Economy
Latest news
Masterplan for the Chemnitz/Southwest Saxony region
The participation process for the Chemnitz/Southwest Saxony Region Masterplan was launched in December 2025 with over 200 guests from business, politics, science and associations. The city of Chemnitz will shape this future process together with many regional partners. The aim of the master plan is to tackle structural change with determination, strengthen the region's innovative power and develop solutions for future issues such as the transformation of the automotive industry, securing skilled labour, digitalisation and demographics.
moreHydrogen Alliance Chemnitz Region - Results 2025
In the second year of the alliance, the hydrogen alliance was able to lay key foundations for the development of a regional hydrogen economy. Important milestones include the funding of the Hydrogen Innovation Centre with 84.4 million euros, progress in infrastructure projects and a more precise needs analysis for south-west Saxony. The region gained international visibility through the H2GP World Finals. For 2026, the focus is on expanding infrastructure, political advocacy and the cross-border "ReH₂gion" project.
moreStrengthening the international partnership with Da Nang
Chemnitz and Da Nang are intensifying their cooperation: during the delegation's visit to Da Nang at the end of March 2026, a Chemnitz liaison office was opened - the first networking office of a European city on site. Both cities signed a Memorandum of Understanding and have initiated initial cooperation in AI, microelectronics and education. Both cities are focussing on innovation, the development of skilled workers and close cooperation between business and research - a promising start to joint projects for the future.
moreLate shift 2026: Companies can register
Interested parties from business, science, culture and urban development are invited to the "Local Maker Hero" networking and exhibition evening to celebrate the economic conclusion of the Capital of Culture year. Join us as we look back on successful projects from the business community, current initiatives and look ahead to future prospects. Register now!
Companies wishing to take part in the Spätschicht 2026 can now register. Spätschicht 2026 will take place on Friday, 30 October in Chemnitz, the Ore Mountains, Central Saxony and the Zwickau region. The format enables visitors to gain direct insights into the working world of various companies during exclusive guided tours and to engage in dialogue.
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Chemnitz - centre of a traditional, successful industrial region
Chemnitz is the centre of a successful industrial region rich in tradition. The backbone of our success is the passion, ideas and inventive spirit of those who live and work here. WE - these are world-class engineers and inventors: machines, vehicles, microelectronics, sensors, intelligent textiles, new materials, software for automated driving - over eight billion euros of added value are supported by high-quality products, intelligent services and a large pinch of Saxon serenity.
Our 18,500 industrial and craft businesses are the backbone of our economy. They get down to business, go their own way, dare to try new things and live the spirit of invention.
Technology and infrastructure
Establishment of the National Hydrogen Centre in Chemnitz
The "Hydrogen Innovation Center" HIC in Chemnitz is the Chemnitz site of the national Innovation and Technology Centre for Hydrogen (ITZ), which successfully won the BMDV's federal competition in 2021. The HIC was developed by the national hydrogen technology cluster HZwo e.V., which brings together the expertise of 150 companies and research institutions across Germany. With the construction of the Hydrogen Innovation Centre (HIC), a development and test environment for hydrogen technologies that is unique in Europe will be established in the region, combining the expertise of the region and the cluster under the umbrella of HZwo e.V.. This will create the most modern hydrogen centre in Chemnitz.
moreSpace for your ideas!
Historic industrial neighbourhoods in Chemnitz are being developed into modern working and living spaces in which young companies are settling. Today, the city is one of the leading research and development centres for microsystems technology, sensor technology, textile research, mobility and hydrogen. With the Chemnitz Model, the city has an infrastructure project that is unique in Germany and connects the city with the region. And: Chemnitz is not finished yet! Unlike almost any other major city in Saxony, there are still many vacant areas where new branches of industry can settle and establish themselves.
moreCurrent funding programmes
You will find a large number of current financing and funding opportunities from various institutions in the areas of securing skilled labour, start-ups, investments, growth and energy clearly listed here.
We are happy to support and advise you as an intermediary between authorities, chambers and funding providers, coordinate processes and network you with important players. Take advantage of these opportunities for sustainable growth!
Economic development by the City of Chemnitz and partners
Surveys confirm it time and time again: Chemnitz companies consider their city to be particularly business-friendly; they find a good balance of industry, trade, services and research here. They also appreciate the short decision-making processes within the administration.
Municipal enterprises and holdings
A large part of the services of general interest for the residents of the City of Chemnitz are provided by the organisationally and financially independent municipal companies, municipal enterprises, associated companies and special-purpose associations. With an average of 4,900 employees, the associated companies are a major employer.