Hamburg Proposes Innovation Foundation Backed by Dividends from City Investments

The initiative aims to boost startups and research by channeling funds from municipal private-sector profits into long-term innovation strategies.

The Handelskammer Hamburg and University of Hamburg have proposed a 'Hamburger Zukunftsstiftung' to enhance the city's innovation ecosystem.
The foundation would be funded by profits from the city's stakes in private companies, such as dividends from Hapag-Lloyd, which recently generated €1.5 billion for Hamburg.
Key focus areas for funding include climate resilience, sustainable mobility, artificial intelligence, health research, and advanced materials.
The foundation seeks to provide stable, long-term financing independent of election cycles, creating a bridge between politics, academia, and industry.
Discussions are underway with family-run businesses and private foundations to complement public funds and potentially establish a 'Startup Factory' initiative.