The Ludwig Bölkow Campus has been around since March 2012. It is based in Taufkirchen near Munich. Everything here revolves around aerospace and security. The campus is considered a talent factory, including for startups such as Munich Composites, Cevotec or APWorksWe work together with well-known partners such as Siemens, Airbus and IABG.
Since mid-2014, the Ludwig Bölkow Campus has been an outpost of the Business Incubation Centres (BIC) of the European Space Agency ESA.
Managing Director Alexander Mager was kind enough to answer some of our questions and tell us a little about the Ludwig Bölkow Campus.
Please introduce yourselves briefly!
We (that is LBC GmbH and Munich Aerospace eV, a total of 8 people) offer startups from the aerospace and security industries a unique environment:
- A network with large and small companies, research institutions and even teaching (further education and degree programs)
- Access to research projects, funding and scientific equipment (e.g. large-scale equipment)
- Buildings (offices, halls and laboratories).
An open exchange is important
What do you focus on when working with startups?
We give startups the greatest possible freedom (“open innovation”) and only provide support when help is genuinely requested. Nevertheless, regular and open exchange is important, including at our so-called “get-together” events, where all campus partners come together. These meetings take place approximately every 8 to 10 weeks.
“To be successful, a startup must…
…be confident and focused, but also be able to cope with setbacks and not be too proud to ask for help when needed.”
Why does a good startup need a business incubator or you to support them?
A good startup can grow and be successful even without a business incubator. However, a good network, access to first-class infrastructure, and a profitable exchange with like-minded people and experienced companies/entrepreneurs certainly can't hurt – we offer that.
What is the biggest mistake a startup can make?
Believing that you can do everything yourself and consequently overestimating yourself (often financially).
The trend of the year is…
...in aerospace: driving innovation and being allowed to "think" about disruptive products and business models, especially with regard to advancing digitalization.
What characteristics make the Munich startup scene so special?
Very creative minds in a competitive and international environment, which also offers a high quality of life (“laptop and leather trousers” still fit).
Last but not least: Who do startups approach when they want to talk to you?
Directly to me, the managing director, or to one of my colleagues.
