Projects
Innovation Tank translates research into concrete applications for livable cities. The following projects show how social innovation, smart city and urban living work together in practice in Heidelberg.
HEAR: Heidelberg Acoustic Research
Designing city centres that are vibrant and livable at the same time is one of the most pressing municipal tasks. In the area of tension between nightly foot traffic and residents' need for quiet, HEAR creates an objective noise profile as an evidence-based foundation for urban decisions.
The technological approach
Smart noise sensors continuously measure crowd and ambient noise. The system is fully compliant with data protection law: no conversations are transmitted and no audio recordings are stored. Privacy by design is a prerequisite, not an add-on.
From measurement to action
Two automated alerting systems are in place: a direct notification to hospitality businesses for self-regulation and a digital dashboard for the municipal public-order service (KOD). This creates a bridge between vibrant nightlife and reliable noise protection.
View case studyQuick facts
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Status Pilot phase since October 2025
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Location Heidelberg old town
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Partner City of Heidelberg
Future Lab STEM
Future Lab STEM is an out-of-school learning space in the Emmertsgrund district of Heidelberg. Through the concept of problem-based learning, it introduces children and young people to computer science, science, technology and creativity, starting from real questions rather than predefined solutions.
The space sees itself as a safe place to experiment, where young people shape technology themselves and develop viable solutions. This makes the future lab part of the social innovation focus area: technology creates impact when people shape it.
More on social innovationQuick facts
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Focus Problem-based learning
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Audience Children and young people
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Location Emmertsgrund Heidelberg
間 - MA BAR x Innovation Tank
The 間 - MA BAR is a café and bar space on the campus in the Neuenheimer Feld. In cooperation with Studierendenwerk Heidelberg, a vibrant meeting place is being created that combines community building with educational offerings.
Whether a networking event, an open workshop or relaxed exchange after lectures: the space is intended to become a central hub for young people during their studies and to make a vibrant city centre tangible in the spirit of urban living.
Visit websiteQuick facts
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Launch April 2026
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Location Campus Heidelberg
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Cooperation partner Studierendenwerk Heidelberg
Solutions for municipalities
Innovation Tank develops scientifically supported solutions for cities and administrations: smart noise and visitor management, objective real-time data.