Philip Morris Launches 150,000m² Innovation Hub in Berlin
NLND prototyping hall - © Elliot Andrew
Berlin is cementing its position as a global tech hub with the official opening of NLND Berlin, Europe's largest innovation campus for Industry 4.0 technologies. The 150,000-square-meter site in Neukölln, built on a former cigarette factory, brings together cutting-edge technologies and industrial transformation under one roof.
According to information from Philip Morris' press release, the campus launched on September 18, 2025, through a collaboration between Philip Morris Manufacturing GmbH and Green City Development GmbH. The ambitious project focuses on key technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors, and automation, alongside urban future fields like smart city solutions, mobility, and logistics.
"This project exemplifies how industrial transformation processes can be actively shaped and economic perspectives secured for the city," said Berlin's Mayor Kai Wegner during the opening ceremony.
Two strategic partnerships are driving NLND's vision forward. Plug and Play Tech Center, an early investor in tech giants like Google, PayPal, and Dropbox, is establishing its Berlin location on campus. The global innovation ecosystem, which operates over 100 centers worldwide, connects more than 500 companies with promising startups.
UNITE Berlin, the startup factory for science-based ventures in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, is opening its second Berlin office at NLND. With over 50 partner institutions, UNITE creates bridges between academic research and industrial applications, supporting founders in transforming scientific ideas into successful startups.
The campus features large halls, open spaces, and a conference center accommodating up to 8,000 people. Complete development is planned in phases through the end of 2027, positioning Berlin as an international hub for innovation, pilot projects, and talent exchange.
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