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Bayern Innovativ: Assistance for start-up creation in Bavaria

Bayern Innovativ (https://www.bayern-innovativ.de/en/about-us/about-bayern-innovativ) – the “Gesellschaft für Innovation und Wissenstransfer mbH” (Society for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer) established in 1995 as a joint effort by representatives of Bavarian politics, business and science – is an important component of Bavaria’s innovation policy and focuses particularly on SMEs and start-up companies. In order to boost innovation in Bavaria, Bayern Innovativ offers a variety of different services:

a) Networks and ThinkNet

Bayern Innovativ facilitates technology transfer by linking companies with universities and research institutes, important companies located in Bavaria, organizations funded Bavaria and many other technology and knowledge networks to form a strong think tank – the Thinknet Bavaria. This networks makes Bayern Innovative a major platform of the Bavarian economy. The networks particularly fosters the exchange of information on new developments in technology-oriented topics such as digitization, energy, health, Material & Production and mobility as well as knowledge transfer with industries such as the culture and creative industries. The services and expertise offered by Bayern Innovativ via the ThinkNet can be illustrated as follows:

Source: https://www.bayern-innovativ.de/en/about-us/about-bayern-innovativ

b) Consulting and funding

An important element in building the future of a start-up company or a SME – particularly in robotics – is access to funding. Bayern Innovativ creates transparency about funding opportunities and access to funding sources – on Bavarian, national or European level. A close collaboration exists with the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). In addition, Bayern Innovativ also acts as sponsors of several Bavarian funding programs. The experts of Bayern Innovativ advise companies and research institutes on the most suitable funding programs for their future projects. They regularly organize matchmaking events and information days for specific funding programs and calls. On top of this, the organization provides advice on business models. Their Patent Center supports companies through patent research, patent application and beyond.

c) Events & trade fairs

Thinknet Bavaria organizes large congresses, high-level working groups, workshops and coaching sessions as well as “Events 4.0”. Active support to the customers in marketing their products is provided by the organization of community fair stands to reach the right target groups.

UnternehmerTUM

UnternehmerTUM was founded in 2002 by the entrepreneur Susanne Klatten as a non-profit organization. It supports over 50 high-growth technology start-ups each year and is the leading center for innovation and business creation offering a wide range of services to start-ups and SMEs in Europe (https://www.unternehmertum.de/en/services).
1. Start-up programs:
The XPRENEURS Incubator program addresses early-stage tech start-ups, i.e. supports tech start-ups on their way to market entry. Start-up companies get their business model validated, win their first customers and are supported in securing their first investment. Participation is free of charge.
1. XPLORE:
This program is tailored to the needs of students, researchers, founders, start-up teams. It lasts for 8 weeks part time and is fully online. Participation is free of charge. This pre-incubation program is dedicated to founders and start-ups with tech-based ideas who want to prepare for incubation and acquire first seed capital!
1. TechFounders:
The five-month accelerator program has been designed for early-stage technology start-ups with a functioning prototype and first customers. Start-ups get access to coaching and to the extensive network of UniternehmerTUM. TechFounders is free of charge for founders and no company shares must be given away. The corporate partners of UnternehmerTUM finance the program.
1. Start-up Services:
This program targets Students, entrepreneurs, start-ups and Founder teams. UnternehmerTUM fills any knowledge gaps around getting started with the new business and validate whether the business idea is viable, marketable, and scalable. Any national or international start-up can apply for the support.
1. TUM Gründerberatung
This program which is dedicated to start-ups and founders, students, academics and is free of charge for TUM students focuses on strategic and operational consulting to support start-ups at all major stages of your start-up. The duration can vary, application and start are flexible and can take place at any time.
1. KIC Accelerator program
To participate in this up to 18 months lasting program applicants need to have a sustainable business idea already. Business ideas have to focus on sustainable technologies or the sectors of food, health, or mobility.
1. Funding:
UnternehmerTUM provides prototyping grants, (pre-)seed capital, venture capital and thus helps start-ups and founders secure cashflow. UnternehmerTUM provides own prototyping grants to technology-based founding teams and start-ups to help them turn their ideas into products. Their focus is on ventures in the field of B2B and deep tech. On top of this, UnternehmerTUM cooperates with UVC Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm, investing in technology-based start-ups in Europe, focusing on B2B business models.
1. Prototyping:
MakerSpace is an openly accessible high-tech workshop which provides access to state-of-the-art machines, tools, and software. Targeting students, corporate customers, founders, start-ups, inventors, and makers. For a fee from EUR 39 per month, the