Essen, Germany: innovation profile

Essen is number 626 in the 311 Innovation Cities Index, with an innovation score of 7. It is home to 4 R&D labs, 1 startup 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

• thyssenkrupp AG (#212)

Startups

• Brainlag Games

R&D labs

Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Institut für Medizinische Informatik, Biometrie und Epidemiologie, Leibniz Association, Ruhr University Bochum.