Startups and skilled trades – two areas that aren't necessarily immediately associated. However, Georg Räß from the Chamber of Skilled Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria knows that there are certainly points of contact. As a technology and innovation consultant, he repeatedly sees how both sides can work successfully together and benefit from each other. For Munich Startup, he represents the department Innovation & Technology of the Chamber of Crafts and shows possible interfaces between crafts and the startup sector. An expert contribution by Georg Räß
Through targeted advice for successful market launch
In the Innovation & Technology department, we focus on two key areas: first, advising and supporting our members' innovation projects. Second, technology transfer between research institutions and the skilled trades.
As part of our consulting services, we support founders and entrepreneurs from the very beginning, ensuring that an idea develops into a product or service that can be successfully launched on the market. Our focus is on the following questions: How can the idea be monetized? How can the idea be turned into a product, and how can this product then be protected – keyword patent application? Typically, the patent application is filed before the product is developed to market maturity. We also review the business plan and clarify legal aspects of the project, for example, regarding compliance with specific standards such as CE marking.
As these questions already illustrate, every product development process involves several steps, during which we provide consulting support. We offer this consulting service to all our members. Interdisciplinary teams that include a Chamber of Crafts member can also, of course, take advantage of this service. Future members who want to start a business in the skilled trades sector can also do so. For us, it's important that there is an intention to start a business, which leads to membership in the Chamber of Crafts.
In addition to consulting, we are also constantly on the lookout for new technological trends that might be of interest to the skilled trades. In this context, we regularly hold information events for technology-oriented skilled trades businesses, for example, under the motto "Skills Meets Research." Our goal is to connect universities and research institutions with the skilled trades and promote the mutual exchange of know-how.
Crafts meet startups
This form of technology transfer is, of course, also possible in cooperation with startups. As the Innovation Department of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts, we certainly see opportunities for collaboration: For example, when startups develop technological solutions whose application could also be of interest to skilled crafts businesses. These could include drones for inspecting hard-to-reach buildings or for digital measurements, or 3D printers. Smart solutions for the building sector are also of interest to skilled crafts. The possibilities for collaboration here are endless.
Crafts also boast innovative success stories that serve as an incentive for other companies to pursue unconventional paths. One example is the company Crystal Tower from Lenggries, which now sets up its mobile high ropes courses all over the world.
The Innovation consultant of the Chamber of Crafts are also the right contact persons when it comes to the topic Matching between startups and crafts We support startups seeking craftsmanship expertise, for example, for building a prototype. Even founders who aren't members of the Chamber of Crafts but who work with a craftsperson or craft business long-term as part of their business can take advantage of our advice. One example is a Munich designer whom we supported in applying for an innovation voucher for a summer toboggan ride. Although the designer isn't a member of the Chamber of Crafts, he worked closely with one of our member businesses on developing his product. A collaboration like this can therefore only be in the interests of the craft industry.
All further information about the HWK and contact persons can be found here.
