Cologne: An epicentre for science, technology and academic inquiry

Cologne is one of the most important and innovative science hubs in Germany and in the heart of Europe. Numerous institutes from all disciplines conduct internationally recognised cutting-edge research in a wide range of scientific disciplines. A combination of interdisciplinary research, highly qualified specialists and an innovative startup ecosystem makes Cologne the ideal location for companies with strong research and development capabilities.

22.00 Institutions of higher education in Cologne
12.00 Research centres
14000.00 Graduates/year
Research and innovation - KölnBusiness

14,000 skilled graduates every year

More than 100,000 students live in Cologne which makes it the third-largest student city in Germany. Most of these are studying at the University of Cologne – established in 1388 and one of the largest universities in the whole of Germany where some 50,000 students are enrolled.  

The largest public university of applied sciences in Germany also has its home in Cologne.  Around 25,000 students are enrolled at TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences.  Cologne also boasts two of the largest European schools in the areas of sport and music with the German Sport University (DSHS) and the University of Music and Dance. 

More than 14,000 highly qualified graduates enter the labour market every year.  Most of them start their careers in the region and therefore represent a significant factor when it comes to location for companies based in Cologne.

Excellent academic network

Cologne has an extensive network of non-university research centres including four Max Planck institutes with a range of disciplines from the biology of ageing and metabolism, to plant breeding and social research. The city’s scientific ambitions are not constrained by gravity either! The European Astronaut Centre, located at the European Space Agency (ESA), prepares astronauts for their missions in space. Cologne is also home to the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), one of Germany's biggest research centres

International corporations such as LANXESS, INEOS and Ford as well as hidden champions like Courage + Khazaka Electronic, Igus and Schwank also enrich Cologne as a centre for R&D focussed industries.

Research and innovation - KölnBusiness
The German Aerospace Center's short-arm centrifuge is a globally unique special development for researching the effect of increased gravity.

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Of the approximately 60 institutions of higher education in the Rhineland, Cologne has more than 20 – that represents a huge source for recruiting new employees.
Christian Berner, CEO Berner group
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The more we grow, the more important the recruitment of employees becomes, and we mainly find them under the highly qualified students in the city and region.
Dr. Niklas Hellemann, Co-Founder SoSafe
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Cologne is a commercial metropolis, and accordingly, an important logistics hub." What's more, countless, mostly internationally operating companies from mechanical engineering, chemical and automotive industries have their headquarters here. Without doubt, a dual course of study in Cologne therefore offers a wide range of opportunities.
Prof. Dr. Otto Jockel, International School of Management (ISM)
Portrait von Aydin Kucuk
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An innovative company like Monrol is always looking for partners who act quickly and future-oriented in a dynamic environment. We are happy and grateful to have found such partners in the city of Cologne and in KölnBusiness. Cologne as a healthcare location and the surroundings rich in top-class scientific institutions are ideal conditions to fulfil Monrol’s mission in the service of patient health. Monrol’s high-end research and production will surely continue to develop very positively in Cologne.
Aydin Kücük, CEO, Monrol