“My God, today we are making history!”
explained the entrepreneur Tijen Onaran at the beginning of her presentation, thus emphatically describing the significance of Meta's opening in the Bavarian capital. Around 150 invited guests attended the opening ceremony on the "Campus of Ideas," including representatives from politics and the press, as well as decision-makers from local and national companies. Bavaria's Minister of Science Markus Blume said:
"We welcome the next representative of 'Big Tech' with open arms. Meta will enrich and advance the development of artificial intelligence and immersive technologies – and do so from the heart of Bavaria. The decision to locate in Munich makes it clear: Bavaria is a top technology location and attracts innovation-loving people and companies from all over the world. The framework conditions are just right here: Excellent talent, an outstanding research landscape, and great startups make Bavaria a very special innovation ecosystem."
Also Angie Gifford, Vice President Europe, Middle East and Africa at Meta, confirmed:
"Many factors make Munich the ideal location for the new office. These include cutting-edge research, the availability of skilled workers, and the proximity to relevant companies in Bavaria. This offers us completely new opportunities for collaboration."
In a panel discussion with local partners of the company, participants explored the future and opportunities of the VR ecosystem in the Munich area and in Germany. Afterwards, guests had the opportunity to test the new Meta Quest 3 VR headset and industrial applications.
Meta enters into research partnership with CDTM
In connection with the opening, Meta has also entered into a new partnership with the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM) announced. In the interdisciplinary postgraduate program "Technology Management," students learn how to put their ideas into practice and start their own companies. Meta will provide a community space in the new office to some tech startups selected by the CDTM from over 1,000 students.
Meta also plans to host industry-relevant events there in the future, further strengthening collaboration with local partners from business, research, and education. Examples of this plan include Meta's existing partnerships with Accenture, Straight Labs, and BMW, which aim to further develop and consolidate Germany as one of Europe's most important innovation centers in the fields of virtual and extended reality.
"We still have immense opportunities, but also a responsibility, in embarking on the digital path, and we would like to take it together. Not only as business partners, but also as neighbors and friends,"
so Gifford.
