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 in the country’s digital technologies sector is based the state [KK1] in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). They operate in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing services and applications, software development, robotics, and blockchain.
Great conditions for data infrastructures, cloud computing and artificial intelligence
The state government’s digital strategy isn’t the only one that emphasizes the special role of Rheinisches Revier. Two important data routes intersect in the region, with a latency of less than 20 milliseconds. It’s a perfect region for enterprises in areas such as artificial intelligence or cloud computing services, infrastructures, and applications.
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© Forschungszentrum Jülich/Sascha Kreklau
JUPITER in Jülich – Europe's fastest exascale supercomputer – is an absolute milestone on Rheinisches Revier's path to becoming a hub for data and artificial intelligence. Developed at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), JUPITER is the first computer in Europe capable of performing the magic number of one trillion computing operations per second.
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.
Big Player in Brainergy Park:
Quanta’s subsidiary QGC Computer
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Big Player in Brainergy Park:
Quanta’s subsidiary QGC Computer
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.
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AIXTRON
AIXTRON is the world's leading manufacturer of deposition systems and thus vital to the global semiconductor industry. The Herzogenrath-based company started as a spin-off from RWTH Aachen University and remains to be involved in numerous research collaborations.
© INFORM GmbH
INFORM GmbH
INFORM GmbH is strengthening Rheinisches Revier as a digital location. The software development company provides intelligent solutions that optimize business processes using artificial intelligence. INFORM GmbH's solutions are used in a variety of sectors – from industry to aviation.
© Black Semiconductor
Black Semiconductor
Since its founding in 2020, Black Semiconductor has been on a growth trajectory. The semiconductor start-up relies on the ultra-thin material graphene to enable chips to communicate with each other. 229 million euros from the state of NRW have already been allocated to help bring the technology to market maturity.
Computacenter
The British company Computacenter AG & Co. OHG offers IT solutions that are used in various industries. Its portfolio includes customized data and artificial intelligence infrastructures as well as cloud computing environments that support companies in their digital transformation.
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.
Not far from the Microsoft hyperscalers, a digital park will be created in the Rhein-Erft-Kreis, bringing together established companies, start-ups, and academia. In Bergheim, data-driven solutions and business models will be shaped in the fields of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and software development. The energy sector in particular is expected to benefit from this.
Frimmersdorf in the Rhine district of Neuss will be home to a second digital park. At its center is a former lignite-fired power plant: under the motto “past meets future,” digitally savvy companies, production facilities, and research institutions will settle in the mixed-use quarter. The complementary cultural and gastronomic offerings are likely to be particularly relevant for skilled workers.
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, whose 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.
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 Europe’s leading supercomputers: JUWELS and JUPITER. 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 FZ Jülich 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.
Contact us Factsheet Digital Technologies in Rheinisches Revier
Would you like to learn more about the digital technologies ecosystem in Rheinisches Revier? Our factsheet provides a detailed overview (PDF, 0.25 MB).
Frequently asked questions
Right next to Cologne and Düsseldorf, Germany’s Rheinisches Revier is becoming a digital technologies hub that’s well suited for AI investments. Since Europe’s most important data routes intersect in the region and there’s a very low latency, the conditions for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and software development are exceptional. Furthermore, investors benefit from renowned research institutions and global tech players.
There are several international players and a vital start-up scene setting the pace for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and software development in Rheinisches Revier. Microsoft is set to build two hyperscalers that will benefit AI and cloud computing services. Investors also have access to top scientific institutions such as RWTH Aachen, Fraunhofer FIT and Forschungszentrum Jülich with its Jülich Supercomputing Centre.
International companies can of course count on governmental funding for their AI investments in Europe’s new tech hub in Rheinisches Revier. The Produktives.NRW program, financed through the EU’s Just Transition Fund, has a maximum funding rate of 40 percent and provides up to 200 million euros per company.