Economic Region Cottbus

Economic Region
Cottbus
The City in Lusatia
www.egc-cottbus.de
Cottbus is a vibrant, eclectic city
offering many economic opportunities
while excelling in sciences.
An ideal location for your business!
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In the center of the energy region: the Vattenfall headquarters in Cottbus.
short and sweet
The “desert” is alive! –
Discover Cottbus.
Economics
Science
Living
>> The centre of the Lusatian Energy Region –
headquarters of many small and mediumsized companies (Vattenfall Europe Mining
& Generation AG, envia Mitteldeutsche
Energie AG)
>> Stepping stone to the prosperous metropolises of Berlin and Dresden
>> Innovative “real-life” laboratory – Region at
the cutting edge of environmental, renaturation and alternative energy projects
>> Health centre of Lusatia – Brandenburg’s
largest hospital (Carl Thiem Klinikum), the
renowned Cardiology Centre (Sana Herzzentrum) and the Rehabilitation Centre
(Reha Vita)
>> Trade fair and conference center of supraregional importance
>> BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg – the only technical university in Brandenburg
>> Strong research – BTU scientific networks
and numerous non-university research
institutions cooperating with regional and
international partner institutions
>> Knowledge and Technology Transfer, Initiative for Securing Skilled Human Resources, support of founding aspirations and
young startups in favor of new economic
impulse in the region, modern schemes of
cooperation between the university and
business enterprises
>> Highly-skilled young talents (Max Steenbeck Gymnasium promoting high-potentials in natural sciences; East Germany’s
most successful music academy)
>> Cheer your team – at the FC Energie
football Stadium or the German meeting of
international athletics champions
>> Sigh during a performance of Romeo and
Juliette at the “Staatstheater” (unique art
nouveau theatre)
>> Discover exotic cinema at the Festival of
the Eastern European Cinema – FilmFestival Cottbus
>> Take a leisurely stroll in the Branitz Park
where you can marvel at the unique water
pyramid of Fürst Pückler
>> Celebrate and party with the Cottbus jesters (largest carnival procession in Eastern
Germany)
>> Get your blood flowing on a canoe trip
through the Spreewald Forest (UNESCO
Biosphere Reserve) or on a bike tour on
attractive cycling routes
Brandenburg – Germany’s capital city
region. Things are happening here ...
>> “Brandenburg has the strongest economic
growth of all the German federal states.”
(ZAB Brandenburg Economic Development
Board)
>> “…despite the airport debacle, Brandenburg still leads in the comparison of dynamic economic growth of the federal state
ranking, as in the last two years.” (Wirtschaftswoche federal state ranking, 2012)
>> Brandenburg is “European Entrepreneurial
Region 2011.” (European Union Committee
of the Regions)
>> Brandenburg is “Best federal state for renewable energies.” (DIW German Institute for
Economic Research)
>> Berlin-Brandenburg has the highest concentration of research in Europe (ZAB Brandenburg Economic Development Board)
Today: lignite – Tomorrow: part of a newly formed lake.
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BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg Information, Communication and Media Centre.
Energy city Cottbus .
welcome to cot tbus
The City in Lusatia –
Variety is the spice of life ...
Cottbus is not one among many cities, it is bus great: research and business coming torather several cities in one. The Lusatian met- gether to pave their way into the future.
ropolis, business location, university city, sport
city, city of energy, gateway to the Spreewald… You will meet many energetic, capable and
Visitors to the green city on the Spree River are diligent people in the place where they work
always amazed at the variety here.
and live between Berlin and Dresden. Cottbus
is a cosmopolitan city where a great diversity
of
personalities have settled down: students,
Energy, Science and Technology
entrepreneurs, engineers, researchers, docRegion
tors and artists. Each one of them makes the
As a university city Cottbus cooperates closely city more attractive with their expertise, their
with the resident BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg. language and their culture.
The partnerships of the University include
other universities, non-university research in- Everyone enjoys a living environment that has
stitutions, global corporations and, at last but a lot to offer. The Fürst Pückler Park Branitz
not least, regional small and medium-sized and the nearby Spreewald offer leisure and
enterprises. Cottbus is a forerunner in deve- relaxation. The unique Staatstheater and the
lopment in the traditional energy sector. Par- reconstructed Dieselkraftwerk Art Museum
ticular emphasis is placed on renewable ener- provide you with cultural recreation.
gy, energy efficiency and sustainability in the
energy region Lusatia-Spreewald. The energy Best Business Climate
sector shows an example of what makes CottYoung and established entrepreneurs alike can
enjoy an excellent environment in which to do
business: modern scientific facilities, qualified
specialists, straightforward costs structures,
optimal infrastructure, direct access to both
eastern and western European markets as well
as attractive funding programs for all entrepreneurial visions.
Are you curious?
Inside this Brochure you will find out much
about life, science and business in Cottbus.
Have a look inside and discover our city.
your contact
Business Development Cottbus
Am Turm 14, D-03046 Cottbus
Phone: + 49 (0) 355 72 99 13-0
Fax: + 49 (0) 355 72 99 13-15
E-Mail: egc@egc-cottbus.de
www.egc-cottbus.de
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Distribution with high frequency.
regional grow th centre cot tbus
Location Plus – Expanding the
Lusatian Economic Region
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Hamburg
Scandanavia
Szczecin
Baltikum
Rostock
Scandanavia
main airport Berlin-Brandenburg International (BBI) in the Brandenburg city Schönefeld
can be reached in less than 60 minutes on the
newly constructed federal motorways A13 and
A15. Berlin Tegel can be reached in approx. 90
minutes. Short distances to eastern European
centres such as Wroclaw, Poznan and Prague
give Cottbus one more competitive advantage.
A11
A20
A10
A11
Prignitz
Schwedt/Oder
Neuruppin
Poland
O-H-V
A10
A11
Eberswalde
A14
A10
Brandenburg
an der Havel
Berlin Tegel
A111
Berlin
Warsaw
Eastern Europe
A10
A115
Potsdam
Hanover
Rotterdam
Western Europe
Airport BBI
A10
A2
Ludwigsfelde
A9
>> Berlin-Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod
(Corridor II)
>> Dresden < > Kiew (Corridor III)
>> Dresden < > Istanbul (Corridor IV)
A12
Schönefelder Kreuz
Frankfurt (Oder)
Luckenwalde
A13
Cottbus
Saxony-Anhalt
Leipzig
Munich
Southern Europe
A15
Breslau
Osteuropa
A13
The region of Cottbus is of particular interest
to companies which want to build on the traditions of Cottbus and need an innovative environment.
Spremberg
Cottbus is the regional growth
centre and will play a leading
role in economic development.
Pan-European transport corriders
Fürstenwalde/Spree
A111
Westlausitz
Specialist sectors in Cottbus
Saxony
Czech Republic
South Eastern Europe
Dresden International
Dresden
Best connections
bbi airport
The Berlin-Brandenburg International
Airport (BBI) is one of Europe’s largest
constructions sites at the moment.
Experts believe the airport will create
40,000 jobs in hotels, logistics companies, businesses and industry-related
services.
With about 100,000 inhabitants Cottbus is the
third largest city in the Berlin-Brandenburg
capital region. It is advantageously situated
on the middle reaches of the Spree, in Lower
Lusatia, in Germany’s east, in the heart of Europe. The favourable location serves as a stepping stone to the flourishing capital Berlin and
the “Saxon metropolis” Dresden. The new
>> Energy technology and environment
>> Food industry
>> Information and communication technologies (ICT), media and creative industries
>> Transport, mobility and logistics
>> Metal production / mechatronics
Companies operating in these industries enjoy
special subsidies allocated by the state of Brandenburg.
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Short distances – by road, rail or air.
Central location
The proximity to Berlin, Dresden and Eastern
Europe make Cottbus an even more attractive business location. Many future projects are
being conducted in cooperation with the EU.
The expansion of the small and medium-sized
business sector is growing in importance.
To this end Cottbus maintains seven partnerships with foreign cities. Its central location
also makes Cottbus a trade fair and conference centre of supra-regional importance.
Things are on the move
in Brandenburg
Brandenburg
61.0
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
59.0
Berlin
56.8
Thuringia
54.8
Saxony
54.4
Saxony-Anhalt
53.6
Development and economic structure of the Federal States (Dynamic ranking in percentage),
Source: Wirtschaftswoche Scientific Rankings among Federal States 2012
>> Efficient and unbureaucratic promotion
of economic development with highest
levels of funding
>> Low trade tax rates in Brandenburg’s
municipalities
>> high standard of living.
did you know ...
The average public investment ratio in
Brandenburg is 14.5 percent. The national average is 13.2 percent.
Brandenburg is Germany’s most dynamic
business centre (Wirtschaftswoche federal
state ranking, 2012).
Emphasis is being placed on promising industries such as environmental technology
and renewable energy. The economy benefits
from a very active and well-connected research community.
Advantages in the east
Competitive positioning of your company in
Brandenburg:
Central Location
in the Heart of
Europe
COTTBUS
GER
BEL
>> Highly-skilled labour force
>> Attractive cost structures
>> Moderate labour costs and
low rental prices
POL
Brandenburg
NED
CZE
LUX
SVK
FRA
AUT
SUI
HUN
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Spremberg Tower.
The "Sprem" – Lively pedestrian zone in the town of Cottbus.
lo c at i o n a l a d va n ta g e s
Up-and-coming region with
clear structures
Together with our partners we will
customise an optimal funding model
for your company objectives
63%
>> 1% agriculture and forestry
>> 9% manufacturing and
manufacturing industry
>> 14% commerce and catering
>> 63% public and private services
>> 13% public administration
14%
13%
9%
Energy Region
Cottbus advantages
Cottbus is the Centre of the innovative Lusatia-Spreewald energy region. No other region
demonstrates such high levels of co-operation
amongst universities, research facilities, the
business community, citizens and politicians
on energy policy and the power industry issues.
>> Ideal conditions for small and mediumsized companies and large-scale industry
>> Direct access to the research laboratories
of the Brandenburg Technical University
(BTU) Cottbus–Senftenberg
>> Qualified young talents from academia
>> Energy region Lusatia-Spreewald is traditionally industrial
>> TIP Cottbus, largest technology and industrial park in Brandenburg
>> Space for business expansion, now and
later
>> Proximity to Berlin – Berlin-Brandenburg
capital city region and Dresden
>> Proximity to Eastern European metropolises
>> Low unit labour costs
>> Favourably priced construction land
Cottbus is the strongest regional growth centre in the southern Berlin-Brandenburg capital
region. This means companies investing here
benefit from the best funding conditions in
the country (highest priority promotion area
in the European Union) and the lowest municipal taxes.
Cottbus has a higher-than-average supply
of skilled and highly motivated workers.
According to the latest statistics Cottbus is
among the top ten rising areas (PROGNOS AG,
Germany’s Regions Benchmarked).
1%
Economic structure of Cottbus
training structure
>>
>>
>>
>>
41.0% Skilled workers
29.0% University
13.0% Polytechnics
12.0% Vocational and technical
colleges
>> 2.8% Master craftsmen
>> 2.2% unskilled labour
Panta Rhei Research Centre.
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The Cottbus Technology and Industry Park offers excellent
prospects for companies to establish themselves on the site.
Distribution centre for DEUTSCHE POST AG –
Germany’s privatised postal service
Frankfurt (Oder)
Commercial and
industrial areas
in Cottbus
168
Location qualities and strengths
The regional centre of Lusatia, Cottbus is a
fast-paced city on a manageable scale. Boasting a tight administrative structure (departments), many federal and regional authorities
and virtually all jurisdiction venues, Cottbus
cuts through the red tape with quick and uncomplicated channels of communication and
swift planning approval procedures.
Burg
(Spreewald)
168
L51
L50
L51
TIP-Cottbus
Cottbus
BTU
City
168
Messe
L49
L50
169
Best locations
Commercial premises and office space, whether it’s commercial property or industrial real
estate, production space or warehouse space,
office or retail space – Cottbus offers real estate properties in just about all locations and
price categories. With the development of the
Technology and Industrial Park Cottbus (TIP),
the city of Cottbus is providing a large area
that nurtures synergies among industrial companies and the neighbouring Brandenburg
Technical University (BTU) as well as the TIP
North industrial park.
Success stories in the region
Vattenfall, enviaM Lignite (low CO2 power
plant) and renewable energy (controllable biogas production, solar and wind power).
Reha Vita GmbH Modern medical service facility. Diverse services covering therapy, training
and wellness.
Berlin
Dresden
L49
BTU
169
Senftenberg
Forst
A15
Forst/Polen
A15
Spremberg
Philotech International
engineering services provider specializing in aeronautical engineering: systems engineering, support and logistics engineerings,
verification and test, software development
and consulting.
Schwarze Pumpe SPP The silicon manufacturer Schmid constructed a pilot facility in
which the raw material for the semiconductor
and the photovoltaic industry can be produced with significantly less energy.
Schwarzheide BASF operates one of the
most modern facilities in the world and has
been developing plastics here for 30 years (21
facilities, 12 kilometres of roads, 20 kilometres
of rail traverse the property).
We would be pleased to send you a
location brochure on TIP Cottbus and
the commercial real estate brochure
for Cottbus
did you know ...
The Eurospeedway Lausitz is also used as
a DEKRA test oval. The automobile test
centre uses the site frequently. A variety
of motor sport events are held at the Eurospeedway Lausitz throughout the year.
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BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg students taking advantage of the information-, communication- and media center´s (IKMZ) infrastructure to study.
c e n t r e o f t r a i n i n g a n d e d u c at i o n
Research and Education
in the City of Cottbus
bundles the strengths and benefits of the two
predecessor institutions. Special emphasis
is laid on research and technology transfer,
especially concerning the cooperation with
other universities and research institutions,
with regional small and medium enterprises
as well as with large and global companies.
Students in the auditorium of the BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg.
key research areas
btu cottbus–senftenberg
>> Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
>> Smart Regions and Heritage
>> Biotechnology, Environment
and Health
>> Cognitive and Dependable
Cyber-Physical Systems.
Innovative, young
and international
Cottbus is a young university city with a modern, dynamic and cosmopolitan flair. The Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus–Senftenberg has almost 9,000 students,
1,740 of whom are international students that
come from more than 100 different nations.
The BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg offers a
wide range of more than 70 university, applied sciences and dual academic courses
of study (Bachelors and Masters) characterized by excellent support, high practical
relevance and pervious study structures.
The BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg founded on 1
July 2013 emerged from the fusion of the BTU
Cottbus and the University of Applied Sciences Lausitz. The new university integrates and
The BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg sees itself
as a Technical University dedicated to the
fostering of knowledge and technology
transfer. A wide range of training offers and
dual degree programs support the Initiative for Securing Skilled Personnel in the
region. Special institutional measures aid
young start-ups that boost the regional economy and modern forms of cooperation.
The BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg has earned
high recognition in Germany as well as internationally in these designated areas. The
university cooperates with other universities
and with non-university research institutes
on international level, with regional small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as
with large global companies. The BTU University Technology Centre of Rolls Royce
belongs to the company's international network which includes 24 universities worldwide, of whom only four are in Germany.
With its new focus, the university aims to
primarily build up a scientific profile in four
research clusters: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, Smart Regions and Heritage, Biotechnology, Environment and Health as well as
Cognitive and Dependable Cyber-Physical Systems. The research and development strategy
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Practical research in Cottbus.
of the BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg relies on a
long, intensive and successful research tradition in these subject areas and embodies a skillful and success-oriented appointments policy.
Cottbus constitutes the ideal location for innovative industries thanks to the technical and
scientific research priorities and facilities of the
BTU. Well-known corporations such as RollsRoyce Germany, Siemens, BASF and Vattenfall
Europe Mining & Generation AG already take
advantage of this potential through the establishment of collaborations and partnerships.
The technology transfer office of the BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg accompanies all forms of
interaction between science and industry. It
serves as a first point of contact for technology and knowledge transfer. The Career Center
provides job opportunities and internships.
The Startup Service supports the initiatives of
young entrepreneurs through targeted advice
and coaching.
Weltweit bekannt und zugleich in der Region verwurzelt.
Anne-Christin Schwarz,
Applied Mathematics: "I'm studying applied
mathematics with economic orientation in order
to combine my favorite subject “Maths” with business topics. This study course paves the way to a
huge range of career opportunities and new ways
of thinking. Studying in this way is fun! "
Julia-Sophie Stenzel,
Environmental Engineering: "I am studying
environmental engineering, because of the
perfect combination of natural, environmental
and engineering sciences. The study course allows
me a variety of insights into my future profession
and the optimal preparation for my future job. In
addition, the BTU offers extensive student support
and modern facilities."
study programmes
btu cottbus–senftenberg
>> Built Environment
>> Health, Social, Music Pedagogy
>> Engineering Sciences
>> Cultural Sciences
>> Mathematics, Natural Sciences,
Computer Sciences
>> Environment Sciences
>> Business Sciences
numerous scientific institutions, research centres and institutes
>> Rolls-Royce University Technology Center (UTC)
>> Information, Communication and
Media Centre (IKMZ)
>> Continuing Education Centre
>> Research Centre for New Materials (Panta Rhei gGmbH)
>> Centre für Emergy Technology in
Brandenburg (CEBra)
>> Hydrogen Research Centre with
Mini Hybrid Power Unit
>> Center for Flow and Transport
Modeling and Measurement
(CFTM²)
>> BTU Central Analysis Department
(ZA-BTU): Research and Materials
Testing Institute (FMPA) and Central Analytical Laboratory(ZAL)
>> GridLab GmbH „Center of
Excellence“ European Training
and Research Centre for Power
Systems Security
>> German E-Cars Research & Development GmbH
>> Research Centre Landscape Deve-
>> Gernan-Polish Centre for Public
lopment and Mining Landscapes
(FZLB)
>> David-Gilly-Institute for Teaching,
Research and Communication in
the Building and Construction
Industry (DGI)
>> Institute for Floating Buildings
>> IHM - Institut for Heritage Management GmbH
>> Centre for Law and Business
Administration (ZfRV)
Law and Environmental Network
(GP PLEN)
>> Innovation Centre Modern
Industry
>> Innovation Centre Senftenberg
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Strong competencies in a variety of sectors.
key sectors
Concentrated expertise
in various sectors
Is your new or established company looking
for a production location? Cottbus is the place
for you. The city welcomes companies from
many key sectors, in particular from the sectors listed here.
Energy technology
and environment
The region of Cottbus has been inseparably
linked with energy technology and environment sciences. These subjects form the focal
point of production, research and development in the area. Industry and science show
outstanding performances in the fields of
energy resources, energy management and
energy technology when compared with
achievements in Germany as a whole.
The identification of the people with this sector of industry is also illustrated in the mission
statement of both the region and the city: “Innovative energy region Lusatia-Spreewald” ...
because “Cottbus is full of energy”.
In addition to the global player Vattenfall
Europe Mining & Generation AG, a variety of
small and medium-sized companies in this
sector work in and around Cottbus, for example Borngräber Solartechnik, Warmepumpen GmbH, Vestas and envia Mitteldeutsche
Energie AG. With large-scale projects in renaturation, urban redevelopment, renewable
resources and alternative energy production,
Lusatia has become an innovative “real-life”
laboratory in the east of Germany.
Transport, mobility and logistics
Covering everything from engine technology
to aerospace there are 150 companies in Berlin-Brandenburg alone working in this field.
The BTU plays a key role here as well. The BTU
Institutes for Traffic Engineering are sought after by cooperation partners.
Well-known companies such as Airbus SAS,
BMW Group, Rolls Royce Deutschland, MTU
München, Siemens-KWU, VW and INTIER Automotive (a subsidiary of the Canadian Magna Group) are already benefiting from these
connections and from all the infrastructural
advantages the city has to offer. The Deutsche
Bahn AG operates one of its largest vehicle
maintenance centres, the Fahrzeuginstandhaltungs GmbH, in Cottbus.
Information and communication
technology (ICT), media and
creative industries
The city’s telecommunications network is one
of the most modern in Europe and also represents a flagship in this key sector.
Many companies that define the structure and
provide services for the information and communication sector have set up operations in
Cottbus, becoming real guarantors of growth.
In particular software production companies
and various service centres have discovered
the potential Cottbus has to offer.
The main arguments in favour of setting up
a business in Cottbus are the research capa-
Modern service center.
bilities of the BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg, excellently trained IT specialists and the direct
access to Eastern European markets. Last but
not least, ideal networks and structural frameworks for economic success have been established in this sector. Arvato direct services
Cottbus GmbH, Elbenwald GmbH, walther services GmbH, Topas GBS Datentechnik, Mycom
AG, CNS Consulting and PC Soft GmbH are just
a few examples of innovative companies in
this sector.
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IBAR GmbH head office in Cottbus.
Food industry
Cottbus provides the best conditions for
the development of the food industry. The
Cottbus region’s proximity to the metropolitan areas of Berlin, Dresden and Leipzig means there are major markets virtually at the
doorstep (they are also ideal test markets for
new products). At the same time the region
boasts a highly efficient farming industry. A
variety of products from the Spreewald that
are well known throughout the country attest
to the strengths of this sector. A whole host of
service companies (e.g. packaging and logistics centres) has located here.
Main entrance to the biggest hospital
in Brandenburg.
Metal production
The steel and metal industries have traditionally been key sectors in Germany and that
still rings true for the capital region; this sector of industry is among the top job providers
where some of the most turnover is achieved.
Cottbus provides export-oriented sectors
close proximity to the Eastern European markets and embodies “Made in Germany” as well.
The EU expansion has made this possible. The
Cottbus region is a lucrative production location for this sector. The supply of parts and
components can create interesting synergies
that guarantee the competitiveness of products with their final assembly in Cottbus.
The Sana Cardiology Centre, a hospital specialising in heart diseases, is located nearby and
works very closely with the CTK. It is no wonder that both the business and the scientific
community have come together to establish
the BioMeg Network (biomedical equipment)
to advance the research, development, production and marketing of innovative solutions
in the biomedical sector.
Obst und Gemüseverarbeitung Spreewaldkonserve, Golßen, Spreeback GmbH, Kunella
Feinkost GmbH, Spreewaldhof, SpreewaldRabe, Gläserne Molkerei are just a few examples
of companies in the region.
Medical technology
The Carl Thiem Klinikum (CTK) has been awarded the status of teaching hospital by the Charité Hospital in Berlin and is Brandenburg’s largest hospital. Carl Thiem hailed from Cottbus
and is considered one of the founders of trauma surgery in Germany. In keeping with the
tradition of the hospital’s founder the hospital
considers itself a partner and service provider
for the citizens and medical professionals in
the area, providing both in-patient and nonhospital treatment.
In all its activities the hospital focuses on the
human aspects of its patients and employees.
did you know ...
At the Carl Thiem Klinikum operations
are conducted in 16 “suspended” operation theatres. When the facilities were
extended the ultra-modern operation
theatres were not just placed on top of
the older building, they were suspended
around it by using a huge steel construction.
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Unique art nouveau: Cottbus State Theatre.
Pückler’s Pyramid in the Branitzer Park.
living and working in cot tbus
Landscape Spirit, Culture
and Top-Class Sport
tants of Cottbus as well. It was meticulously planned by the Prince Hermann Fürst von Pückler-Muskau before his restless heart found its
last resting place here.
Culture
Traditional costumes couple in the Spreewald.
Landscape
Cottbus’ proximity to delightful natural wonders like the Spreewald make it a particularly
attractive place. The river and water meadow
landscape (UNESCO-protected Spree Forest
Biosphere Reserve) is rich in flora and fauna
and is the region’s largest tourist magnet. The
renaturation projects in the former lignite
open-cast mines are reclaiming further valuable natural and recreational landscapes for
water sports and many other leisure pursuits.
The Lusatian Lakeland is maturing and evolving into Europe‘s largest man-made waterscape and one of the largest lakeland regions.
The next few years will see the emergence of
the largest artificial lake right on the edge of
Cottbus.
The Branitz Park and Palace are some of the
highlights of the city’s historical heritage. The
lake pyramids in the park are an attraction for
visitors from near and far and for the inhabi-
The museum and art gallery known as the
Kunstmuseum Dieselkraftwerk was extensively renovated and now shines in new glamour. The expansive art collection offers an
exciting interplay of culture, nature and technology.
The city was home to Carl Blechen, one of the
most brilliant painters of the 19th century.
Blechen was a contemporary of Caspar David
Friedrich and went beyond romanticism. He
was an innovator – just like his home town.
The State Theatre (Staatstheater) Cottbus in
the centre of the city is also characteristic of
this place which has a passion for combining
tradition with modernity. Concerts, plays and
ballet performances in the impressive art nouveau building are often completely sold out.
Cottbus also has a multitude of smaller theatres and stages.
It is also Germany’s largest bilingual city as
it serves as the capital of the Niederlausitzer
Sorbs and Wends. The use of this Western Slavonic language attests to living tradition and
is an audible and visible sign that the city acts
as a gateway to the east. The FilmFestival Cottbus, the world’s preeminent eastern European
film festival, pays tribute to the city’s Slavic
roots.
In a city like Cottbus the university library
doesn’t have to resemble all others. The avantgarde building was created by the Herzog and
de Meuron architect team which also won the
most prestigious prizes for their work on the
Olympic stadium in Beijing.
Sport
Sports are particularly popular in Cottbus.
More than 120 clubs and a multitude of attractive sports facilities ensure the term mass
sport lives up to its reputation. The promotion of top-class sports in the Olympic support
and training base has been very effective. Successful Olympic icons such as Rosi Ackermann
(athletics), Hans Joachim Hartnick, Lutz Heßlich, Olaf Pollack, Annett Neumann, Maximilian Levy (cycling) und Silvio Kroll (gymnastics)
have trained here.
The name of the football club FC Energie Cottbus makes it loud and clear what standing
sports has in this city. The best place to feel
the heartbeat of the region is in the stadium.
It really demonstrates what kind of success is
possible when everyone pulls together.
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Not to be missed: Dieselkraftwerk Art Museum.
One city, one region, one football club: FC Energie Cottbus.
strong voices
Why is the region
of Cottbus ... ?
»livable«
»open«
»strong«
Annett + Christian
Seifert, CEO Reha
Vita GmbH
Prof. Dr. Jörg Steinbach, President of
the BTU Cottbus–
Senftenberg
Andrea Päffgen, arvato direct services
Cottbus GmbH
Diligent people, great landscapes, cozy city
with cultural programmes that are important
beyond the borders of the region. Very livable!
»eclectic«
Andreas Stein,
CEO Film Festival
Cottbus GmbH
… just like the program of the FilmFestival
Cottbus, which brings the best of Eastern and
Central European cinema into the region and
into its home town since 24 years, showing
every November anew how to meet international guests on equal footing and make them
feel at home. Film as an intermediator between different cultures - this approach comes
real in Cottbus and is particularly noticeable
during the six days of the festival. More than
140 films from more than 30 countries ensure
exciting big-screen moments in full cinemas
with more than 20,000 visitors. A clear signal
that the city of Cottbus and its inhabitants
have created something very special with a
focus on the East.
When I came to Cottbus as the President of
the BTU in July 2014 I was surprised by the
openness that I encountered. Getting to know
the city with its beautiful center, I appreciated
more and more its high recreational value and
the opportunity to live here very pleasantly.
The city and the university cooperate to make
Cottbus even more attractive to more young
people, students, academics as well as to potential founders that come here. We are already well on our way to win more new citizens
for this university city with the Cottbus App
and the concept of vocational supervisors and
sponsors who come from all areas of the city
and the university. Let us proceed on this path
and develop further innovative ideas in order
to communicate all that makes Cottbus so attractive far beyond a radius of 100 kilometers.
We want to take the opportunity to thank EGC
mbH and its employees for the very pleasant
and very professional cooperation while assisting us with the relocation of a service center
in Cottbus. From the very first time we spoke
we had the feeling EGC mbH would be an
excellent partner for navigating the complex
steps necessary for such a move to Cottbus.
We were particularly impressed by the faultless coordination of all the people involved
in this process such as the ZukunftsAgentur
Brandenburg GmbH, the ILB (Brandenburg
Investment Bank), the Job Center, the real estate agency, the architects, the District Court
in Cottbus, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cottbus, the City Administration and
many others. Considering we only had a very
narrow time window to do all this it is hard to
praise enough the service that EGC mbH provided.
14
Printing: Druckzone Cottbus.
funding key sectors
Advantages for Investors:
How and How much?
Funding Benefits
Investors will find the best funding conditions
in Cottbus as it is one of the priority development areas designated by the EU. Companies
will benefit from the highest levels of funding
available. Special incentives are being given
for investments in the growth sectors and for
new settlements in the key sectors presented
here. Special importance has been awarded to
funding small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs). Companies that operate in a key sector
and wish to invest in eligible fields can expect
the following types of funding:
Support for going up
>> Basic funding totalling 15 % of the investment
>> Supplementary high potential funding
totalling an additional 15 % of the investment costs*
>> The exact amount of funding is contingent
upon the size of the investment and the
size of the company
>> Supplementary procuring of attractive
loans is possible
>> Funding for labour costs
>> Employment subsidies for new companies
>> Wage subsidies for particular categories of
employees
>> Funding of training on the job
>> Funding for advanced training
>> Funding for research and development in
SMEs
>> Innovative research and development
projects in the key sectors may be eligible
for separate funding
There may also be opportunities to apply for
additional funding programmes offered by
the federal state, the federal government and
the EU. We would be pleased to work with our
partners to produce a funding model tailored
to your company objectives.
*When special structural effects are created
15
The development company EGC will gladly assist you with the realisation of your business objectives.
s e r v i c e a n d c o n s u ltat i o n
Invest – This is how it works.
Business Development Cottbus
Entwicklungsgesellschaft Cottbus mbH (EGC)
is the business development company of the
city of Cottbus. Its task is to attract companies
to Cottbus and to provide them with support
once they decide to establish themselves. Entrepreneurs and companies already based here
will continue to receive our support. One of
the main tasks is the creation and upholding
of jobs in Cottbus and the region.
>> We provide you with the qualified employees you need for development, production or sales and marketing – both as direct
employees or via outsourcing.
What we can do for you
1. Contact us by email, phone or fax! Come
visit us in person!
>> We can assist you with your plans to
relocate, expand or invest. We offer this in a
comprehensive, cost-free service package.
>> “One-stop-service” – this is not just an
empty phrase. Our project managers will
actively represent your interests in dealing
with administrations, institutions or political committees.
>> We will work with you to examine and
process all available funding opportunities
such as investment grants and subsidies,
innovation and technology promotion. We
can connect you with networks and help
you find new partners.
>> We offer high-class and affordable industrial sites that have already been tailored to
your needs. We will find the best location
for you and the real estate property that
best suits your needs.
>> All this at no cost to you! There are no
brokerage fees.
This is how it works
2. We will work with you to create an overview of your needs and then we will check
and calculate funding opportunities.
3. We will propose commercial properties.
4. We will connect you with all the regional
contacts in your sector, from research and
development institutions, associations and
committees.
5. We will actively follow your relocation and
support you in filling out applications and
handling bureaucratic procedures. We will
work towards your objectives. We will help
you cut through any red tape for swift
planning approval procedures.
We will ensure you are part of the network
so you can participate in the dialogue. This
will guarantee the success of your business in
Cottbus.
We will be there for you right from the start!
your contact
Business Development Cottbus
Am Turm 14, D-03046 Cottbus
Phone: + 49 (0) 355 72 99 13-0
Fax: +49 (0) 355 72 99 13-15
E-Mail: egc@egc-cottbus.de
www.egc-cottbus.de
16
Economic Region
Cottbus
The City in Lusatia
Tradition and progress, research and development, art and technology, culture and nature,
energy and relaxation – Cottbus unites familiarity and contrasts, it is a place for modern synthesis,
a workshop for the future that nurtures tradition.
your contact for the
economic region cottbus
Business Development Cottbus
Am Turm 14, D-03046 Cottbus
Phone: + 49 (0) 355 72 99 13-0
Fax: +49 (0) 355 72 99 13-15
E-Mail: egc@egc-cottbus.de
More information www.egc-cottbus.de.
We would be pleased to send you more
documentation about Cottbus. There is still
a lot for you to discover.
Picture credits
Joe Kammer (spycam-graphics.de); Jörg Friebe (lausitz-bild.de);
Rainer Weisflog (weisflog.net); CTK/Ramisch; Boguslow Switala;
BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg; Foto Goethe; D. Saischowa; M. Schormann;
Steffen Rasche; Oli_ok; Heidi Baldrian; fmfoto; Hunta; Gordon Bussiek;
Digital_Zombie; J. Vollmer; WavebreakMediaMicro; endostock (fotolia.com)
Concept & Design
Schaltzeit GmbH (www.schaltzeit.de)