With "#openspace" in Berlin-Schöneberg, Commerzbank has developed the first digitalisation platform for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As the first of its kind, "#openspace" is a corporate transformation platform for German SMEs and constitutes a long-term cooperation between SMEs, innovation partners, and start-ups with the objective of successfully tackling the challenges posed by the digital future together. At the same time, "#openspace" is available as a home base for national and international start-ups providing advisory and logistical support.

"Digitalisation dominates the media, sciences, and corporate world like no other topic. But how can companies master the challenges posed by digitalisation? As an answer to this, we have created "#openspace", a networked platform comprising SMEs, innovation partners, and start-ups. Here, the digital transformation is expedited and accompanied in the long term thanks to customised programmes," says Holger Werner, CEO and founder of #openspace.

"With '#openspace' we would like to empower SMEs so that they can fundamentally change their business models in line with new digital standards and help to overcome uncertainty with regards to digitalisation. Priority is given to the principle of 'helping people to help themselves'," says Joachim Köhler, COO and co-founder of "#openspace".

In addition to a six week basic module named "#SenseOfUrgency", "#openspace" offers various advanced programmes to provide a company with long-term support. The "#DigitalLab" module, for example, is geared towards supplementing an existing business model with digital products and processes. By contrast, in the "#DisruptiveLab", an existing business model is fundamentally adapted over three phases.

In addition to the offering for Germany's SME sector, with the "#StartUpFactory" "#openspace" also provides premises and support for international start-ups wishing to establish a foothold on the German and European markets or to expand in the region.