TUM Smashes Record: 103 Start-ups in a Single Year
A powerful signal for Germany’s innovation landscape
Record-breaking figures out of Munich: In 2024, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) saw more than 100 start-ups launched for the first time ever – 103 to be exact. It’s a historic milestone that not only cements TUM’s reputation as Germany’s top start-up university but also sends a clear message about the strength and future-readiness of the country’s innovation ecosystem.
“Over 100 spin-offs in a single year – that’s a milestone not just for TUM, but for Germany as an innovation hub, especially in these challenging economic and geopolitical times,” says TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann.
With this record-setting year, TUM firmly positions itself as a key player in Europe’s deep tech scene.
103 start-ups – and over 1,100 supported teams
The numbers speak for themselves:
- In 2024, researchers, students and alumni from TUM founded 103 new start-ups.
- Over 1,100 teams received support through programmes run by UnternehmerTUM and the TUM Venture Labs.
- Since 2007, TUM has secured over 250 EXIST start-up grants – including 30 in 2024 alone, more than any other university in Germany.
This puts TUM not only at the top in terms of start-up activity, but also in securing public funding – a clear sign of the quality and professionalism of its start-up support.
Europe’s top start-up hub: UnternehmerTUM
The Financial Times recently confirmed what the start-up world already knew: UnternehmerTUM – TUM’s innovation and entrepreneurship centre – is the leading start-up hub in Europe.
And it’s about much more than just start-up advice. Start-ups at UnternehmerTUM get access to high-tech labs, sector-specific expertise, mentoring programmes, investor networks – all under one roof.
Plus, UnternehmerTUM brings together start-ups and established players. In so-called “Co-Labs,” start-up teams work directly with SMEs, large corporations, tech giants, and public institutions on real-world solutions. This model of open innovation is one of the keys to its global success.
TUM Venture Labs: tailored support for start-ups
One of the most innovative parts of the ecosystem is the TUM Venture Labs. Spread across 12 key technology areas – from quantum tech and healthcare to aerospace – the labs offer not just access to cutting-edge research, but also tailored market support.
What makes them unique: the support is designed for every stage of the start-up journey, from initial idea to scaling. And because the labs are deeply integrated into the university’s scientific infrastructure, tech transfer happens faster and more effectively.
21 unicorns, one decacorn – and plenty of potential
Success at TUM isn’t just about funding figures – it shows in market value too:
- 21 start-ups from the TUM ecosystem have already reached unicorn status.
- Celonis became Germany’s first decacorn, valued at over $10 billion.
Other standout stories – like Lilium (electric air taxis), Isar Aerospace (space rockets), and Konux (AI for railway infrastructure) – show just how diverse and impactful the TUM start-up scene really is.
Interdisciplinary, international, investable
What makes the “Munich Model” so special? The mix.
At TUM, engineers collaborate with medical researchers, social scientists with AI experts. This kind of cross-discipline teamwork is rare in Europe – and it results in start-ups tackling a wide range of socially relevant challenges.
Add to that a strong international network: through the EuroTech Universities Alliance, TUM is closely linked with top tech universities across Europe. Global programmes help open doors to international markets and funding.
Speaking of funding – UnternehmerTUM also runs its own venture capital fund, investing directly in promising start-ups. Another piece of the puzzle that makes the ecosystem so successful.
What other universities can learn from TUM
TUM shows what structured, strategic support for entrepreneurship can look like – not as a side project, but as a core mission.
That includes:
- Early encouragement of entrepreneurial thinking in teaching
- Close integration of research and start-up support
- Professional, long-term infrastructure instead of ad-hoc initiatives
- A leadership team that visibly prioritises innovation
The Munich Model could be a blueprint for any university aiming to turn academic excellence into real-world impact.
Conclusion: TUM shows what the future looks like
With 103 spin-offs in just one year, TUM has set a new benchmark. It’s not only Germany’s most successful start-up university but a major driver of Europe’s innovation strength.
By combining research excellence, an entrepreneurial mindset and a world-class support system, TUM proves that universities can become true innovation engines – with impact, unicorns and global reach.
Photo/Source: stock.adobe.com – Travel Faery
