“We are strengthening Duisburg as a logistics hub through a symbiosis of cutting-edge research, the latest mobile technology, and practical startup support.” (Rasmus C. Beck, Managing Director, Duisburg Business & Innovation)
- Innovation platform for logistics startups
- Application-oriented testing under real-world conditions
- Project combines 5G test field, prototype development, and scientific transfer
- Goal: Bring research to market-ready solutions for Logistics 4.0 faster
Duisburg, June 23, 2026 – The starting signal for “CellPort – Network for Smart Logistics” has been given in Duisburg. The new innovation platform supports logistics startups in transforming scientific research into competitive applications for Logistics 4.0. The project launched in June 2026, runs for four years, and is funded through the STARK program via the 5-Sites Program for coal regions. Duisburg Business & Innovation GmbH (DBI) is responsible for project management and marketing with two positions. Partners include startport GmbH as the logistics innovation platform and the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE). The funding volume amounts to two million euros.
“Duisburg exemplifies the challenges and opportunities of industrial transformation. Actively shaping this is our mandate as economic and project developers. We are strengthening the logistics hub through a symbiosis of cutting-edge research, the latest mobile technology, and practical startup support,” says DBI Managing Director Rasmus C. Beck.
The core of CellPort consists of twelve-month high-tech masterclasses for startups. A total of 30 young companies are expected to participate across four cycles. The project utilizes infrastructure that is particularly suited for application-oriented testing under real-world conditions to access an independent 5G network: at the Multimedia Terminal Duisburg operated by duisport – Duisburger Hafen AG. There, participants can test hardware and software such as drones, Internet of Things applications, or autonomous vehicles under real conditions. The offering is complemented by a fully equipped prototype workspace with 3D printers, CNC mills, and other tools for free prototype development.
Johannes Franke, Managing Director of startport: “With CellPort, we are creating a unique ecosystem for startups to develop and test future-ready solutions directly on-site. The project launch is an important milestone for the region and a genuine signal of the location’s innovative strength.”
The University of Duisburg-Essen is also contributing its expertise to the project. “CellPort demonstrates how scientific research flows into the startup environment and drives innovation in logistics,” explains Güldilek Köylüoğlu Alabaş, research funding officer at UDE. The project thus strengthens the transfer to application, the further development of digital solutions, as well as the innovation hub and the economic development of the region.
“With the CellPort project, we are demonstrating that the 5-Sites Program in Duisburg stands for future prospects. CellPort delivers precisely on this promise because innovation and transformation come together here,” adds Michael Rüscher, Economic Affairs Officer of the City of Duisburg.
The 5-Sites Program supports municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia that are particularly affected by the coal phase-out. It funds forward-looking projects that create new economic prospects and accelerate structural transformation locally. In Duisburg, the program helps implement transformation projects like CellPort and position the location as competitive and technologically strong in the long term.