Neckarsulm: Emerging Tech Hub with the Rise of Schwarz Group's Digital Endeavors

Neckarsulm, a city traditionally known for its retail prowess through Lidl and Kaufland, is now on the brink of a technological revolution. The Schwarz Group is evolving from its roots in food retail to becoming a potential tech giant, drawing comparisons to Amazon.

The Schwarz Group has embarked on a digital journey with the establishment of Schwarz Digits, a division dedicated to IT and cloud services. This expansion includes the acquisition of the cybersecurity firm XM Cyber and the development of their own cloud service, Stackit, which is now available on the market. Their cybersecurity solutions are being deployed by major companies like Thalia, dm, and Commerzbank, showcasing their growing influence in the tech sector.

In addition to their digital ventures, the Schwarz Group is contributing to the creation of a tech ecosystem in the region. A new IT campus in Bad Friedrichshall and an innovation park for AI in Heilbronn are part of their strategic initiatives. These developments are positioning Neckarsulm as a potential German Silicon Valley.

Schwarz Digits is reporting significant growth, with revenues of around 2 billion euros annually. Although still dwarfed by Amazon Web Services, which earns 10 billion dollars quarterly, the strategic direction mirrors Amazon's initial cloud development, hinting at potential future success.