A new innovation center for crafts has opened

A new place for innovation is opening its doors: the pop-up of the Berlin Innovation Centre for Crafts (BIZH) is launching on the ringberlin model campus. It is a testing ground where craft businesses, start-ups and science can work together on projects and develop the solutions of tomorrow. The first prototypes and results from these partnerships - such as with Conbotics or Glasfischer - will be presented.

From the ideas lab to practical application

The BIZH goes back to the "Handwerk trifft Startup" initiative launched by the Berlin Chamber of Crafts in 2020. From the very beginning, the aim has been not just to discuss, but to do.

With the new location at ringberlin, a space is now being created in which prototypes can be realised, technologies tested and ideas brought to market maturity. Supported by the Berlin Chamber of Crafts, an ecosystem is being created alongside a network in which various universities, companies and start-ups work hand in hand on specific solutions.

Various formats are planned to make new approaches visible: from image campaigns in collaboration with Berlin's guilds to prototype workshops and matchmaking events that specifically initiate partnerships between the skilled trades, start-ups and science. Open workshops invite people to try out new applications and realise projects. The BIZH also wants to appeal to children and young people at an early stage in order to arouse their curiosity for the skilled trades and open up new perspectives for them.

Whether craft, start-up or science - the BIZH offers a space for everyone who wants to break new ground. Every company, every idea and every vision is welcome.

Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, Berlin: "We want to secure the best minds and hands for Berlin. The pop-up of the Berlin Innovation Centre for Skilled Crafts on the ringberlin model campus will create a space for joint thinking, development and practical testing. This is where craft businesses meet start-ups and science - and form a new innovation ecosystem. As the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, we are supporting the development of Europe's largest start-up centre in the form of a makerspace with almost 17,000 m². Our funding amounts to 36 million euros and is sending a clear signal: We are investing in the future of the skilled trades - for technological innovations, new start-ups and the skilled workers of tomorrow."

Carola Zarth, President of the Berlin Chamber of Crafts: "With the pop-up of the Innovation Centre for Skilled Crafts, we are creating a place where young people, companies and creative minds can come together. It is a strong sign of the innovative strength of our skilled trades and shows how modern, open to technology and willing to cooperate the skilled trades are. We see concrete solutions in this cooperation - for digitalisation, climate protection and securing skilled workers. The fact that the whole thing is taking place at the ringberlin model campus emphasises the aspiration to shape the future in a sustainable, collaborative and practical way."

Europe's largest makerspace

Europe's largest makerspace is being created on the ringberlin campus: MotionLab.Berlin will offer 17,000 square metres of workshops, test areas, maker garages and coworking spaces for students, artists, young companies and innovative SMEs. The makerspace characterises the future direction of the location and, together with the BIZH, pursues the central goal of innovation through collaboration and the networking of disciplines.

René Giese, Director Corporate Partnerships @ MotionLab.Berlin: "Our close collaboration with the Berlin Chamber of Skilled Crafts has been going on for several years now - the first joint workshops have grown into a strong partnership that has now reached a new milestone with the Berlin Innovation Centre for Skilled Crafts. Together with the Berlin Chamber of Skilled Crafts and ringberlin, we are creating a place where skilled crafts, start-ups, companies and universities can systematically come together to bring future technologies to the skilled crafts sector. This connection is essential in order to not only think about innovation in the skilled trades, but to actually implement it - for the companies, for the skilled workers of tomorrow and for a strong, sustainable Berlin. Because without the skilled trades, there is no city worth living in. Especially in a city like Berlin, where tradition and technological progress come together, the Innovation centre will become a role model for other regions - as a driver for new business models, sustainable value creation and a modern, resilient skilled trades landscape."

Matthias Menger, Managing Director of ringberlin and KOIMO: "The consistent focus on sustainability and circularity in the realisation of ringberlin is closely linked to the BIZH's commitment to craftsmanship. For the circular design of Hall 2 as a makerspace, a wide range of expertise had to come together - from civil engineers and architects to sustainability experts and craftspeople. Together, we came up with concrete solutions that we are presenting and developing in our Circularity Living Lab. I am therefore all the more pleased that we are supporting the BIZH PopUp as an enabler and thus bringing the vision of the ringberlin model campus and the transfer area to life."

For further information about the growth industries, economic development, business and technology support for companies, investors and scientific institutions in the Airport Region Berlin Brandenburg please contact:

Sandra Koletzki ​​​​​​ | sandra.koletzki(at)airport-region.de

(Source: Berliner Innovationszentrum Handwerk (BIZH), 07|22|2025 | “pop-up on model campus ringberlin | Exchange of crafts, technology and start-ups")