This impressive result confirms TUM as one of the leading deep-tech hubs in Europe and underlines its importance as a driver of innovation. The university has not only broken its own record, but is also shaping the entire start-up landscape in Germany and Europe. The success factors are: deep-tech solutions for urgent problems, interdisciplinary teams, customized support and a strong network.
TUM also stands for the promotion of entrepreneurial spirit: In 2024, more than 1,100 start-up teams were supported by UnternehmerTUM and the TUM Venture Labs, including the TUM Venture Labs for Software & AI in Heilbronn.
TUM leads the way with top position in EXIST start-up grants
Another highlight of 2024 was TUM's leading position in the EXIST start-up grants. These grants are awarded by the Federal Ministry of Economics to promote university spin-offs. TUM was able to acquire more than 30 EXIST grants. Since 2007, the university has received a total of more than 250 grants for its spin-offs, making it the most successful German university in this program.
TUM's start-ups have an impressive track record: 21 unicorns, i.e. companies that reach an enterprise value of one billion dollars without going public, were founded by TUM researchers and graduates. Among them is Celonis, the first German Decacorn, a start-up with a valuation of 10 billion dollars.
Milestone in economic and geopolitical situation
For TUM President Prof. Hofmann, this is not only a success for the university, but also an important signal for the future viability of Germany as a location for innovation. “More than 100 spin-offs in one year is a milestone, especially in such a challenging economic and geopolitical situation. The basis for this success is the entrepreneurial attitude that we have been encouraging our university community to adopt for many years,” says Hofmann.
Tailor-made support
The Financial Times highlighted the close cooperation in the ecosystem, in which various players work together with start-ups on innovations, in its selection as Europe's leading start-up center. Companies from the manufacturing industry, tech development centers, investors, research institutions, the state of Bavaria and the city of Munich are all involved. International programs expand the network. TUM shows great strength in the customized promotion of start-ups. In twelve important subject areas, from quantum technologies and healthcare to aerospace, the TUM Venture Labs offer a connection to cutting-edge research, technical infrastructure, expertise for the respective market and contacts in the industry.
The programs of TUM, UnternehmerTUM and TUM Venture Labs are tailored to the different phases of founding, the requirements of the teams and the founding personalities. The scientific findings of the Entrepreneurship Research Institute also contribute to this. UnternehmerTUM invests in the most promising start-ups with its own venture capital fund.