The capital region: Germany's number 1 IoT hub. Together we create added value and implement innovations.
The leading national location for IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the biggest drivers of innovation and digitalisation. The technology opens up opportunities for new business models across industries, is represented in numerous application industries and shapes our everyday lives.
Berlin and the surrounding area have established themselves as one of the most important locations for IoT and have developed an extremely active ecosystem. More than 250 start-ups and established IoT companies are represented in the capital region, and more than 80 other institutions, universities, research institutes and other IoT players are based here. Above all, the high number of young IoT companies makes the region a central location for incubators, accelerators and company builders. The nationwide Digital Hub Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has also selected Berlin as the de:hub IoT.
The technological focus of IoT players is on complete devices, app development, IoT platforms and analytics. IoT applications are most strongly represented in the industry segments mobility and production. Other noteworthy application areas are: smart home, smart city, lifestyle/wearables, energy, logistics and health.
Networking the digital world with physical reality
IoT uses sensor technology to enable physical and virtual objects to be networked with each other and to work together through information and communication technologies. The technology supports the development of new business models and opens up cross-industry opportunities for digital solutions in everyday life and in industrial processes (Industrial IoT - IIoT).
A wide variety of application fields and systems can be identified for an Internet of Things, because the scope of IoT solutions is enormous. Industrial automation, car2x communication, supply chain management, predictive maintenance, collection of real-time data for quality control, smart home solutions, networking of medical devices, road infrastructure or use of smart watches and fitness bands, are just a few examples of countless IoT applications that can focus on both end consumers and industrial processes. IoT is present in most industries and offers great economic and functional added value.
With the increasing number of networked devices, the aspect of IT security is becoming more important. The topic of open source data and edge computing, as well as the link with other technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G, also play a major role in IoT developments and challenges and are developing into important trends that are supported and illuminated by the work of the cluster
Networking as a chance
The IKT Cluster works with the IoT community to implement local, nationwide and international networking as well as the expansion of cooperations and the initiation of projects to strengthen the IoT location.
Together, we increase the visibility of members and the ecosystem, create a platform for networking and support start-ups and established companies in their growth.
Numerous events, the initiation of training programmes, the expansion of opportunities for IoT test fields, initiatives and programmes to strengthen and support young companies and talents are just a few examples of the cluster's work in the field of IoT.
Berlin and Brandenburg have a broad knowledge and competence landscape in the IoT sector. Numerous universities and non-university institutions are researching fundamental and application-oriented solutions related to the core technologies of the Internet of Things. In addition, resident companies enrich this IoT ecosystem, which are primarily involved in the development and provision of technologies, products and systems, applications and platforms, as well as analysis tools.
Berlin IoT players in the ecosystem:
A direct partner of the cluster in IoT topics is the Berlin de:hub IoT.
With the Digital Hub Initiative (de:hub), the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) supports the creation of digital hubs in Germany. The "hub" idea is based on the fact that the cooperation of companies, founders and science in a small space promotes innovation, especially in the digital age. The initiative serves to implement the digital transformation in Germany.Berlin has been participating in the BMWi initiative since 2018 in the thematic fields of "Internet of Things (IoT) & FinTech" ecosystem (Hub).
The IoT Hub is led by a heterogeneous consortium of companies, start-ups, higher education institutions and company builders. In 2020, the IoT Hub Berlin transitioned into the legal form of an association, the IoT+ Network.
The network aims to improve the range, benefits and presence of the topic area of IoT, as well as to facilitate accessibility. This includes the promotion of innovative projects, the exchange between business and science as well as the networking of IoT players among each other.
