Munich StartupIn recent years, the MTZ has further developed its strategy. Which changes were particularly significant – and what prompted this change?
Felix Brinkmann: The MTZ has focused its leasing and acquisition efforts on companies that deliver genuine innovation across numerous sectors. Furthermore, its service concept and spatial design are tailored to the expectations and needs of young entrepreneurs. Examples include a new reception area, an information system, newly installed showers, expanded bicycle parking, and an enlarged community area. Ultimately, the MTZ aims to play a more active role in Munich's business ecosystem and... Mission of startup funding reactivate.
Arno Eggers: The strategic shift was also a response to changing market conditions: higher demand for flexible spaces, increasing competition among innovation hubs, and a clear need for community building. It's also clear that startups aren't just looking for square footage, but an environment that allows for growth with sufficient flexibility. The realignment has given the MTZ a clearer position and simultaneously modernized its internal organization. I find it particularly gratifying that this is also evident in the new tenants who have moved into the building. The "MTZ" concept is increasingly being embraced.
MTZ as a scaleup hub: Flexible spaces and professional infrastructure
Munich Startup: The MTZ is increasingly positioning itself as a location for scale-ups. What does this self-image look like, and what does it mean specifically for the tenants and the services offered in the building?
Felix Brinkmann: A key aspect is the flexible leasing option. Our tenants can easily, quickly, and flexibly expand their office space as their business grows. Furthermore, they can utilize the high-quality, professional infrastructure of the MTZ, which is a significant factor both in terms of external image and employee recruitment.
Arno Eggers: Scaleup's self-conception also means that we support startups during a critical phase. This is when initial successes have been achieved, but structures, processes, and teams need to grow rapidly. To facilitate this, the local team creates a stable environment: clear points of contact, predictable space development, professional services, and a surrounding area of similarly growing companies.
Munich StartupWhich industries or technologies currently dominate the startups at the MTZ? Has the portfolio changed in recent years?
Felix Brinkmann: The industries and technologies are deliberately defined very broadly. Due to the rapid pace of change and the high density of innovation, technologies are evolving very quickly. The MTZ portfolio is shifting in line with current trends.
Munich StartupFelix, you've been head of the MTZ for three years. Which success story of your startups has particularly impressed you during this time?
Felix Brinkmann: One example is the university spin-off Noxon. The team originally comes from medical research and is now developing a bionic sensor system that is user-friendly and integrated into textiles and clothing. What's impressive is how Noxon manages to combine the expertise of universities, neuroscience findings, and other healthcare experts to create an extremely useful product. Furthermore, despite initial setbacks in a challenging and highly regulated market environment, the team has achieved impressive expansion. As MTZ, we are proud to have Noxon as a tenant, because the team not only impresses with its business development but is also present at networking events, makes a great impression playing volleyball in front of the MTZ premises, and even achieves top performances at the foosball table.
Interaction in the MGH
Munich Startup: The MTZ is part of the Munich Business Park and Technology Center Company (MGH), as is Munich Startup. How would you describe the collaboration and division of roles between these entities?
Felix Brinkmann: Overall, very good. The MTZ complements the MGH's offerings and provides suitable and straightforward services for startups. In doing so, the MGH makes an important contribution to supporting key economic players in the Munich area.
Arno EggersThe integration between MTZ and Munich Startup is gaining increasing strategic importance. While MTZ provides physical spaces, community, and infrastructure, Munich Startup assumes the role of the central information and communication channel within the ecosystem. This was the plan when we merged the units organizationally some time ago. MGH provides the organizational framework within which both units can collaborate ever more closely.
Munich Startup: In 2017, the MTZ was described as a "spider in the web". How has the network changed since then, especially in its interaction with partners such as Baystartup or the city of Munich?
Felix Brinkmann: We maintain close business relationships with both Baystartup and the City of Munich. Baystartup offers our tenants comprehensive, free, and uniquely in-depth consulting services. Together with Baystartup, we also organize monthly networking events, a Christmas party, and our summer festival, which has become one of the most well-known in the Munich ecosystem. We see ourselves as part of the City of Munich and contribute to strengthening the location with our services. We organize joint events, and the MTZ is increasingly establishing itself as one of the leading startup centers in the Munich area. Strategic development is carried out in close coordination with Referat für Arbeit und Wirtschaft.
Arno Eggers: The MTZ has established itself as a reliable partner that not only organizes events but also actively provides impetus – for example, on topics such as location attractiveness, innovation policy, and land development. Its integration into urban strategies has intensified, as demonstrated, for instance, by its close collaboration with Spaces4Scaleups.
MTZ 2: Vision of a modern innovation center
Munich StartupRegarding the keyword "MTZ 2" – what can you tell us about possible expansion or new construction plans? What is the vision behind them?
Arno Eggers: The planned new MTZ building is more than just an expansion of space. It's a strategic step to reach new target groups, especially technology-oriented companies that also require testing or production facilities. At the same time, the aim is to create an architecturally and conceptually modern center that further integrates aspects such as sustainability, flexible spatial layouts, community areas, and digital services. The vision is another innovation hub that will further enhance Munich's attractiveness in close collaboration with other players in the ecosystem. The location in the Werksviertel district is a key advantage. There, around building WERK1, what is likely to be Munich's most important innovation hub in the long term is currently under construction.
Felix Brinkmann: We see that our services are very well received. This is evidenced by the fact that over 50 new startups have moved in with us in the last three years. MTZ 2 will further expand our offerings at another attractive location. Additionally, it will be possible to combine traditional office space with production facilities.
Munich Startup: Looking five years ahead, what role should the MTZ play in Munich's innovation ecosystem?
Arno Eggers: In five years, the MTZ aims to be one of the central platforms for technology-oriented growth companies in Munich. We want to be a place where startups have access to knowledge, capital, talent, and infrastructure, and at the same time a strong partner for the ecosystem when it comes to future economic issues.
