Munich robotics startups should in future find it easier to expand into the US market. New York Robotics, TUM Venture Labs Robotics and AI and UnternehmerTUM are establishing a transatlantic partnership for this purpose within the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding.
The aim of the cooperation is to network robotics and physical AI startups from Munich and the greater New York area more closely and to facilitate their access to international markets.
At the center is a joint, virtual robotics startup studio. It will bring together founders, researchers and investors and provide startups with concrete access to funding opportunities and international partners.
For Munich startups, this primarily creates new contacts in the US. Exchange programs, joint events and access to investor networks and incubation offerings in New York are planned. At the same time, US startups are to be more strongly integrated into the Munich ecosystem.
Contacts with US investors
The partnership is designed to more closely link existing structures on both sides. TUM Venture Labs Robotics and AI currently supports over 80 startup teams and provides access to research and infrastructure. UnternehmerTUM supports startups particularly in building and scaling.
New York Robotics networks more than 160 robotics startups in the New York region as well as additional international teams, thus providing access to one of the most important US locations for robotics.
Arne Rost, head of TUM Venture Lab Robotics and AI, says:
“Together we are creating a transatlantic platform to advance robotics and AI.”
Programs 2026
Initial measures are already underway, with further programs in the pipeline. These include exchange programs for founders as well as events in Munich and New York. A first visit by TUM Venture Labs to New York is also planned.
In the long term, the partners also want to support startups in entering further international markets – such as Japan, for example.



