Welcome to the Center for the Future and International Cooperation
On April 2, 2025, a significant milestone was reached for the Rhine-Main region: the official opening of the Innovation Hub RheinMain took place at the new premises at Messeplatz 13 in Raunheim – a space where tradition meets innovation. In a former leather factory, a modern hub has emerged, serving as the first point of contact for international businesses – especially from Asia – looking to invest, collaborate, and connect in Germany.
We were honored to welcome numerous distinguished guests from politics, business, diplomacy, and international networks. Together, we inaugurated not only a new location but also sent a clear message: the region is ready for a new era of internationalization, innovation, and partnership.
High-Level Guests from Politics and Business
The grand opening of the Innovation Hub RheinMain brought together an impressive assembly of dignitaries from regional politics, international diplomacy, and the business community. The ceremony was officially opened by the three city leaders who have played a central role in shaping the strategic cooperation between Raunheim, Rüsselsheim, and Kelsterbach: Patrick Burghardt (Lord Mayor of Rüsselsheim), David Rendel (Mayor of Raunheim), and Manfred Ockel (Mayor of Kelsterbach).
For over 15 years, this tri-city alliance has served as a model for regional collaboration, initially focused on China through the “Dreigewinnt” initiative. With the establishment of the Innovation Hub RheinMain, the partnership has taken a bold step forward—expanding its reach to embrace Asia as a whole, with a particular focus on India and Southeast Asia.
A particular highlight of the day was the participation of Mubarak Bawa Syed, Consul General of India in Frankfurt. His speech emphasized India’s role as a trusted strategic partner for Germany and underlined the enormous potential for future cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation. His message was not only diplomatic but deeply personal, noting the values of mutual respect, long-term collaboration, and shared democratic principles.
We were equally honored by the presence of Umut Sönmez, State Secretary at the Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, Housing, and Rural Development. In his keynote, he praised the tri-city initiative as a “best-practice model” for economic development and praised the Innovation Hub RheinMain as a flagship project for Hesse’s international investment strategy. He commended the entrepreneurial spirit of the three mayors and encouraged other municipalities to follow their example of proactive and collaborative investment attraction.
A Place for Exchange and Collaboration
Alongside the official opening of the Innovation Hub, we also inaugurated the new office of the Asia Bridge e.V. – Euro-Asian Initiative. Annemarie Bella, managing director of Asia Bridge, underscored the importance of collective innovation efforts and described the hub as a “catalyst for the future.”
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion on regional development and internationalization, moderated by Dr. Stefan Söhngen (Newcomers Network Germany). The mayors detailed their vision for building a professional support system for incoming international investors. With Stephan Wittekind as managing director of the Innovation Hub, a dedicated team is now in place to support companies throughout the entire relocation process – from founding a GmbH to navigating local networks.
International Partnerships with Real Impact
The strong connection to India was a recurring theme throughout the event. Several guests shared their experiences from the Asia-Pacific Conference in Delhi, where initial connections were forged. These have now borne fruit: VerPackArt GmbH, an Indian company, officially joined the Innovation Hub – a strong sign of trust in the location and its ecosystem.
Contributions from various speakers highlighted the importance of intercultural understanding, openness, and the value of strong international partnerships. The entrepreneurial spirit and warmth experienced in India left a lasting impression – values that the Innovation Hub seeks to reflect and promote.
A Forward-Looking Vision for the Region
The message was clear: the Innovation Hub is a long-term initiative with a bold vision for the future. The Rhine-Main region offers unique advantages – from Frankfurt International Airport and excellent infrastructure to renowned research institutions and international talent. The goal: to build a vibrant ecosystem that attracts, supports, and retains global businesses.
With strong demand for office space already emerging, the Innovation Hub team is prepared to support more companies on their path to success.
Conclusion: The Start of a New Era
The grand opening of the Innovation Hub RheinMain was more than a ceremonial event. It marked the official start of a joint future project – supported by committed local leaders, global partners, and a shared drive to build meaningful bridges between Europe and Asia.
The Hub positions itself as a dynamic platform for everyone who believes in innovation and is ready to shape the future. It’s a place of opportunity, openness, and progress – and a proud symbol of international cooperation at eye level.
We sincerely thank all guests, partners, and supporters who made this day so special – and we look forward to everything that lies ahead.