Since 2015, a high-tech workshop in Munich-Garching has emerged as a hotbed of talent. Well-known names in the Munich startup scene, such as ProGlove, ParkHere, and Glasschair, have used the well-equipped MakerSpace for their prototyping. As members, they also have access to expensive machines not found in every maker lab—partners like BMW, SAP, and Würth make this possible.
Please briefly introduce yourself and the MakerSpace.
MakerSpace, an offer from UnternehmerTUM, is a publicly accessible, 1,500 m² high-tech workshop that provides members with access to machines, tools and software as well as a creative community.
With the workshop, we appeal to ambitious startups, DIY enthusiasts, and corporate partners. In the MakerSpace, ideas and innovations are realized in the form of prototypes and small series. Various work areas are available, including machine, metal, and wood workshops, as well as textile and electrical processing. 3D printers, laser cutters, and a waterjet cutting machine make it possible to create new shapes and process all materials. To support and network, we offer training and consulting services as well as events for members of all skill levels. We also organize creative events and corporate training courses in the startup environment.
47 employees and trainers support the members in their projects.
Why does the high-tech workshop fill an important gap in the Munich startup scene?
The open workshop complements the existing workshop offerings in Munich with tools and machines in the high-tech sector. These include, for example, all CNC-controlled machines such as the waterjet cutting system, a vertical CNC machining center, a CNC lathe in the metalworking department, and a CNC milling machine in the carpentry shop. We also offer an electronics workshop including a circuit board milling machine and a placement machine. Startups can therefore use machines here that they would otherwise not have access to. This opens up entirely new possibilities, especially when building prototypes.
Which startups have visited your workshop? Tell us about their success stories.
A great example of success is WARR Hyperloop. Two WARR Hyperloop teams from TUM have now built their high-speed capsules in the MakerSpace and both have won Elon Musk's SpaceX Hyperloop Competition in California in the speed category.A new team is currently developing the third WARR Hyperloop pod in the high-tech workshop. They will compete with it in the next competition in summer 2018 — fingers crossed!
Other very successful startups that use and have used the high-tech workshop are for example ProGlove, ParkHere, Glass chair, KEWAZO, Acrai and Roboy.
Do you offer special offers for startups?
We offer special grants for startups, enabling teams to build prototypes in the MakerSpace and rapidly develop their ideas. Additionally, the teams benefit from the unique UnternehmerTUM network of startups, creatives, companies, and experts.
Whether you're a student, a founder, or a DIY enthusiast, anyone can become a member of MakerSpace. Various membership and scholarship options are available.
“To be successful, a startup must…”
…build prototypes to identify sources of error and to be able to quickly and optimally develop a product or idea.
What is the biggest mistake a startup can make?
Starting out without strong and experienced partners.
The trend of the year is…!
…hackathons and makeathons.
What characteristics make the Munich startup scene so special?
Munich is a particularly great environment for technology startups: Seven DAX-listed companies and thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises from the high-tech sector are based here. Collaboration between established companies and startups is particularly successful in Munich.
Last but not least: Who do startups approach when they want to talk to you?
First, we invite everyone to get a feel for the MakerSpace for themselves! You can join one of our free public tours every day, which we offer at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. Our crew will show you which machines are available in the MakerSpace and give you some initial tips for your projects. Our front desk team can then help you choose the best membership option.
