Hochschule Bremerhaven

What Hochschule Bremerhaven does

Hochschule Bremerhaven is a public German university of applied sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften) located in Bremerhaven at the mouth of the Weser River. Founded in 1975, with predecessor institutions tracing to the 1879 Navigation School, the institution serves approximately 3,000 students from around 40 nations through 25 study programmes (17 Bachelor's, 8 Master's) and employs more than 250 staff across administration, teaching, research, and technology. The university operates four applied research clusters — Energy and Maritime Technology, Life Sciences, Logistics and Information Systems, and Tourism and Management — supported by 18 internal institutes including the Institute of Wind Energy (fk-wind:), the Institute of Artificial Intelligence Methods and Information Mining (AIM), the Bremerhaven Institute of Nanotechnology, and the Bremerhavener Institut für angewandte Molekularbiologie (BIAMOL). Notable applied research projects include WindGISKI (AI-powered GIS for wind energy), ALBINA (algae-based lubricant additives), H2-Microgrid (sector-coupled energy), QuantiVir (PCR diagnostics), and MuSSeL (satellite-based fisheries monitoring).

The university is a public corporation (Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts) under Bremen state law and does not charge tuition under the Bremisches Hochschulgesetz. Its revenue model relies on state and federal government appropriations supplemented by third-party research funding (Drittmittel) sourced from EU programmes (e.g., FLEXI-GREEN FUELS), foundations (e.g., Dieckell Foundation), and industry partners. Knowledge transfer to regional SMEs is operationalized through the WHoch2 platform, the Hochschulallianz für den Mittelstand (HAfM) alliance, the Career Service Center, and direct collaboration with research partners including the Alfred Wegener Institute and ttz Bremerhaven. Marketing and student recruitment leverage recruitment fairs, campus open days (Campustag), the Science Mile public outreach event, and an active multi-platform social media presence.

Customer-facing segments are split between prospective domestic and international students (degree-programme consumers) and regional SMEs in maritime, logistics, food technology, renewable energy, and tourism industries (applied research and continuing-education consumers). The institution markets under the brand "Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences" and the tagline "Hochschule am Meer," and has secured external validation through CHE University Ranking top ratings (2026), Red Dot and Corporate Design awards (2023), HRK Research Map inclusion (2019), and gender equality/diversity certifications (2024).

Name

Hochschule Bremerhaven

Legal name

Hochschule Bremerhaven

Website

https://hs-bremerhaven.de

Company type

Public

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Hochschule Bremerhaven is a public German university of applied sciences in Bremerhaven serving ~3,000 students from ~40 nations with 25 degree programmes and four applied research clusters (Energy & Maritime, Life Sciences, Logistics & IT, Tourism & Management), funded by state appropriations and third-party research grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Applied Research & Innovation Universities (EDAHAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK), Technical Universities with Energy, Materials & Sustainability Focus (EDAHAEAL)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Applied sciences
• Bachelor programs
• Master programs
• Applied research

Headquarters

HQ city

Bremerhaven

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. State/Federal Public Funding: As a public university of applied sciences (Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften), Hochschule Bremerhaven is primarily funded by the state of Bremen and federal German government through public higher education allocations. The university receives institutional core funding and project-based third-party research funding (Forschungsdrittmittel) from various government and institutional sources.
2. Third-Party Research Funding (Drittmittel): A considerable portion of research funding is allocated to the Energy and Maritime Technology research cluster. Projects are funded by regional, national, and international partners including EU programs, the Dieckell Foundation, and other third-party funding bodies. Research activities are conducted in cooperation with commercial enterprises and research institutions.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Hochschule Bremerhaven is a public university of applied sciences offering 25 study programmes (17 Bachelor's and 8 Master's) across technology, natural sciences, economics, and management disciplines, with a distinctive maritime profile. The university operates four applied research clusters — Energy and Maritime Technology, Life Sciences, Logistics and Information Systems, and Tourism and Management — through 18 institutes with state-of-the-art laboratories, serving approximately 3,000 students from around 40 nations with more than 250 employees.

Product overview

Hochschule Bremerhaven is a University of Applied Sciences offering 25 study programmes (17 bachelor's and 8 master's) across technology, natural sciences, and economics disciplines. The institution operates four research clusters: Energy and Maritime Technology, Life Sciences, Logistics and Information Systems, and Tourism and Management. It provides student services including advisory services, library access, career support, and start-up assistance through the BRIDGE network. The university's maritime profile is reflected in both its geographic location and programme offerings focused on maritime industries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Study Programmes (Bachelor & Master) Higher education degree programmes (17 Bachelor's and 8 Master's) covering engineering, technology, natural sciences, economics, and management with a maritime focus. Designed for prospective domestic and international students from around 40 nations.
• Energy and Maritime Technology Research Cluster Applied research cluster focusing on energy and marine technology including wind energy, hydrogen, sector-coupled energy systems, and aquaponics. Includes institutes such as fk-wind:, Institute of Process Engineering, Institute of Automation and Electrical Engineering (IAE), and Bremerhaven Institute of Nanotechnology.
• Life Sciences Research Cluster Applied research cluster based on competencies in Biotechnology, Food Technology, Medical Technology, and Physician Assistant programmes. Includes marine research topics from marine microbiology to fisheries biology, plus food sector application-oriented research. Key institutes include BIAMOL, EcoMaterials, ILB, and Institute of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
• Logistics and Information Systems Research Cluster Applied research cluster linking logistics and information systems disciplines, identifying and realizing potential for logistics and related areas including digitalisation and maritime processes. Key institutes include IMSE, Smart Mobility Institute, AIM (Artificial Intelligence Methods and Information Mining), and LTRI (Food and Transport Law Institute).
• Tourism and Management Research Cluster Applied research cluster covering international tourism industry (particularly cruise tourism) and general management, focusing on strategic issues and application-oriented practical research. Includes institutes such as IME, ISaSS, IMT, Institute for Business Instruments and Technologies, and M2I (Marketing hoch zwei Institut).
• Student Advisory Services Comprehensive advisory services including study advisory service, BAföG and financing guidance, international office support, and career service center assistance for prospective and current students.
• Library Services Bremerhaven branch of the State and University Library Bremen providing research resources and study materials for students and faculty.
• BRIDGE Start-up Service Start-up support service for students and university members interested in starting their own business, providing guidance through the path to self-employment using the BRIDGE network.
• Karlsburger Horizonte Newsletter University newsletter providing news about studies, teaching, research results, campus life insights, graduate career reports, and events. Published approximately 5 times per year, free and cancelable at any time.

Quantifiable outcome

• Top ratings in the CHE University Ranking 2026 for Business Administration, International Tourism Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership, Social Work, Business Informatics, and Transport, Economics and Logistics
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability3 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, support and minor.

• Regional Companies and Scientific Institutions (via WHoch2)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2026WHoch2 is a platform that brings together regional companies, scientific institutions, and the university for cooperation, knowledge exchange, skills development, and sustainable regional development. Each event involves interdisciplinary expert rounds with university professors and industry representatives.
• Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe university maintains close cooperation with the Alfred Wegener Institute through three cooperative professorships. Research focuses include marine chemistry, marine microbiology, fisheries biology, algae biotechnology, and aquaculture. This is a core regional research partnership embedded in Bremerhaven's maritime science cluster.
• InnoWi GmbHsupportTechnology or IntegrationInnoWi GmbH supports the university in patent applications and technology commercialisation. Researchers can access an external invention navigator through this partnership for IP management support.
• Technologie-Transfer-Zentrum (ttz Bremerhaven)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe ttz Bremerhaven is a key partner for application-oriented research, particularly in food technology and related life sciences. The university cooperates with ttz alongside relevant third-party funding providers and local entrepreneurs.
• Hochschulallianz für den Mittelstand (HAfM) - University Alliance for SMEscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe university participates in the HAfM alliance, which supports knowledge transfer between universities of applied sciences and SMEs. The Lunchtalk series 'Transfer in der Pause' features HAfM member university projects, such as the H2-Microgrid project presented by Prof. Dr. Uwe Werner.
• European Forum for Urban Security (Efus)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Institute for Safety and Security Studies (ISaSS) cooperates with Efus in the form of joint project activities, working on research and development tasks for maintaining and improving safety in the public sector and economy.
• DLR Institute for the Protection of Maritime InfrastructuresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Institute for Safety and Security Studies (ISaSS) cooperates with the DLR Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures on joint project activities related to maritime security research.
• More than 100 International Partner UniversitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe International Office supports student exchanges and study abroad opportunities at over 100 partner universities worldwide. Double-Degree programmes in Business Administration and Cruise Tourism Management enable students to study one year abroad and earn two degrees.
• Bremen Logistics Companies (via BreLogIK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe BreLogIK project aims to exploit untapped innovation potential in close cooperation between Bremen science and the logistics industry. The logistics sector is described as one of the most important drivers of Bremen's economy.
• German, Austrian, and Swiss Testing BoardsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2011, the annual 'Software Testing in Practice and Research' survey has been conducted in cooperation with universities of Bremerhaven, Cologne, and Bremen, along with the German, Austrian, and Swiss Testing Boards, providing over a decade of data on software quality assurance trends in German-speaking regions.
• EU-funded Research Partners (13 partners from 4 EU countries)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe FLEXI-GREEN FUELS project involves 13 partners from 4 EU countries, focusing on next-generation biofuels from biomass residues for aviation and maritime shipping. Multiple institutions collaborate on this multi-country research initiative.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hochschule Flensburg: Public northern German Fachhochschule with strong maritime and energy focus (Maritime Campus, wind energy and biotechnology). Comparable on regional applied research model, geographic position on the German coast, and similar programme mix in engineering and business.
• Technische Hochschule Lübeck: Public northern German Fachhochschule with applied focus on engineering, natural sciences, and applied economics. Comparable on scale, public funding model, and applied research orientation in northern Germany.
• Hochschule Wismar: Public Fachhochschule in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with maritime profile (Wismar Harbour campus) and applied research in engineering, business, and design. Comparable on coastal geography, applied science model, and SME-facing regional research focus.
• Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Kultur des Saarlandes (htw saar): Public Fachhochschule in Saarland with applied engineering, business, and social sciences programmes. Comparable as a similarly sized German public university of applied sciences with regional SME-facing applied research model and similar funding structure.
• Hochschule Emden/Leer: Public university of applied sciences in East Frisia with applied focus on engineering, business, and maritime technologies. Comparable on small-scale regional Fachhochschule model, coastal geography, and SME-facing applied research activity.
• Jade Hochschule Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth: Public university of applied sciences with Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg campuses in Northwest Germany sharing maritime geography, applied sciences focus, and similar scale (~7,500 students). Direct comparable on maritime and logistics programmes and regional SME-facing research model.
• Hochschule Bremen (City University of Applied Sciences Bremen): Largest public university of applied sciences in the Bremen state system, sharing state oversight and overlapping programme areas (engineering, logistics, business, social work). Most direct peer given shared regional ecosystem, similar funding model, and overlapping research focus on maritime and logistics topics in Northwest Germany.

Regional players

• NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands): Dutch university of applied sciences with strong international profile, tourism management, and double-degree programmes comparable to Bremerhaven's offerings. Cross-border applied science peer reflecting similar Fachhochschule model in a neighbouring country.

Broad incumbents

• Universität Bremen: Comprehensive public research university co-located in the Bremen state system, sharing regional ecosystem and overlapping research areas (marine sciences, logistics, social sciences). Provides broader research and doctoral training umbrella against which Hochschule Bremerhaven's applied focus is differentiated.
• Hochschule Hamburg (HAW Hamburg): Larger public university of applied sciences in Hamburg with comparable programme mix in engineering, business, design, and life sciences. Competes for the same pool of northern German applicants and serves overlapping maritime/logistics employer base, but with materially greater scale and broader portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/HochschuleBremerhaven27568
• Facebookfacebook.com/hsbremerhaven
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/bremerhaven-university-of-applied-sciences
• Instagraminstagram.com/hs_bremerhaven
• TikToktiktok.com/@hs_bremerhaven

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Hochschule Bremerhaven