Through Respond The aim is to inspire and empower entrepreneurs to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda. The focus areas for startups sought for the 2021 program are the following:
- The future of work
Working environments and the role of the human workforce are changing rapidly. Respond seeks solutions that equip people with the right skills and tools for the future of work, enable equal access to employment, and leverage technology to improve precarious working conditions. - Sustainable urbanization
Urban environments face complex social and environmental challenges. Respond seeks solutions that promote smart and sustainable urban systems and support the inclusion of all citizens. - Responsible economy
The impacts of economic systems exceed the limits of our planet. Respond seeks solutions that promote responsible resource management, sustainable production and consumption patterns, the development of a circular economy, and the mitigation of environmental risks.
During the program's four sprint phases, founders receive support both in Munich and digitally in managing and scaling their companies responsibly, with a particular focus on sustainability. In addition to numerous coaching and mentoring opportunities, participants benefit from exchange and collaboration with each other and with the global networks of the BMW Foundation and UnternehmerTUM. The entrepreneurs also receive free access to coworking spaces in the new Munich Urban Colab for the five months. At the Respond Demo Night, the startups can present themselves to an international group of investors, industry representatives, and the press.
Successful first year
Respond is entering its second round this year. In the first year of the program, approximately 400 applications were received from 74 countries. 36 coaches supported the startups in the program with over 250 hours of training. Participants also had the opportunity to network with 27 VCs, 50 mentors, and 18 partners. Among the ten participating startups in the first round was the Munich-based startup Hawa Dawa (Air Quality Management), which is “Digital Startup of the Year 2020” was awarded.
Potential to improve the world
The successes of the program are summarized Heba Aguib, Chief Executive Respond, BMW Foundation, summarizes:
"Respond's support in 2020 immediately delivered impressive results in scaling startups: Despite the turbulent year, the participating companies achieved significant success. One example is Made of Air, which not only received the "Golden Pretzel Award" from Bits & Pretzels but also received "Science Breakthrough of the Year" from the Falling Walls Foundation. We are delighted to once again provide such a boost to a whole host of founders and startups this year, so they can unlock their potential to change the world for the better even faster."
Miki Yokoyama, COO Respond, UnternehmerTUM, adds:
"The first year of the program clearly demonstrated how valuable a good network is for founders, especially in challenging times. We are pleased to be continuously expanding our network of relevant investors, companies, and mentors, thus continuing to offer real added value to all participating startups next year."
