Munich becomes a deep tech hub: TUM launches innovative energy solutions!

Munich becomes a deep tech hub: TUM launches innovative energy solutions!

The innovation ecosystem around the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is considered one of the most successful deep tech hubs in Europe. According to the TUM This ecosystem has a strong and diverse network as well as specific funding that significantly supports the transfer of scientific knowledge into practice.

Through initiatives and co-labs, close collaboration between start-ups, established companies, experts, investors and administrative bodies is promoted. What is particularly noteworthy is that over 100 companies were founded at TUM last year. In total, more than 1,100 start-up teams received support from UnternehmerTUM and the TUM Venture Labs, which offer tailor-made programs for different start-up phases.

Strong support for start-ups

UnternehmerTUM also supports the founding teams with its own venture capital fund. This commitment has led to UnternehmerTUM being named Europe's best start-up center twice by the Financial Times. The combination of cutting-edge research and market expertise in twelve technological fields ensures that TUM plays a pioneering role in the innovation landscape.

Another feature of the innovation ecosystem is the new TUM.EnergyLab, which is being designed with the support of the Free State of Bavaria. This will be set up on the Garching campus to test innovative energy technologies in real environments. The proposal from state parliament member Maximilian Böltl has now taken concrete form and aims to advance sustainable energy solutions.

Focus on sustainable energy technologies

Funded by TUM Venture Labs, the TUM.EnergyLab focuses on the practical implementation of innovative energy technologies such as reversible CO₂-negative power plants, Power-to-X applications and direct air capture systems. Hartmut Spliethoff, the initiator of the project, emphasizes the importance of this initiative for applied research and commercialization. During the semifinals of the MIT Climate & Energy Prize on March 14, 2025, the partnership was officially announced, establishing the laboratory as a real-world experimental ground for sustainable energy applications.

Florian Lintl, Operations Director of TUM Venture Labs, describes the urgency of these measures in the context of the global challenges caused by climate change. Transforming innovative ideas into marketable products is described as the key to closing a positive economic cycle in the region and promoting local founders.

The support of the Federal Ministry of Research for such innovation ecosystems is just as crucial. As the federal political initiative clarifies, the transfer of scientific results into application is supported in order to develop solutions for social challenges and to strengthen Germany as a business location in international competition.

These policies aim to promote academic, business and civil society networks that are crucial for the creation of new business models and spin-offs. The innovation ecosystem around TUM is not only an example of successful knowledge transfer, but also an essential part of the German research landscape, which is designed for long-term technological sovereignty and economic competitiveness.