Potsdam as a Science and Innovation Hub

The Hasso Plattner Foundation (HPF) is a charitable foundation based in Potsdam. Established in 2015 by Hasso Plattner, the Foundation aims to educate and inspire current and future generations by enabling philanthropic projects in science and education, social and conservation, as well as art and culture. It supports a diverse ecosystem of long-term initiatives such as the Hasso Plattner Institute, a joint faculty for Digital Engineering with the University of Potsdam, Museum Barberini and DAS MINSK Kunsthaus in Potsdam, Sabine Plattner African Charities, and a variety of international educational initiatives.

By supporting the building of a new UP campus atop Brauhausberg and the expansion of HPI at Griebnitzsee, HPF contributes to strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty.

The State of Brandenburg is a key partner in the development of the new University of Potsdam campus on Brauhausberg. The State Chancellery plays a central role in coordinating the project across departments and ensuring alignment with the State’s strategic goals in science. By providing parts of the site and working closely on the project planning, the State creates essential conditions for establishing a forward-looking academic environment. The partnership is grounded in a shared objective: to further strengthen Potsdam as a center of scientific excellence. Within this collaboration, the State contributes its expertise in higher education policy and facilitates coordination with relevant public authorities. By supporting this initiative, the State of Brandenburg pursuits the expansion of digital education, international research profiles, and modern university infrastructure.

The University of Potsdam is a strategic partner in the planning and future operation of the new campus on Brauhausberg. As the primary academic institution on site, the university defines the academic vision and ensures the integration of teaching and research within a modern, interdisciplinary framework. The collaboration reflects a shared ambition to create one of Germany’s most innovative university campuses. The University contributes subject matter expertise across multiple faculties and plays a central role in shaping academic programs, governance structures, and usage requirements.  

The state capital Potsdam is an outstanding location for innovation and an important municipal partner in the development of the new university campus on Brauhausberg. As the local planning authority, the city plays a decisive role in integrating the project into the larger urban context. Its contributions include urban planning, infrastructure coordination, and related processes. With its landmark decision in September 2025, the city expressed its support and the paramount importance of the project. The collaboration is characterized by a shared interest in strengthening Potsdam's role as a top science and education location. The city's commitment ensures that the campus development is in line with urban planning goals, transportation planning, historic preservation, and the needs of the urban community. By supporting this development, the state capital Potsdam aims to keep pace with the leading high-tech locations in Europe and worldwide.

The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI), located in Potsdam, is a privately funded IT institute. Together, HPI and Uni Potsdam operate the Digital Engineering Faculty at the University of Potsdam – the only privately funded faculty at a public university in Germany. Founded in 1998 by Hasso Plattner, the institute is a nonprofit research entity whose sole shareholder is the Hasso Plattner Foundation. The institute is committed to practice-oriented computer science education, cutting-edge research in digital technologies, and international research collaborations. It consistently ranks among the top computer science institutes in Germany. As part of this initiative, HPI and the joint Digital Engineering Faculty will be expanded, allowing HPI to become a leading institute for digital engineering in Europe.

KW-Development (KWD) – the current owner of a substantial part of the property on Brauhausberg – has been operating since 2012 in the real estate market in Berlin and Brandenburg as a project and property developer, building an impressive portfolio of projects. It pays particular attention to the holistic consideration and development of neighborhoods and districts. By realizing the building project at Brauhausberg in Potsdam, KWD aims to contribute to the concerted efforts of all involved stakeholders to invest in the future of education.

“We are currently the owners of the Brauhausberg building site used by the former State parliament and aim to complete the building and hand it over ready for use. A state university will be established here and run by the state. With this building project, we are investing in the future, in education, and in our children.”

Building contractor Jan Kretzschmar, KW-Development