Young, impulsive and full of ideas, Karlsruhe is the business capital of Baden-Württemberg, buzzing with a lust for life, and all signs clearly point to a future of strong growth. The city offers truly excellent conditions for business success, for science and innovation, for art and culture, and above all for a pleasant home life and base of well-being.
Business and technology at the core of Karlsruhe
More than 220,000 people work in Karlsruhe, the city of technology. The favorable business climate is positively influenced by innovative, knowledge-based companies, a strong foundation in industry and technology, a variety of active sectors and a range of excellent academic and research institutions. Contrary to the emerging trend in other large cities, the population of Karlsruhe has been growing at a significant rate for years. Low unemployment, a steadily increasing number of workers and expanding companies all characterize the city as a prosperous location.
An integral part of Karlsruhe Technology Region, Karlsruhe is at the center of one of Europe’s most successful areas for business, science and research. The particular strengths of this city in Baden-Württemberg include a well-developed SME sector and a large number of skilled service providers and suppliers in the immediate vicinity. The various small and medium enterprises in the industry, services, trade and craft sectors also generate the largest proportion of revenue and employment in Karlsruhe. These include global high-tech companies, especially in the fields of information technology and production engineering.
Nature and infrastructures
Karlsruhe benefits from one of the best local transport systems in Europe in terms of connections. Among experts, the tramway system has become known as the "Karlsruhe model"; its most distinguishing feature being the use of sections of tracks operated by the national railway system. Fast and frequent city trains connect the city center with the wider region, from Alsace to the Palatinate, and from Kraichgau to the Black Forest.
Karlsruhe is situated in the sunniest region of Germany. Its inhabitants enjoy a high standard of living in a Mediterranean climate, surrounded by charming landscapes.
In addition to around 1,800 hours of sunshine a year, the attractive infrastructure in Karlsruhe makes for a particularly family-friendly climate. The area offers suitable housing, good childcare facilities and a wide choice of schools. There is also a varied range of recreational facilities and idyllic green surroundings.
A city for students, science, and culture
Karlsruhe is a renowned location for business and scientific research where new ideas and pioneering innovations are able to flourish. The city has a long tradition of education with around 90 public schools and the European School Karlsruhe. More than 40,000 students are enrolled in one of the city’s nine universities and technical colleges. These institutions enjoy a high level of international recognition for excellence in teaching and research, especially the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, which not only has a prestigious reputation but is also the largest research institute in Germany.
Finally, the cultural offer in Karlsruhe combines science and art, culture and cultures. The ZKM Center for Art and Media is a unique institution where art and technology intersect, attracting audiences from across Germany and abroad. It is a museum, a convention center, a production site and a research facility all in one. With acclaimed exhibitions, festivals, symposiums and congresses, the ZKM is heavily involved with new media and all its possibilities.
