The next level for Munich as a startup hub has begun. With the Innovation Agenda 2030, the Bavarian capital is launching a broad-based initiative to strengthen technological, economic, and societal innovation. The project is backed by a coalition of key players from administration, science, and business. Together, they aim to improve the framework conditions for startups, scaleups, and future technologies and provide new impetus for sustainable urban development. The stated goal: By 2030, Munich will be a leading AI and startup hub in Europe – with international appeal and strong regional roots.
Five fields of action set the direction
The agenda is based on five strategic areas of action. Scaleup City 2030 Targeted support for fast-growing startups is being developed. This field of action addresses key location factors such as production space, networks, and political visibility. Initial measures include the Scaleup Council and the Innovative SME Initiative.
Manfred Gößl, Managing Director of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Munich and Upper Bavaria, emphasizes:
"With the Scaleup Council, we are creating a platform for our emerging growth stars: We address the specific concerns of scaleups to policymakers and administrators, we support them in implementing investments, expanding production, and accessing global markets, as well as in training and continuing education. Together, we will further expand Munich's pioneering role as a high-tech location for young businesses, implement announced scaleup funding strategies from Berlin and Brussels locally, and pave the way for the companies of the future."
In the field of action AI Hub Munich The House of AI is at the heart of the project. The new physical and virtual campus offers a shared platform for research, development, and co-creation. Frizzi Engler-Hamm, CEO of the Munich Innovation Ecosystem:
“The geographical proximity between science, business, and startups creates ideal conditions for efficient collaboration in AI development – this allows practical solutions to be realized more quickly and effectively used in business and society.”
Sustainability, participation and visibility
The field of action CleanTech Hub 2030 focuses on the circular economy. The Zero Waste Innovation Hub supports companies on their path to sustainable business models with consulting services and the integration of circular startups.
At the same time, the innovation agenda relies on a broad social integration. Strengthening openness to innovation, participation, and the joy of experimentation are paramount. Platforms and spaces for exchange and co-creation should enable practical solutions. And finally, targeted marketing measures Securing Munich’s success as a leading innovation and startup location in Europe.
"Startups and scaleups represent innovation, the economy, and the prosperity of tomorrow. That's why supporting them is so important to me. With the 2030 Innovation Agenda, we are positioning ourselves well for the future and sending a strong message internationally. Innovation and progress can only succeed through shared exchange and cooperation between different stakeholders. Collaboration between citizens, businesses, and city administration is needed to overcome the major challenges of the future."
so Christian Scharpf, Minister for Labor and Economic Affairs of the City of Munich.
The Innovation Agenda 2030 is supported by the Munich Innovation Ecosystem, its shareholders Start2 Group, Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship and UnternehmerTUM, the Referat für Arbeit und Wirtschaft of the City of Munich, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria, and many other stakeholders from business, science, and the public sector.
Help shape it now!
The Innovation Agenda 2030 thrives on participation. All founders, investors, researchers and citizens are invited to to participate actively and Munich to make it more innovative together.
