The German Friends of the Universities of Innsbruck Association (DFK) accompanied students and guests to one of Europe’s leading innovation centers.
How do successful startups emerge, and what role do innovation and entrepreneurial spirit play in addressing societal challenges? Students and invited guests found answers to these questions during an excursion to the Munich Urban Colab in Munich’s creative district. They were accompanied by representatives from Innsbruck’s universities and the MCI. The event was hosted by the German Friends of the Universities of Innsbruck Association (DFK).
Munich Urban Colab, centrally located on Freddie-Mercury-Straße in Munich’s creative district, serves as an open innovation hub where UnternehmerTUM and the City of Munich join forces. Under one roof, new forms of collaboration are emerging between startups, established companies, academia, the creative industries, and public administration. The goal is to promote innovation and work together to develop solutions to the major challenges of our time.
Following a brief introduction by DFK Chairman Markus Walzl, the participants were warmly welcomed by Helmut Schönenberger, CEO of UnternehmerTUM. In his presentation, he provided fascinating insights into the innovation ecosystem surrounding UnternehmerTUM, which, since its founding in 2002 by entrepreneur Susanne Klatten, has become one of Europe’s leading centers for startups and innovation. With more than 100 high-growth technology startups each year, UnternehmerTUM helps founders turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Schönenberger provided a clear explanation of how startups are supported through a comprehensive range of services—from the initial idea through product development to financing and scaling. More than 500 employees are dedicated to fostering innovative teams and strengthening collaboration between startups, industry, and academia. A particular highlight is the MakerSpace, which offers state-of-the-art infrastructure for prototype development and small-batch production across two locations spanning approximately 2,700 square meters.
Following this, Niclas Mauß, Director of the Circular Republic network at UnternehmerTUM, provided insights into initiatives aimed at promoting the circular economy. It became clear just how crucial a role circular thinking will play in the future for sustainable economic development—especially in the context of global challenges such as climate change, the energy transition, and resource scarcity.
Another highlight was a series of presentations by female founders from the UnternehmerTUM ecosystem. The startups showcased innovative technologies from cutting-edge research fields—including approaches to early cancer detection and solutions for interconnecting quantum computers. This gave the students a firsthand look at the dynamism and diversity of modern high-tech startups.
The event concluded with a relaxed get-together that provided an opportunity for discussion and networking. In an informal setting, participants were able to talk with key players in the innovation ecosystem and get a firsthand sense of the unique work and innovation culture on the ground.
The visit to Munich highlighted how important entrepreneurial thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological innovation are for actively shaping the future—and what opportunities this presents for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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