Key industries in Leipzig

The digital economy innovation cluster represents one of the most important sectors in Leipzig. The city is a central location for the digital economy, where innovative software products are not only used, but also developed. From cloud computing, games and XR, artificial intelligence and IT security to industrial software – Leipzig is actively shaping digital change. Innovative players include Unite, Spreadshirt, SaxonQ and Appsfactory.

The Leipzig region has excellent, world-class experience in the areas of 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. These come together to form the green tech innovation cluster.

The range of businesses and research institutes based here includes renowned players such as Verbundnetz Gas AG (VNG) and the European Energy Exchange AG (EEX), Germany’s only exchange for trading in electricity, gas and CO2 certificates.

Automotive stands for transformation and progress – from producing electric vehicles to autonomous driving. A high-tech manufacturing centre with Porsche and BMW plants, Leipzig is at the heart of the region. The rapid growth of the industry is benefiting many suppliers.
With plenty of jobs, an excellent infrastructure and close links between business and education, Leipzig is setting the standard for a future-proof and sustainable automotive and supplier industry.

Leipzig offers the best conditions for logistics companies thanks to the combination of favourable logistics-related factors such as air freight, rail freight transport and motorways.
The advantages of this combination are utilised by the numerous logistics companies located here. These include DHL, Amazon, Beiersdorf, momox and Future Electronics, which use the location as a central distribution hub.

Leipzig is a traditional media centre with a history of combining publishing and printing technology to achieve global renown and a high international profile. Leipzig Book Fair and the “Leipzig liest” reading festival have long supported the activities of this key sector.
Following the technological upheavals of the last 20 years, many new media have emerged alongside the medium of the book. This has been embraced as a challenge by all stakeholders and integrated into modern study programmes at the various educational institutions, including the University of Leipzig, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig), Leipzig University of Telecommunications (HfTL) and the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig.

With 3.8 million overnight stays in 2023, Leipzig is one of the most popular destinations in Germany. Full of music, culture and history, the city boasts a vibrant subculture of clubs, concerts and creative events. Leipzig is famous for the Gewandhaus Orchestra, the St Thomas Boys’ Choir and as the place where Bach, Mendelssohn, Goethe, the Schumanns and Wagner once lived and worked. The city played a pivotal role in the Peaceful Revolution, and its Wilhelminian architecture and leafy streets are impressive. Art centres such as the Baumwollspinnerei and the Museum of Fine Arts also attract large numbers of visitors each year.

As a trade fair city, Leipzig offers a modern congress and conference centre with a wide range of congress, conference and event venues.