The Münsterland Innovation Region

Innovation in the Münsterland region arises from the interaction between businesses, universities, research institutions, start-ups and strong networks. The region combines a strong SME sector with a diverse academic landscape and expertise across various technological and application fields. 

Particular strengths are evident in seven innovation ecosystems – ranging from battery systems and the circular economy to smart production systems and robotics. These key areas are also highlighted in the Münsterland Regional Innovation Profile by NRW.innovativ, which provides a data-driven analysis of the innovation landscape across the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia. The analysis examines economic and research structures, innovation and start-up activities, as well as regional priorities, networks and development potential.

Battery systems

Münster boasts a unique research infrastructure in the form of the MEET Battery Research Centre and the Fraunhofer Institute for Battery Cell Research and Production (FFB). Together with other scientific and industrial stakeholders, the spectrum of expertise ranges from materials and cell research to the transfer of new processes into industrial production. 

More on battery systems

Circular economy

In the Münsterland region, businesses and the academic sector are exploring new approaches to circular value creation – from materials and recycling to resource-efficient production processes and business models. The Münsterland Circular Economy Region pools expertise and brings together stakeholders from across the region.

More on the circular economy

Renewable Energy and Hydrogen

Renewable energy plays an important role in the Münsterland region. The region possesses expertise in wind energy, bioenergy and photovoltaics. Industry, academia and public sector stakeholders are also working on smart energy systems, hydrogen technologies and solutions for integrating renewable energy into the economy and transport.

More on renewable energy and hydrogen

Future-oriented agriculture and food industry

Agriculture, the food industry, mechanical engineering and research come together directly in the Münsterland region. This gives rise to innovations across the entire value chain – for example, in smart farming, automation, the bioeconomy and sustainable food systems.

More on the agricultural and food sector

Future-oriented healthcare sector and care services

The University of Münster, the University Hospital, research institutes and companies combine medical research with expertise in fields including biomedicine, bioanalytics and medical technology. This gives rise to new approaches to diagnostics, therapy and healthcare.

More about Network 360°

Smart finance and insurance

Banks, insurance companies, academia and start-ups in the Münsterland region are working on the digital future of financial services. Artificial intelligence, data-driven applications and new digital business models are opening up new opportunities for development and collaboration.

Find out more about finance and insurance

Smart Production Systems and Robotics

The Münsterland region’s industrial base combines with expertise in automation, robotics and digitalisation. Companies, universities and networks are developing applications ranging from smart factories and the Industrial IoT through to predictive maintenance and digital twins.

More on production systems and robotics

Innovation arises from networking

One of the Münsterland region’s particular strengths lies in the collaboration between different stakeholders. Businesses, universities, research institutions, start-ups and networks exchange knowledge, develop joint projects and put new ideas into practice.

Münsterland Innovation Forum

A meeting place for business, academia and regional networks: the Innovation Forum showcases new technologies and innovative approaches, whilst creating space for exchange and cooperation.

TECH.LAND

This German-Dutch programme connects businesses, start-ups, universities and research institutions in both countries, strengthening cross-border innovation and knowledge transfer.

Innovation Stories

Companies from the Münsterland region demonstrate how innovation works in practice through their developments, collaborations and success stories.

Support for companies

Sustainable Innovation Münsterland

Brings businesses together with the academic community and the start-up scene, and supports small and medium-sized enterprises in developing sustainable innovations and future-proof business models.

Green Start-ups Münsterland

Strengthens sustainable start-ups and brings the start-up scene and academia together. The focus is on innovative business models that contribute to the ecological transition.

Circular Economy

Brings together regional expertise and supports businesses in advancing resource efficiency, circular business models and new value chains in practice.

Excellent

The Münsterland Innovation Award showcases outstanding ideas, developments and collaborations from the region. It recognises innovations from businesses and the academic world – and the people behind them.

© Münsterland e.V./Kai Marc Pel
Innovation Award
Learn more...
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
The Münsterland: A Region with a Bright Future

Incidentally, the Münsterland region is not only innovative, but also a region of the future. For example, companies from forward-looking sectors such as IT and mechanical engineering are strongly represented here.

Your contact persons for innovations

Ute Schmidt-Vöcks
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Ute Schmidt-Vöcks
Head of Regional Development
Project Manager for ‘The Future of Business Succession in the Münsterland’
Business Location Marketing

0049 2571 94 93 21

Frank Sibbing
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Frank Sibbing
Regional support for innovation and start-ups
Project manager for “Grünes Gründen Münsterland”
Project manager for “Zukunft Unternehmensnachfolge Münsterland”

0049 2571 94 93 46

Julia Schwienbacher
© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Julia Schwienbacher

Workshops, seminars, consulting

Properties
Types
7 Matches.
Oct
18
So
Pen and Paper – A major anniversary at FARB Don’t let Borken turn into Orcs
18.10.2026, 11:00 18.10.2026, 18:00
COLOUR, Borken
Organiser: Stadt Borken - 3ECK
Dialogues
Meeting

Creative people, a few dice and a desire to tell stories together – within five years, this has given rise to a vibrant pen-and-paper community at the 3ECK in Borken, which now has more than 40 active members. The group was set up on a voluntary basis by Christopher Eßling in October 2021; since then, the role-playing enthusiasts have been meeting every third Sunday of the month, creating their own adventure worlds and stepping into a wide variety of roles.

To mark its fifth anniversary, the pen-and-paper group now wishes to share its enthusiasm with anyone interested and is hosting an anniversary event on Sunday, 18 October 2026, from 11 am to around 6 pm at the FARB Forum Altes Rathaus Borken, Markt 15, to an anniversary event.

The main focus will be on introducing people to the hobby. Those who have been playing pen-and-paper games for years are just as welcome as people who have merely been curious so far or who have no idea what the term actually means. No prior knowledge is required. As part of the anniversary event, at least five different game sessions using various game systems will be on offer, including Dungeons & Dragons. A separate game session for young aspiring adventurers aged six and over is also planned. For the other game sessions, a minimum age of 14 applies.

Anyone wishing to take part in a game session should register at 3eck@borken.de or by telephone on 02861 939-665. Participation is free of charge. Registering secures a place in a gaming session. Drop-in visitors are also very welcome; they can find out more about the hobby, chat to members of the group and get a feel for the atmosphere. However, we cannot guarantee a place in a gaming session for those turning up on the day.

The following gaming sessions are planned (further sessions may be added; subject to change):

Little Wizard – children aged 6 and over (1 place available) / starts around 11.30 am

Little Wizard – children aged 6 and over (6 places available) / Starts around 2.00 pm – fully booked

Dungeons and Dragons – aged 14 and over (6 places) / Starts around 11.30 am–2.30 pm – fully booked

Dungeons and Dragons – aged 14 and over (1 place available) / Starts 2.30 pm – 6 pm

Splittermond – ages 14 and over (3 places available) / Starts around 2 pm

How to be a Hero – ages 14 and over (3 places available) / Starts around 11.30 am

Star Wars – ages 14 and over (1 place available) / Starts around 11.30 am

Cthulhu – ages 16 and over (3 places available) / Starts around 11 am – fully booked

Time
18.10.2026, 11:00 18.10.2026, 18:00
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Nov
12
Thu
An AI journey through the Warendorf district Station 5: ROBOTICS & AI
12.11.2026, 16:00 12.11.2026, 17:30
Bar School ‘Anno 1664’, Oelde
Organiser: gfw Gesellschaft für Wirtschaftsförderung im Kreis Warendorf mbH
Lecture
Workshop

AI as the intelligence behind the next generation of robotics – robots are becoming smarter, more flexible and more autonomous.

Innovation driven by robotics start-ups

Start-ups are providing fresh impetus to small and medium-sized enterprises

Francis Möllerwessel | Co-CEO | Digital Hub münsterLAND e.V.


Humanoid robotics at HAVER & BOECKER

The intelligent interplay between humans, machines and AI. See it live – the humanoid robot ‘BUDDI’

Dennis Friemel | Head of Group – Product Manager | HAVER & BOECKER


A joint event organised by gfw and the Oelde Economic Development Agency

Time
12.11.2026, 16:00 12.11.2026, 17:30
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Nov
14
Sat
Friesfork Rockfest Friesfork Rockfest 2026
14.11.2026, 17:00 15.11.2026, ca.00:00
Mühlenhof Rheine, Rheine
Organiser: Friesfork Rockfest e.V.
Stage
Party
Festival
concert
Music

On 14 November 2026, the Mühlenhof in Rheine will host the fifth Friesfork Rockfest, where both regional and international bands will perform rock and metal music.

This year’s line-up includes:

Rabbit Hole

Just as you lose yourself in a @rabbit_hole_band’s whimsical and surreal world and never want to leave, so too will you lose yourself in the high-energy, intense songs of the band of the same name, let yourself go and never want to leave.

The four musicians of RABBIT HOLE know how to create catchy melodies with their sound-driven blend of alternative rock and post-grunge, which often wind their way through the RABBIT HOLE via a powerful wall of sound, only to stick in your mind as compact, memorable tracks.

RABBIT HOLE are Patrick Wolter (vocals, guitar), Marcus Diekmann (guitar), Carsten Wolters (bass) and Philipp Mussinghoff (drums): all experienced musicians from Münster and the surrounding area, with a long history of playing in numerous bands. With RABBIT HOLE, this wealth of experience results in catchy song structures, a powerful groove and an impressive stage presence.

Stylistically, RABBIT HOLE draws on the emotional despair of the 90s and the heavy rock sound of the 00s, confidently, independently and effortlessly blending them to create a style all of their own in the here and now.

The Unexpected

play punk rock from Ibbenbüren and have been around since 2008. The band formed within the community of the Scheune youth cultural centre. From the very beginning, it was all about friendship, solidarity and doing things for themselves.

The first songs were written under modest circumstances; later, they went on to play gigs in the region, across Germany and abroad – including, amongst others, as support acts for the Donots, V8 Wankers, Turbostaat and many more. Musically, THE UNEXPECTED blend melodic punk rock with hardcore influences – loud, direct and uncompromising.

Following two EPs and the album *Building Harbours* (2015), the band is back in action in 2026 and releasing new songs. Kicking things off is “VORAN”, recorded at the DONOTS’ Heavy Kranich Studio. The song was produced by Phil Meyer and Guido Knollmann.

THE UNEXPECTED remain what they’ve always been: a band born of friendship, with attitude and a love of honest music.

The Late Night Call

Ever since the release of their third album, ‘Antidote’, one thing has been clear: @thelatenightcall never tire and, now in their first decade as a band, are really hitting their stride!

The five-piece band from Münster plays a genre-spanning mix reminiscent of acts such as Paramore, Enter Shikari, Deftones, Evanescence and many more. This wild blend of alternative, post-hardcore, modern rock and synth-rock is almost impossible to contain during their live performances, leaving the audience at the end of the evening happily collapsing into bed, sweaty, with aching muscles and hoarse voices.

With an impressive track record of over 100 gigs, both nationally and internationally, The Late Night Call are known for setting stages alight with their raw energy and unwavering commitment to social causes close to their hearts.

What sets them apart in particular is their strong commitment to fighting discrimination of any kind and their vocal support for mental health awareness. They champion compassion, consideration and community, and strive to boost people’s self-esteem through their lyrics.

The Late Night Call’s discography comprises three powerful albums: ‘Indirect Lines’ [2017], ‘Mismatch’ [2021] and ‘Antidote’ [2023] – and that’s by no means all! Join The Late Night Call in the next decade, in a world free from discrimination, full of shared growth and diversity in action.

Bucket list

a list of things, experiences and adventures you still want to do in your life before you kick the bucket.

The band of the same name from Braunschweig have been working their way through their very own bucket list since 2017, aiming to make every single show a highlight. Bucketlist blast you with hard metalcore earworms, paired with an addictive live show to feast your eyes and ears on. If you don’t leave the show hoarse and sweaty, you weren’t there – promise.

Founded in 2017, Bucketlist can already look back on numerous festivals and club gigs. In 2019, they released their debut album “Dust Has Settled”, which was not only well received by the press but also celebrated with a tour of northern Germany.

Since then, the band has continued to release new music alongside expressive music videos, with the aim of staying relevant and focusing on the issues close to their hearts.

Cypecore

is a melodic death metal band formed in Mannheim in 2007. Stylistically, Cypecore operates within the melodic death metal genre, but incorporates elements of industrial and modern metal.

Cypecore are known for their futuristic concept and deliver a high-energy live show. As well as playing a number of club gigs, the sci-fi metal band have also performed at major festivals such as Summerbreeze, Wacken and, this year, Rockharz.

Cypecore have been on our list for several years now. So we’re all the more delighted that it’s finally happening this year!

Further details can be found on our website or on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. We look forward to seeing you there.

Time
14.11.2026, 17:00 15.11.2026, ca.00:00
Location
Prices
Vorverkauf
  • Erwachsene (1): 25
further information less information
Nov
17
Tue
Industry Summit 2026 Working together for innovation in Germany
17.11.2026, 09:00 17.11.2026, 17:30
Surventis GmbH, Münster
Organiser: United Innovations
Dialogues
Lecture

The Industry Summit is a tried-and-tested source of inspiration for all those actively shaping production and logistics. Executives, innovators and sustainability experts focus on the current challenges and opportunities facing industry in Germany. Together, they provide answers to the question of how we can use innovation to strengthen companies’ competitiveness and future viability.

This year’s key theme is: Greater productivity. Fewer downtimes. Innovations for maximum plant availability and resilient supply chains.

Join the other participants in discussing the future of industrial processes. Through a variety of formats, we’ll take a look at the developments of tomorrow. The programme offers a diverse range of sessions on the future of logistics and production – from panels and round tables to presentations and use cases.

Time
17.11.2026, 09:00 17.11.2026, 17:30
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Nov
20
Fri
NRW SongSlam Championship 2026 – Semi-final 2 Singer-songwriter competition
20.11.2026, 19:30 20.11.2026, ca.21:30
3ECK, Borken
Organiser: Stadt Borken - 3ECK
Stage
Dialogues
Festival
concert
Music
Workshop

Nothing in the air but hands, melody and rhythm – this weekend, the best musical talents in singing and songwriting from North Rhine-Westphalia will be competing for the audience’s favour with music they’ve written themselves! Motivated by the prospect of fame and applause, they’re bringing their tracks to Borken. A seven-minute time limit, only their own songs and musical instruments – nothing else is allowed!

The Song Slam Championship is being held for the third time in North Rhine-Westphalia – in Borken – in collaboration with the ‘Bright Lights e.V.’ association. The two semi-finals, each featuring nine contestants, will take place on 19 and 20 November, whilst the final at the FARB on 21 November will see the musical trophy up for grabs. At the end of the evening, the audience will decide the winner!

Time
20.11.2026, 19:30 20.11.2026, ca.21:30
Location
Prices
Eintrittspreis

Halbfinale 1 & 2: 12,20€

Das große Finale: 17,70€

  • normal: 12.2
further information less information
Load more

Further topics

Close Contact