Cologne, Germany: innovation profile

Cologne is number 265 in the 311 Innovation Cities Index, with an innovation score of 19. It is home to 12 R&D labs, 1 startup, 2 investors and 1 of the world's largest companies in the 311 Institute directories.

Part of the 311 Innovation Cities Index (311institute.com). Last updated 7 October 2026.

Largest companies

• Lanxess (#1006)

Startups

• DeepL SE

Investors

• Altamarcam Partners
• Storch floss stream

R&D labs

Apherese Forschungsinstitut, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases, European Space Agency, Helmholtz Association, Institut Kurz, Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne, Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff, Max Planck Society, Max Planck Society, Max Planck Society, Rhenish Institute for Environmental Research.