Welcome
Germany’s Entrepreneurial Powerhouse: Leading Europe’s Innovation with UnternehmerTUM
business, people and teamwork concept - smiling group of businesspeople standing in circle, © Colourbox
In the heart of Munich, UnternehmerTUM stands as the leading center for innovation and entrepreneurship, setting a new benchmark for startup ecosystems in Europe. Founded in 2002 as an institute affiliated with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), UnternehmerTUM was inspired by the startup culture of Stanford University, often recognized as the most successful spin-off center worldwide. Over the past two decades, UnternehmerTUM has grown into Europe's largest startup and innovation center, demonstrating its significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Entrepreneurial talent is cultivated at UnternehmerTUM through a comprehensive ecosystem that supports the entire process, from initial ideas to successful market entry. With a team of over 400 professionals, the center has earned its place at the top, ranking first among 125 European startup hubs in the Financial Times’ “Europe’s Leading Start-Up Hubs.” Each year, more than 50 startups emerge from this dynamic environment, including industry leaders such as FlixMobility, Lilium, and Celonis. Celonis, a pioneer in process mining technology, has become Germany's first and only “decacorn,” with a valuation exceeding 10 billion euros.
Germany's startup scene has often been compared to Silicon Valley, with a strong emphasis on technology-driven, knowledge-based enterprises. For those involved in scientific research and eager to transform their ideas into successful businesses, Germany offers a well-structured pathway to entrepreneurship. The journey from university research to a thriving startup is supported by a range of resources, including expert guidance, funding opportunities, and an innovation-friendly environment. The success stories of German university spin-offs, where entrepreneurs leverage groundbreaking research to create impactful companies, underscore the importance of translating research into practical applications—a process strongly supported by the German government.