Europe’s first fully digitalized innovation campus for artificial intelligence is emerging over 120,000 square meters just outside Cologne. The AI Village model project in Hürth demonstrates why AI and robotics are set to gain momentum in Rheinisches Revier. Established enterprises, start-ups and academic institutions will work together to develop AI and robotics applications across industries and test them in real-world labs. AI Village will also provide affordable office space, along with incubator and accelerator programs for start-ups. Additionally, it will offer training and qualification programs for professionals.
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From software development to AI: an investment hub in Europe’s heart
Digital technologies are a key driver in Rheinisches Revier’s path towards a climate-neutral industrial future. The region offers prime conditions for players in sectors like artificial intelligence, blockchain, software development and cloud computing. Rheinisches Revier boasts outstanding commercial spaces, in-depth expertise and top-tier digital research at the international level. Additionally, its advantageous location for data infrastructure offers investors significant benefits.
Germany’s industrial leader has long been setting digital benchmarks. One in five companies within the country’s digital technologies sector is based in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Altogether, these 6,400 firms generate around 15 billion euros annually – accounting for 20 percent of the sector’s national revenue – in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing services and applications, software development, robotics and blockchain.
North Rhine-Westphalia is also Germany’s undisputed cybersecurity hub and home to about 400 companies as well as the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). The foundation for NRW’s digital success lies in the state government’s digital strategy, which also highlights the crucial role Rheinisches Revier is playing in the digital economy.
A 2021 feasibility study on data infrastructure confirmed that the region is ideally suited for the development of hyperscale data centers, a data hub and digital parks. One major advantage is its geostrategic position, where two key data routes intersect. One runs from Dublin through London and Amsterdam to Frankfurt am Main.
The north-south route connects Scandinavian data centers – critical for American platforms – with Paris. Located in the middle of Europe’s major urban areas, Rheinisches Revier experiences strong demand for data infrastructure. Within a 250-kilometer radius, as many as 60 million users can be reached with a latency of under 20 milliseconds. A perfect region for enterprises in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing services, infrastructure and applications.
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Microsoft’s hyperscalers can boost cloud computing and AI investments in Europe
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Microsoft’s hyperscalers can boost cloud computing and AI investments in Europe
Another key factor for data infrastructure in Rheinisches Revier is its status as one of Germany’s leading energy regions, offering reliable power supply security for the digital economy. In purely mathematic terms, annual power outages average less than 10 minutes – a global record. Thanks to robust energy providers. it’s set to remain secure even after the coal phase-out in 2030.
The groundwork for reliable data infrastructure is already in place: Microsoft, with its largest-ever investment package for Germany, is focusing heavily on Rheinisches Revier. The company is building two hyperscalers with integrated data hubs in Bergheim and Bedburg, designed primarily for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. These hyperscalers will serve as the centerpieces of a dynamic digital ecosystem, including tech businesses, start-ups and research institutes. To that end, the districts Rhein-Erft-Kreis and Rhein-Kreis Neuss are establishing two digital parks, where companies will be able to apply cutting-edge technologies and explore new digital business models. These parks also offer ample space and perfect conditions for software development, cloud computing and AI investments in Europe.
The Microsoft investment also includes qualifying university and school students as well as professionals in using artificial intelligence. North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister-President, Hendrik Wüst, hailed Microsoft’s “commitment to the digital and quantum region of Rheinisches Revier.” A quick look at the variety of companies, research institutions and funded projects shows just how far this has already progressed.
Digital technologies are essential for Rheinisches Revier to achieve its goal of becoming Europe’s first climate-neutral industrial region. Microsoft’s hyperscale data centers in the district Rhein-Eft-Kreis are critical to this effort. However, there are many other groundbreaking projects advancing artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotics in Rheinisches Revier.
The Blockchain real-world lab in Hürth, along with the Blockchain.NRW ecosystem project, is focused on research and industrial development. This project by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology (FIT) shows businesses how decentralized data storage can simplify and secure business processes, while also helping to identify relevant use cases. The project’s experts work with interested companies to develop solutions and support implementation efforts.
Neurotec's vision is to develop neuro-inspired AI technologies for the electronics of the future. The consortium, comprising Forschungszentrum Jülich, RWTH Aachen, AMO GmbH and several other high-tech companies, aims to establish the Jülich-Aachen area as a leading international hub for neuromorphic computer chips. These AI chips are modeled on the human brain and designed to make artificial intelligence significantly more energy-efficient.
Blockchain4DMP aims to set a milestone in the region’s digital transformation. The project will enhance an existing data marketplace with a blockchain stack, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to securely link and exchange data in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. This positions Rheinisches Revier to become a global exporter of IoT data and services. Partners include RWTH Aachen University, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT), senseering GmbH, and SWD mbH from Dormagen.
InvestMap: Find the perfect place for your software development, cloud computing and AI investment in Europe’s center
Rheinisches Revier offers the best location – and that goes for your company, too! Use our InvestMap to discover sites with a range of advantages and neighboring ecosystems that fit your needs.
QCG Computer:
Big player at Brainergy Park
Big player at Brainergy Park
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QCG Computer:
Big player at Brainergy Park
Big player at Brainergy Park
With its hyperscale data centers and an AI qualification offensive, Microsoft is making a significant contribution to the sustainable transformation of Rheinisches Revier. Another global corporation from the digital technologies sector has also chosen to invest in the west of North Rhine-Westphalia: Quanta Computer from Taiwan will be represented by QCG Computer GmbH at Jülich’s Brainergy Park from 2025. QCG plans to manufacture high-precision electronic equipment for the automotive industry here – with autonomous driving set to be a key beneficiary.
A lot of digital know-how
for efficient processes
for efficient processes
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A lot of digital know-how
for efficient processes
for efficient processes
In addition to these two tech giants, many other companies are transforming Rheinisches Revier into a hub for digital innovation. For example, INFORM GmbH develops intelligent software that optimizes business processes using artificial intelligence, serving both industrial and aviation sectors. Soptim’s portfolio encompasses software development as well as cutting-edge cloud computing applications and services for energy companies. The IT solutions from UK-based Computacenter AG & Co. OHG have been implemented in various industries, offering customized data and AI infrastructures as well as cloud environments.
Top research in artificial intelligence and even quantum computing
Software development, cloud computing and AI investments in Europe’s Rheinisches Revier benefit from direct access to top-tier research and talent. This is particularly true in the field of digital technologies. Here’s a summary of the key universities and research institutions.
This prestigious German university, recognized across Europe, is also a leader in digital technologies. RWTH boasts its own Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI Center) and an Institute for Transmission Technology, Machine Dynamics, and Robotics. Additionally, it operates the European 4.0 Transformation Center, which supports industrial companies in their digitalization efforts. Members range from Fujitsu to Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
FIT works closely with businesses to develop IT solutions that seamlessly integrate into corporate processes. The institute follows a comprehensive approach to system development, offering end-to-end services from concept validation to implementation. Key application areas include digital business, digital health, digital sustainability and digital energy – with thematic focuses on artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain and the industrial metaverse.
As part of the Helmholtz Association, FZ Jülich is one of Europe’s largest interdisciplinary research institutions. Its Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS) leads the way in digital technologies. The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) houses JUWELS, one of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe. The JUPITER exascale supercomputer is poised to become the first in Europe to achieve 1 trillion computing operations per second. JSC also operates JUNIQ, Europe’s first quantum computing infrastructure. Additional focus areas include Data Analytics and Machine Learning, and Materials Data Science and Informatics. The Peter Grünberg Institute at FZJ brings together several institutes in quantum computing, all of which are members of the Jülich Quantum Computing Alliance (JUQUA), alongside JSC.
Be part of the digital technology hub in Rheinisches Revier
Rheinisches Revier has built the perfect environment for companies and research institutions driving the future of industry with artificial intelligence, cloud computing infrastructures and applications, software development or blockchain. Strategically located and surrounded by top industry players, a cutting-edge digital ecosystem is emerging, ready to set global trends. Be part of it – NRW.Global Business offers full-service consulting for your investment project in Europe’s most exciting industrial region.
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