The site
A special place in Berlin
Urban Tech Republic embodies a unique concept: Together, we work here to develop solutions for the cities of tomorrow.
A research and industrial park for urban technologies is emerging on the former Tegel Airport site: the Urban Tech Republic. With this plot of land Berlin reclaims a piece of the city and creates spaces for industry, business, and science. What makes it special? The collaborative approach. As an ecosystem and hub for innovation, the Urban Tech Republic is intended to be a home for the next generation of pioneers, whose primary driving force will be collaboration.
Map of the site
Map of the surrounding area
The Urban Tech Republic and its residents benefit from the location of the site in the middle of the capital, just 15 minutes from the city center. Berlin is a city in constant flux and everywhere something new is being created. Nowhere else in Germany are there so many motivated and qualified young people. And nowhere else is so much venture capital being invested in start-ups.
The Urban Tech Republic holds great potential for Berlin: With an expected 17,000 jobs at the Urban Tech Republic, the annual gross value added in Berlin TXL amounts to 1.8 billion euros, which translates to a gross value added of 2.31 billion euros for Berlin as a whole, with tax revenues of 217 million euros. (Empirica study, April 2026)
In total
ha
Building area
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Industrial Park
for up to
companies
for up to
employees
The Innovation Park focuses on what keeps the growing metropolises of the 21st century alive. Here, urban technologies are researched, developed, produced, tested, and exported. Six topics are at the center of this effort:
Mobility
The mobility of tomorrow is connected, efficient, and low-emission. Urban Tech Republic brings together companies, research institutions, and startups that are working on new solutions for urban mobility and putting them into practice.
Energy
Energy is one of the key future topics at Urban Tech Republic. Here, companies and research institutions are working on innovative solutions for heat supply, energy systems, storage technologies, and smart grids.
Materials
New materials open up new possibilities. At Urban Tech Republic, companies and research institutions are working on materials and construction methods that conserve resources, close the loop, and meet the needs of future cities.
ICT
The future of cities is connected. The Urban Tech Republic is developing smart, digital solutions based on information and communication technology (ICT). The FUTR HUB provides the technological foundation for this.
recycling
The circular economy of tomorrow begins with new ideas. At Urban Tech Republic, companies and research institutions are developing solutions for recycling, reuse, and the smart use of resources.
Water
Water is one of the key resources of modern cities. At Urban Tech Republic, companies and research institutions are working on solutions for urban water systems, water infrastructure, and the responsible use of water.
Nature in the city
The Urban Tech Republic brings nature back into the city. Our biodiversity strategy for “Campus West” creates foundations on which new, native species of animals and plants can become established.
An excellent concept
The Urban Tech Republic was the first business district in the world to be awarded Platinum Precertification for Sustainability by the German Sustainable Building Council.
After many years of preparation, the work is now really getting underway. Step by step, a hub for science, research, business, and urban innovation is taking shape here.
First site conference
Site conference on the subsequent use of Tegel Airport
Developing ideas
Preparation and further development of the concept of the innovation park with experts, administration, and stakeholders from Berlin’s general public
The Master Plan
State of Berlin decides upon Master Plan
Zoning plans
Public disclosure of zoning plans
Infopoint
An information center is being set up on site following the closure of the airport
Acquisition of the grounds
Acquisition of the grounds by Tegel Projekt GmbH
Development Plan for Campus
agreement upon the development plan for the central Campus area
Installation of site logistics
Installation of site logistics, construction roads and start of civil engineering works; leases for interim uses in the existing buildings in tandem with restoration and reconstruction; allocation of land
Completion of major part of restoration work
Completion of major part of restoration work; accommodation of the Berliner Hochschule für Technik in Terminal A, of the Foundation and Technology Center in Terminal B, and of the Berlin Fire Department and Rescue Services Academy in the hangars
The work continues
Development of the overall project in four construction phases up to around 2040
Participatory planning process
What will actually happen after Tegel Airport closes? This question has been discussed publicly since 2008. From the very beginning, the aim was to develop concepts in a broad-based debate. Here you will find an overview of the most important steps in the participatory planning process: