Mr. Arens, what distinguishes the Sparkasse Heidelberg?

We see ourselves as a significant SME bank in our region. We are not only contact partners for local businesses, but we also have precise knowledge of the economic conditions. We offer our customers a complete range of services – from consulting and financing to insurance and payment transactions, as well as real estate solutions.

Why did the Sparkasse Heidelberg co-initiate the Technology Park Heidelberg?

If the Technology Park didn't exist, it would need to be invented. Such facilities offer young entrepreneurs a chance for the future. Founders invest their ideas, know-how, and labor. They are willing to take risks. This benefits all of us because a good future requires innovative actions today. As Sparkasse, the positive development of our region has always been close to our hearts. Therefore, founding the Technology Park was not only a matter of public mandate but also a question of our responsibility to society and the people.

Why is Heidelberg a good location for starting a business?

Heidelberg is an outstanding science location, represented by institutions like the University, the DKFZ, or the EMBL. The city continuously optimizes the conditions for start-ups. Additionally, Heidelberg is embedded in the highly productive and innovative Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. Young companies have short distances to important large players. This helps to establish contacts and set the course for further developments.

The founding of innovative young companies can also benefit city development in many ways. For example, by increasing the attractiveness for highly qualified workers, boosting economic strength, and creating jobs. Generally, a start-up-friendly environment signifies progressiveness, growth, curiosity, and thus, the future.

How does Sparkasse Heidelberg promote start-up ventures?

For many years, we have had a dedicated unit that focuses solely on start-ups. We are not just concerned with pure start-up financing. We accompany young companies through all phases of their founding and beyond. This naturally includes providing funding or integrating them into our comprehensive regional and supra-regional network. We aim for a lifelong, trusting partnership – from founding to later succession planning.

How can the Technology Park Heidelberg help in this context?

The Technology Park provides young companies with what they need most besides financing: premises where they can achieve their goals. Additionally, the Technology Park offers quick access to local research institutions and facilitates creative and innovative exchanges among the start-ups working in the building. This can be a significant advantage, especially in the early phase of a start-up.

What is your collaboration with the Technology Park in real estate management like?

Since 2005, we have been the sole owner of the Technology Park properties in Neuenheimer Feld. Thus, our subsidiary, RN Immobilienmanagement GmbH Rhein-Neckar (RNI), became the contact for rental and administrative matters. We take our responsibility for our tenants very seriously. Therefore, one of the significant challenges was and is to keep the Technology Park attractive and optimally usable for young companies in terms of equipment and individual space and infrastructure conditions.

How do you envision Heidelberg in the future?

As an even more modern, innovative, and business-friendly location. As a stronghold of science that immediately translates its research results into young and dynamic companies. And all of this in perfect harmony with the romance and beauty that Heidelberg – especially from a tourist perspective – is so proud of.

For me, Heidelberg is a lovable and livable city that draws its strength and charm from its openness and diversity. This free-thinking and interaction climate is truly something special. This is precisely why Heidelberg and the region have become my home.

How do you help make this vision a reality?

Particularly important to us is the transition to a climate-neutral economy and, consequently, the expansion of the necessary infrastructure in our region. In this context, we provide targeted support to our companies in implementing their transformation processes, especially with the necessary investments. Another major future challenge – creating additional regional housing – is something we are addressing through our involvement in the relevant development companies.

by Dr. Stefan Burkhardt

Download: Testimonial from Rainer Arens