Munich Startup: What kind of career path have you had so far?
Stefanie Lämmle: I studied computer science at the Technical University of Munich, where I earned my doctorate from the Chair of Computer Engineering and Computer Organization. I then worked as an IT consultant for a Swiss IT service provider in Switzerland. When I learned that the city of Munich wanted to centralize its IT, I successfully applied for a position as an IT architect. Driving digitalization forward for my hometown of Munich and doing something good for its citizens fascinated me back then and still motivates me today.
Innovation with social added value
Munich Startup: What motivated you to found KICC?
Stefanie Lämmle: During the coronavirus pandemic, I took over the leadership of a small team of young computer scientists in the IT department – the InnovationLab. While searching for a focus for the team and, at the same time, a gap in our current IT operations, I came across the topic of data and machine learning. City administration has so much data – from resident registration data and daycare places to beehives on high-rise buildings and registered fighting dogs. And at that time, there was no internal city team dedicated to the ethically acceptable and data protection-compliant AI-supported processing of this data. Our first use cases: a showcase for the image recognition of rapid corona tests for blind and visually impaired people and the counting of all treetops in the Munich metropolitan area, demonstrated that our work and findings are valuable and that the establishment of our own AI Competence Centersis innfull.
Munich Startup: When and where do you get the best ideas?
Stefanie Lämmle: I like to skim through exciting blog posts at the start of each workday or on the weekend, find inspiration in innovative Instagram posts, subscribe to numerous newsletters, and enjoy reading (including, but not limited to, subject-specific books). I also get a lot of inspiration from conferences or meetups, as well as from discussions with my teams. On my bike commute to work, the ideas I've heard or read often float around in my head, and a few stick, allowing me to discuss them in more depth with my team in the coming days.
Munich Startup: What are your 3 favorite work tools?
Stefanie Lämmle: To work, I only need my notebook, my email program, and internet access. Recently, I also enjoy using MUCGPT – our city-internal GenAI tool, which I often use to generate inspiration for texts.
Starting a business in difficult times – or especially now?
Munich Startup: Does this seem like a good time for startups? Why?
Stefanie Lämmle: I don't know if there are good or bad times for startups. If someone has a good idea that they think is worth implementing, they should stick with it and work to make it a reality. I admire the courage and resilience of all founders and, despite our German mentality, I hope that we learn not to see the failure of ideas as mistakes. Only if we try out a variety of ideas will there be a few that succeed.
Munich Startup: In your opinion, what could be improved at the Munich startup location?
Stefanie Lämmle: I wish that startup failures receive more attention in communication. We can learn not only from successful founders, but also from their challenges and setbacks. Expanding mentoring and consulting programs could offer founders valuable support and guidance, especially in the early stages of their company formation. Although Munich already has a vibrant startup scene, the networking between the various players could be further strengthened. Regular Networking events, meetups, and collaborations can promote interaction and the exchange of ideas. With Munich Startup, you're right in the middle of it!
