THE FUTURE IS CREATED THERE,
WHERE IT IS BUILT (MANNHEIM).

FROM THE IDEA TO THE PROTOTYPE.

LAB 4 is the place where economic and climate change are actively shaped—through technology, collaboration, and the courage to try new things together.

Sustainable technologies aren't just discussed here—they're built, tested, and put into practice.

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WHY LAB4?

ONE QUESTION. FOUR PERSPECTIVES. ONE PLACE.

For companies, sustainable transformation is no longer a question of “if”—but of “how.” For startups, it is the market in which they want to grow. For researchers and students, it is the mission to turn knowledge into real impact. And for all of us, it is the reality in which we live—as a society shaped by the solutions of 

depends on tomorrow. LAB 4 brings these four perspectives together. After all, sustainable transformation can only succeed if everyone it affects is able to contribute to it.

The next step? Implementation. What we offer businesses, startups, and research organizations:

🔧 WORKSHOPS.

Prototyping, wood and metalworking, electrical engineering, sensor technology, and digital manufacturing provide the foundation for the development and testing of new prototypes.

🤝 COLLABORATION.

Startups, companies, and research institutions collaborate to address specific challenges and develop solutions in interdisciplinary teams.

📋 FORMATS.

From innovation workshops and sustainable business model development to pilot projects and long-term partnerships—LAB 4 offers structured formats for implementation.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT LAB4?

TRANSFORMATION BECOMES TANGIBLE HERE.

LAB 4 is a hub for sustainable innovation in practical applications. Here, a strong network of startups, industry, and research meets workshops for prototyping, wood and metalworking, sensor technology, and digital manufacturing. Together, they create prototypes, pilot projects, and collaborations that address specific challenges and further develop new technologies in a practical, hands-on way. 

Structured formats such as innovation workshops, interdisciplinary projects, and long-term partnerships provide the framework for effectively bringing ideas to fruition. Approximately 125 m² of workshop space—positioned somewhere between a makerspace and an industrial setting, application-oriented, collaborative, and open to all technologies.

THE BASICS OF PROTOTYPING · WOOD & METAL · ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING · SENSOR TECHNOLOGY · DIGITAL MANUFACTURING

Digital Manufacturing

3D printing, lasers, CNC—for rapid prototyping and iterative development. Ideas become a reality in a matter of hours.

Electronics, Sensors & IoT

Development and integration of smart components for connected, data-driven GreenTech applications.

Mechanics & Assembly

Development of functional prototypes and demonstrators—for industrial and grant-funded projects as well as pilot applications.

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Three fields.
One direction.

LAB4 FOCUSES ON KEY AREAS OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION.

Not every idea requires the same approach. Sometimes it starts with a prototype, sometimes with a specific business problem, and sometimes with just the conviction that something needs to change. LAB 4 offers the right framework for each of these starting points.

NEW PRODUCTS AND BUSINESS MODELS FROM DATA

Data-Driven Innovation.

Data can do more than just improve processes—it can enable entirely new business models. LAB 4 helps organizations analyze their data to identify new opportunities and develop sustainable value from them.

Data for Sustainable Growth · Resource Efficiency

NEW TECHNOLOGIES
FOR A CLIMATE-RESILIENT FUTURE

Environmental Technology.

Energy, water, circular economy, new materials—there are universities, startups, and companies in the region working on these topics. LAB 4 bridges the gap between research, startup development, and industrial application: from early prototypes to pilot plants.

Technology Transfer · Prototyping · Scale-up

SPECIFIC CHALLENGES. APPROPRIATE INNOVATIONS.

Industrial Transformation.

Energy efficiency, resource consumption, climate adaptation—companies often understand their problems better than they do the solutions. LAB 4 helps turn a challenge into a concrete innovation question—and brings together the right startups, technologies, and methods.

Startup Scouting · Venture Clienting · Idea Workshop

WHO IS LAB4 FOR?

For everyone who wants to make a difference—no matter where they are right now.

Whether it’s a startup, a company, or a research institution—LAB 4 brings together different perspectives, expertise, and resources. Together, we can achieve more than any of us could on our own.

LAB4 helps establish partnerships, develop prototypes and demonstrations, implement pilot projects, and tap into new markets.

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UPCOMING EVENTS
AND SPECIAL OFFERS.

JOIN THE LAB4 COMMUNITY!

The easiest way to get to know LAB 4? Just stop by. From open networking evenings to themed workshops and structured innovation formats—there’s a format for every stage of your journey. And at every event, you’ll meet people who are asking questions similar to yours: from companies, startups, universities, and the local community. Some come with a specific idea; others just out of curiosity. Both are welcome.

LAB 4 IS MORE THAN JUST A PLACE—IT IS A PLATFORM FOR SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION AND GROWTH

Connected within the region. Effective beyond it.

LAB 4 is not an isolated project. It is embedded in a strong, established innovation ecosystem comprising local partners, thematic clusters, and regional stakeholders—and benefits from a network that opens doors to partners, projects, and opportunities that one cannot find on one’s own.

FIONA PREISLER

LAB4 SUSTAINABLE GROWTH MANAGEMENT

+49 621 33992 - 122
preisler@next-mannheim.de

Curious?
We look forward to meeting you.

BECOME PART OF THE GREENTECH ECOSYSTEM!

Whether you have a specific idea in mind or just want to check it out—you've come to the right place.

Let's talk!

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