IBM has chosen Munich's Highlight Towers as the global headquarters for its Internet of Things (IoT) business unit and the Watson supercomputer. IBM plans to create 1,000 jobs in Parkstadt Schwabing by 2016. A key factor in the decision was IBM's desire to connect with Munich's startup scene.
IBM's recent announcement to locate its new Watson IoT business unit in Munich has caused a stir. Süddeutsche Zeitung speaks of an emerging "Silicon Schwabing." IBM plans to employ around 1,000 developers, consultants, researchers, and designers in Munich's HighLight Towers in the future. The establishment of the new division represents IBM's largest investment in Europe in more than 20 years.
With its new location in Munich, the company is leveraging the potential of analyzing large amounts of data for Industry 4.0 – keyword: Big Data. Munich prevailed over top-tier locations such as London in the internal decision-making process. In addition to the state capital's overall economic strength, the vibrant Munich startup scene persuaded IBM to choose the location. Proximity to the TU campus in Garching and established industry were also key factors.
