Munich in the innovation frenzy: TUM introduces sustainable energy technologies!

Munich in the innovation frenzy: TUM introduces sustainable energy technologies!

The innovation ecosystem of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the most successful deep-tech hubs in Europe. With a strong and diverse network as well as specific funding offers, the TUM establishes itself as a central player in the development of innovative technologies. According to tum over 100 companies were founded last year, and more than 1,100 start-up teams were supported by the TUM and entrepreneurship.

strategic initiatives and cooperation

A significant example of the innovative strength of the TUM is the development of the TUM.ENERGYLAB, which is set up on the Garchinger Campus. This project receives support from the Free State of Bavaria and focuses on testing innovative energy technologies in real environments. Hartmut Spliethoff, initiator of Tum.Energylab, emphasizes the importance of this laboratory for applied research and the commercialization of technologies.

The Tum.Energylab is developed in close cooperation with research, industry and the start-up ecosystem. It aims to promote scalable technologies such as reversible CO₂-negative power plants and power-to-X applications. According to Florian Lintl, Operations Director of TUM Venture Labs, this will support the practical implementation of the energy transition. The proposal for the Tum.Energylab was announced during the semi-final of the with Climate & Energy Prize on March 14, 2025 in Garching, one of the most renowned competitions for student start-ups in the climate and energy sector.

funding from the Federal Ministry of Research

In order to meet the strong research landscape of Germany, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) promotes the conversion of scientific results into practical innovations. The objective includes the solution to social challenges and the strengthening of business location in international competition. There is a need to promote networks from science, business, administration and civil society in order to create innovative ecosystems.

The funding aims to generate new business models and outputs, whereby the focus is on creating jobs and added value in new fields of innovation. Since 2019, 14 future clusters have been funded under the motto Clusters4future, including the Ocean Technology Campus Rostock, which is developing sustainable marine technologies. Such initiatives intensify the transfer of knowledge and technology and bring top research into use.

By building 23 networks and cooperation with more than 400 innovative companies, the transfer of new ideas into society is significantly improved. These efforts illustrate the relevance of innovations for the energy transition and climate protection.