Lion power joins forces with start-up spirit

The best future mobility solutions often emerge when established companies and innovative start-ups join forces. That’s precisely what MAN Truck & Bus and TUM Venture Labs (“TUM” stands for “Technical University of Munich”) have done by entering into a strategic partnership that was officially announced at the “Ultimate European Start-up Event” during IAA Mobility in the Marienplatz in Munich – a fitting venue for an initiative that is intended to boost Munich’s position as a leader in technology.

For MAN Truck & Bus, the partnership opens the door to Europe’s largest ecosystem of deep tech start-ups, where new ideas that can revolutionise the commercial vehicle sector are a daily occurrence. This means that MAN gains direct access to innovative approaches in fields like artificial intelligence and robotics – key technologies for the commercial vehicles of the future.

Ahead of the game

“We have high hopes for this partnership,” said Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board Member for Research & Development at MAN Truck & Bus. “Networking between industrial companies, start-ups and universities is crucial in remaining competitive in the international innovation arena. We have now set the course and look forward to the upcoming joint projects with TUM Venture Labs with great confidence and curiosity.” The joint initiative of TUM and UnternehmerTUM creates dynamic ecosystems of start-ups, researchers, investors and experienced companies. There are currently twelve TUM Venture Labs for different subject areas.

A key advantage of the partnership lies in the possibility of identifying technological trends at an early stage and integrating them into the company’s own products and services. MAN Truck & Bus also wants to push forward process innovations in the fields of AI and robotics and accelerate the cultural shift in the company – not least to maintain its high level of attractiveness as an employer for young talent in the future.

At the same time, the young companies benefit from the expertise of the Munich lions. “As one of Europe’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, MAN is an ideal partner for our start-up teams,” stressed Dr. Philipp Gerbert, CEO of TUM Venture Labs. “They can expand their network and learn from an established and very successful company.”