At the beginning of 2016, the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs Competition for the establishment of incubators and network activities in the field of digitalization: With a total of around 80 million euros, the Gründerland.Bayern initiative is to create innovative incubators and a unique ecosystem.
All activities focus on providing innovative startups throughout Bavaria with an ideal environment to explore the possibilities of digital technology for new products, services, and business ideas. The WERK1.Bavaria, which is located near Munich's Ostbahnhof.
Exchange with established companies
At least one central contact point for start-ups will be established in each administrative district. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will finance up to 75 percent of infrastructure investments (and even up to 90 percent in areas with a particular need for action). In addition, the Ministry of Economic Affairs will cover up to 50 percent of the costs for the development of regional networks, which primarily focus on the exchange between established companies and start-ups.
The regional networks will also work together across Bavaria and cooperate with existing institutions, such as BayStartUP, dem Zentrum Digitalisierung.Bayern, Bavaria Capital, the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency and the aforementioned WERK1.Bayern to further improve the ecosystem for founders throughout Bavaria.
Selected candidates in the administrative districts
After the application deadline in mid-May 2016, an external jury of experts comprised of representatives from science and research, business, and municipal associations evaluated the submitted concepts. The evaluation criteria were: documented potential of the concept region, secure connections to universities or research institutions, committed participation from companies, chambers of commerce, and associations, sustained commitment from municipalities, and ideas and concepts for knowledge transfer and the development of the regional network.
Based on this, the jury selected nine locations. Furthermore, the Council of Ministers decided to develop models for additional business incubators in the Bavarian Lower Main region, Cham, and Neustadt ad Aisch/Bad Windsheim.
