Starting signal for the Stormarn innovation and start-up centre

Where ideas become companies and the region wins

After intensive examination of various location options, the decision has been made: The Stormarn Innovation and Start-up Centre will be built in the Beimoor-Süd industrial estate in Ahrensburg - a forward-looking location in the heart of Stormarn.

Exactly one year ago to the day, Sparkasse Holstein made a generous gift to the region on the occasion of its 200th anniversary and provided a symbolic donation cheque for one million euros as an investment grant for the project.

With the start of the tender for the architectural services in June, an important milestone in the structural realisation is now imminent. To mark the occasion, Thomas Piehl, CEO of Sparkasse Holstein, Ahrensburg's Mayor Eckart Boege and Ulf Hahn, Managing Director of Wirtschafts- und Aufbaugesellschaft Stormarn mbH (WAS), met today for a joint on-site visit to the future building site.

"The IGZ-Stormarn will be a forward-looking place for meetings, collaboration and innovation," emphasised Ulf Hahn."We are not only creating space here for start-ups and founders, but also for companies, science and institutions - regionally anchored and nationally networked."

Space for ideas, exchange and growth: with around 1,800 square metres of floor space, the IGZ-Stormarn is set to become a vibrant centre for the innovation landscape in Stormarn and beyond. Modern offices, flexible event rooms, workshops and areas for consulting and networking are planned.

Centre with appeal beyond the region: The IGZ-Stormarn is aimed at start-ups from the entire Stormarn district and the area surrounding Hamburg to the east - regardless of the sector. It will also be available as a conference and event centre for companies, associations and institutions. This will create a genuine innovation hub that connects young and established players with universities and research institutions as well as established companies.

"We are delighted that the IGZ in Ahrensburg will provide an additional pillar to the district's business development programme, which has been successful for decades. On behalf of the town, I would like to thank the Stormarn district, Sparkasse Holstein and WAS for this investment in future-oriented commercial development. This is not only a great addition to the largest commercial area in Stormarn, but will also provide impetus for the entire district," said Ahrensburg's mayor Eckart Boege at the meeting.

Sparkasse Holstein also reaffirmed its commitment: "It's great that our gift is now taking shape. As an institution with regional roots and a partner to SMEs, it is very important to us to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative strength in our region. The IGZ-Stormarn will be a central building block for this," says Thomas Piehl.

_{Ahrensburg, 30 May 2025}