Leipzig’s new cluster strategy: Catalyst for innovation
Compact overview and incentives for meeting planners
Over the past few years, Leipzig has had very good experience with its cluster development strategy. The local economy has grown. This strategy has now been revised and refined. The aim is to further strengthen those sectors that combine innovation, high added value and great jobs. In the future, the strategy will focus on innovation clusters and focus industries. Technologies of the future will be supported in the same way as successfully established industries. Life sciences, digital economy and green tech – these innovation clusters are at the heart of Leipzig’s development strategy. The focus industries are automotive, logistics, media and creative industries, and tourism.
As a conference and congress organiser, the cluster strategy gives you a compact overview of the industries and players that drive innovation and growth in Leipzig. It can give you a good idea of the environment in which your conference will take place and which players are recommended as exciting sources of inspiration for your programme.
Also good to know: the development strategy is leading to new networks between science, business and politics. As platforms for further networking and showcasing innovation, conferences are fundamental to the cluster strategy. With a range of suitable topics, Leipzig is therefore keen to welcome you as an organiser to Leipzig.
It is already clear that conferences benefit from the industry players in the clusters and the hard work put in by the networks. They get involved as exhibitors, as speakers, by providing content for specialist programmes, or by offering informative on-site visits to successful companies. This article gives you some practical examples of how this interaction works.
Life sciences innovation cluster
Biotechnology, medical engineering and digital healthcare
The life sciences cluster focuses on the areas of biotechnology, medical technology and digital healthcare. As a centre of science, Leipzig is already on its way to becoming a leading location for life sciences with renowned research institutions such as the Fraunhofer, Helmholtz and Max Planck Institutes and the University of Leipzig. At its heart is the BioCity Campus, which offers ideal conditions for research and development but also company relocations. Accelerators and incubators give new ideas a boost. A highlight in the conference calendar: in 2022, BIO-Europe, the largest European biotech conference, took place in Leipzig. The event was hosted by the city and the industry association biosaxony. In this context, players from the life sciences ecosystem in Saxony and Leipzig presented themselves at the Congress Center Leipzig. Presentations and discussions at the congress and exhibition led to new collaborations. There were also site visits during the conference. For example, an international audience of experts had the chance to see the potential of the BioCity Campus.
Every year, the congress calendar features a number of conferences that provide important impetus for the life sciences innovation cluster. These include medical industry meetings such as annual professional association conferences as well as interdisciplinary and practical formats.
Digital economy innovation cluster
Innovative start-ups, strong networks and knowledge transfer at industry meetings
The digital economy cluster focuses on areas such as cloud computing, games & XR technologies, artificial intelligence, IT security, industrial software, e-commerce and data science. Leipzig already has around 1,400 digital economy companies. Innovative start-ups are fuelling further growth. Networks such as Games & XR Mitteldeutschland, Smart Infrastructure Hub Leipzig and Cluster IT Mitteldeutschland create synergies. Local universities provide the next generation of IT specialists.
The goal: Leipzig’s goal is to be Germany’s number one location for the digital economy by 2035. One way is how knowledge transfer between research and industry is actively encouraged. The Center for Deep Tech Transfer is an initiative of HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management and the Fraunhofer Centre for International Management and Knowledge Economy IMW. It is seen as a link between research and industry, giving deep-tech innovations a shot at commercialisation.
Several industry meetings in Leipzig have already helped to drive this cluster forward. For example, protekt, the conference for the protection of critical infrastructure, focuses on cyber and information security. At the Indie Ground of the CAGGTUS gaming festival , players from the Saxon gaming scene present new developments to the right target group. The OTMR Conference & Barcamp brings together digital economy and legal issues.
Green tech innovation cluster
Towards a climate-friendly energy supply
The green tech cluster is all about actively shaping the energy transition. The goal: Leipzig aims to become an internationally recognised location for climate and resource-friendly technologies by 2035. Utilities, start-ups, networks and leading research institutions are all working on this issue. Leipzig is home to two internationally renowned players, the German Biomass Research Centre and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research. The focus is on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydrogen, as well as energy infrastructure in the form of electricity and gas grids, storage technologies and e-charging stations.
This is an attractive environment for industry meetings.Two examples: at the first international Green Hydrogen Innovation Congress in 2022, participants from Europe, Asia and Africa discussed developments in the hydrogen economy and possible collaborations. In January 2025, Solar Solutions Leipzig took place for the first time at Leipzig’s exhibition grounds. Part of the international Solar Solutions exhibition series, this event focuses on the key areas of the renewable energy sector with solar, smart storage, EV charging and green HVAC. The fair was organised in conjunction with the Saxony Association for Renewable Energy.
Leipzig’s focus industries at a glance
Promoting established sectors
Leipzig also remains true to its roots and continues to focus on supporting the strong, established industries of the city and region:
- Automotive focus industry: The location is characterised by modern production facilities of BMW and Porsche, medium-sized suppliers and research facilities as well as innovative logistics solutions. Support from the city prioritises sustainable, networked and digital mobility.
- Logistics focus industry: Leipzig offers the best conditions for logistics companies thanks to its ideal connections to all transport routes. Leipzig/Halle Airport is the fourth largest air freight hub in Europe. Companies such as DHL operate distribution centres there. The support provided by the city aims to promote sustainable logistics and digital innovations.
One high-profile conference underlines this importance: since 2008, Leipzig has hosted the Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum, the most important international conference on transport and logistics. It features renowned speakers from politics, business and science from around the world. In addition to the specialist programme, delegates are also offered off-site Technical Tours. Companies such as DHL’s Leipzig hub, Amazon’s distribution centre and the BMW and Porsche plants offer direct insights into their processes on site. Companies from Leipzig and Saxony also take part in the conference exhibition, providing an opportunity for international networking.
- Focus on mediaand creative industries: The economic sector with its sub-sectors of design, film, music, advertising, architecture and digital media makes Leipzig a creative hotspot. This is reflected in festivals such as DOK Leipzig and the MACHN Festival, as well as internationally recognised industry gatherings such as the Leipzig Book Fair. Creative networks support the synergies and visibility of Leipzig’s media industry. The city’s support is aimed at creating new spaces for experimental work, the establishment of start-ups and cooperation between culture and business.
- Tourism focus industry: A popular tourist destination, Leipzig aims to be one of Germany’s top ten tourist hotspots by 2034. The city’s support is aimed at creating new tourism opportunities, developing the necessary infrastructure and increasing the number of overnight stays. Attracting conferences and congresses should also contribute to this.
Leipzig offers the best conference conditions
Wide range of conference hotels and venues
As you can see: Leipzig’s innovation clusters and focus industries offer conference planners a wide range starting points for your event. And Leipzig is not only characterised by this environment of inspiring and forward-looking developments. You’ll find Leipzig the ideal place to meet, hold conferences and conduct business events. Benefit from a wide choice of conference hotels and venues, numerous options for supporting programmes and convenient travel. And there are even more good reasons to plan your next conference in Leipzig.
Conclusion
Want to find out more about Leipzig and your options as a conference planner? Then the Leipzig Convention Team is the best place to get in touch. As part of the “Feel the spirit…do-it-at-leipzig.de” congress initiative, the team can open doors for you in Leipzig and put you in touch with interesting contacts. Feel free to contact us by email or phone – we look forward to hearing from you.
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