkel
Success Story
KI.WI – the AI NetworkHanover Region

Achieving international success with support from the Hannover Region

With targeted support, short decision-making paths, and technological courage, LabMatic Automation from the Hannover region is developing into an internationally sought-after specialist for laboratory automation in the healthcare sector.
 
© LabMatic Automation
Skilled WorkersregioLab+Hanover Region

Innovative continuing education concept honored

Combating the shortage of skilled workers: The regioLab+ Continuing Education Award aims to increase corporate participation in partial qualification programs.
 
© Region Hannover
hannoverimpuls

Startup Impulse: From the competition stage to the international market

INLEAP Photonics sets new standards in drone defense.
Neutralizing a drone in less than 0.2 seconds—with technology from Hanover. What sounds like a pipe dream is actually reality: The DeepTech company INLEAP …
 
© INLEAP
Success Story
FundingHanover Region

When sustainability makes a difference: How running shirts create new opportunities

With the help of the Region Hannover’s Soziovation funding program, “RE:Shirt – Saving Resources. Empowering People.” combines sustainability with active …
 
© Region Hannover
News
Digitalizationhannoverimpuls

Bringing quantum technology into application faster

The QVLS-iLabs future cluster is launching its second phase with 15 million euros in funding.
Thirteen quantum technology projects have been eagerly awaiting the decision; now the approval has arrived: The future cluster …
 
© PTB
News
Real Estate Market ReportHanover Region

Commercial real estate market: Caution in the office market, hotels on the rise

Current analysis: Demand for logistics real estate is rising, while office space turnover remains at a low level.
 
Skilled workersHanover Region

Successful “Holà Kita” project enters next round with 15 participants

In the previous cohort, eleven participants were certified as early childhood educators.
 
© Region Hannover
hannoverimpuls

From unemployment to running your own business: “Gründung Kompakt” is writing success stories in the Hanover region

Since 2018, the “Gründung Kompakt” project has been supporting people on their path from unemployment to sustainable self-employment—with measurable success: More than 1,000 startups have emerged from the joint …
 
© Andreas Fuchs

The Economic Development Agency

Welcome to the Economic Development Agency

Accounting for more than one-fifth of the region’s economic output, the Hannover economic area is the key driver of innovation and growth in Lower Saxony. The goal of the Economic Development Agency is to develop the Hannover economic area and shape it for the future. We are committed to creating business-friendly conditions and promoting the competitiveness of local companies.

On the joint portal of the economic development agencies of the State Capital and the Hanover Region, as well as their investment company hannoverimpuls GmbH, you will find consulting and project offerings for all business needs and situations.

Get in touch with us!

Business News

News from the business world

techfactory Labor, mehrere Studierende an der Arbeit und am Forschen, helles Licht, weiße Tische©loomn architecture communication (LMT3 Architects)
Hanover Region
Press Release
Trends and Facts 2025: The Economy in the Hanover Region in Transition
Ulf-Birger Franz, Head of the Economic Affairs Department: “Technology parks are key”

Read the press release

hannoverimpuls
©LIGARO
Press Release
Three startups, three future-oriented topics: New startup projects from Hanover receive EXIST funding
Three startups from Leibniz University Hannover are launching with government funding and are focusing on key future topics ranging from sustainable materials to space technology and modern preventive healthcare. All startup teams share a common goal: bringing innovations to market.

Read the press release

hannoverimpuls
©Kevin Münkel
Press Release
Starting a business in uncertain times: Startup-Impuls 2026 honors bold solutions for the future
Recession, geopolitical tensions, and cautious investment currently characterize the economy. However, it is precisely during such phases that the ideas that transform markets often emerge. In Hannover, it is precisely these forward-looking ideas that have now been recognized: At the Startup-Impuls startup competition organized by hannoverimpuls and Sparkasse Hannover, the region’s most innovative startups—for the first time in RP5—received prizes totaling over 100,000 euros.

Read the press release

Region Hannover
regioLab+ Weiterbildungspreis Preisträger und Region Hannover©Region Hannover
Press release
Innovative continuing education concept honored
Combating the shortage of skilled workers: The regioLab+ Continuing Education Award aims to increase corporate participation in partial qualification programs.

Read the press release

Hanover Region
©Region Hannover
News
Impact Day Hannover
On April 17, 2026, Impact Day offers a concise introduction to the topic of social entrepreneurship and is aimed at anyone who wants to make a difference through entrepreneurship—as well as those interested in learning more about impact-driven startups.

Read the announcement

hannoverimpuls
©INLEAP
Press Release
Startup Impulse: From the competition stage to the international market
INLEAP Photonics sets new standards in drone defense.
Neutralizing a drone in less than 0.2 seconds—with technology from Hanover. What sounds like a pipe dream is reality: The DeepTech company INLEAP Photonics is setting new standards in laser-based drone defense with its INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD system. Up to 300 drones per minute, a range of 3,000 meters, and costs of less than one euro per interception mark a new dimension in electro-optical drone defense.

Read the article

hannoverimpuls
©MOST
Press release
More performance, less strain: MOST develops mobile rapid stress tests for professional sports
A mobile optical sensor enables rapid testing for multiple stress biomarkers directly on-site—without a lab or specialized personnel. The results are evaluated using artificial intelligence and provide coaches and athletes with reliable insights into stress and recovery phases. MOST is receiving funding for further development as part of the EXIST startup grant. The funding period runs from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and the grant amount is €143,500.00.

Read the announcement

hannoverimpuls
©PTB
News
Bringing more quantum technology to market faster
The QVLS-iLabs Future Cluster is launching its second phase with 15 million euros in funding.
Thirteen quantum technology projects have been eagerly awaiting the decision, and now the approval has arrived: The QVLS-iLabs future cluster will receive an additional 15 million euros in funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR). In addition, eight million euros will come from the cluster’s own funds. This brings the total available for the next three years to 23 million euros to advance the development of application-oriented quantum components. The 25 partners of the QVLS-iLabs future cluster—including hannoverimpuls—share a common goal: to accelerate the transfer of cutting-edge quantum technologies to the market.

Read the news

Hanover Region
Hylive Modell - Pavillon auf dem Expo-Gelände
News
Commercial Real Estate Market: Caution in the Office Market, Hotels on the Rise
Current analysis: Demand for logistics real estate is rising, office space turnover remains at a low level.

Read the article

Hanover Region
11 Frauen stehen nebeneinander und lächeln.©Hanover Region
Press Release
Successful “Holà Kita” project enters next round with 15 participants
Last year, eleven participants were certified as early childhood educators.

Read the press release

Hanover Region
©Saskia Löhr
News
That was the Future Workshop on Loneliness
“Loneliness” Future Workshop – Developing innovative solutions to loneliness together. A look back at the Design Thinking Workshop hosted by the Social Innovation Center of the Hanover Region | January 15–16,

2026Read the article

Hanover Region
©Hanover Region
News
Robotics Talent Award 2026
Opportunity for robotics talents in graduate programs and schools: The Lower Saxony Ministry of Economics, Labor, Transportation, and Digitalization is once again awarding the Robotics Talent Award this year in the categories “Doctoral Thesis” and “Master’s and Bachelor’s Thesis,” as well as a special prize for a school project.

Read the announcement

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Events

Open the event calendar
Hanover Region

Artificial Intelligence in IT Security: Opportunities and Risks for Businesses

Here you can learn about the opportunities and risks that artificial intelligence presents for IT security in businesses.
When?
April 14, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Hanover Region

Workshop: Success Factors: Strategy & Employees – Shaping the Future in SMEs

Event Series
In this workshop, you will reflect on your corporate strategy, develop smart goals, and learn how to actively involve employees in change processes—for a sustainable, successful organization.
When?
April 15, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where?
House of Economic Development, Vahrenwalder Straße 7, 30165 Hanover
Hanover Region

AI in Practice: 5 Ways to Reduce Costs and Increase Sustainability with the Green Economy

Webinar 3: Data-Driven Energy Management: Save Up to 15% on Energy in 3 Steps
Event Series
Our five-part AI.WI webinar series—each session 60 minutes long and free of charge—offers concrete solutions for manufacturing companies, skilled trades, logistics, and retail.
When?
April 15, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
hannoverimpuls

FemMatch Hannover: Find a Match for Your Business (WOMEN SPECIAL)

Successful female entrepreneurship rarely happens in isolation. It thrives on exchange. On trust. On honest give-and-take. With FemMatch, we create an inspiring space for female founders and entrepreneurs who want more: More...
When?
April 15, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

From Business Plan to Financing – How to Successfully Launch Your Own Business

Are you planning to start or take over a business in the skilled trades—but how will you finance your project? What makes a compelling business plan? And what funding opportunities are available?
When?
April 15, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hanover Region

Workshop: AI Workflow Automation

Event Series
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers enormous potential to accelerate processes in your company and free up resources—without any prior technical knowledge. This workshop will teach you the basics of AI and how to use AI tools in practice...
When?
April 16, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where?
House of Economic Development, Vahrenwalder Straße 7, 30165 Hanover
hannoverimpuls

Women Entrepreneurs Masterclass: Financial Clarity for Your Business – Step-by-Step to a Clear Overview (WOMEN SPECIAL)

When?
April 16, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Hanover Region

AI in Practice: 5 Ways to Reduce Costs and Increase Sustainability with the Green Economy

Webinar 4: Intelligent 3D Load Optimization: 30% Lower Logistics Costs, 30% Less CO₂
Event Series
Our five-part AI.WI webinar series—each session 60 minutes long and free of charge—offers concrete solutions for manufacturing companies, skilled trades, logistics, and retail.
When?
April 16, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Hanover Region

Impact Day Hannover

Social Innovation CenterOn April 17, 2026, Impact Day offers a concise introduction to the topic of social entrepreneurship and is aimed at anyone who wants to make a difference through entrepreneurship—as well as those interested in learning more about...
When?
April 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hanover Region

Attracting Skilled Workers from India – Making Effective Use of Government Programs

Triple Win
Event Series
Learn how to successfully attract and retain skilled workers from India in our online event series.
When?
April 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hanover Region

AI in Practice: 5 Ways to Reduce Costs and Boost Sustainability with the Green Economy

Webinar 5: Using Prompting to Build a Green Business Model: AI as a Strategy Booster
Event Series
Our five-part AI.WI webinar series—each session 60 minutes long and free of charge—offers concrete solutions for manufacturing companies, skilled trades, logistics, and retail.
When?
April 17, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Hanover Region

Technology & Business Cooperation Days 2026

We cordially invite you to the Technology & Business Cooperation Days 2026, taking place from April 20 to 23 as part of HANNOVER MESSE.
When?
April 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
hannoverimpuls

Startup Evening in Sehnde

Are you thinking about starting your own business and have a business idea in mind? But a series of unanswered questions is running through your head, and you’re not quite sure where to start? In short: you’re missing the big picture...
When?
April 20, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Hanover Region

Workshop: Successful Business Management for SMEs – Financial Planning and Controlling

Event Series
In this practical workshop, you will learn how to successfully manage and steer small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through targeted financial planning and effective controlling.
When?
April 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where?
House of Economic Development, Vahrenwalder Straße 7, 30165 Hanover
Hanover Region

Current Legal Issues: Climate and Energy Law for Businesses

Learn about the complex challenges of energy law during this online event.
When?
April 21, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM

Success stories

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© hannoverimpuls GmbH
hannoverimpuls

Startup Story April 2026: Himmelsfaden

With Himmelsfaden, Daniela Schulz is launching a label for children who need more than standard sizes. The certified textile, fashion, and costume designer brings 17 years of experience in design, purchasing, and production—and a very personal...
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