Construction work on Munich's new innovation and start-up center, Munich Urban Colab, in the creative quarter is in full swing. We asked Clemens Baumgärtner, the City of Munich's Minister for Labor and Economic Affairs: Is everything going according to plan?
Munich Startup: The Munich Urban Colab innovation and start-up center is scheduled to open in early 2021. Therefore, the question right at the start is: What is the current status? Can the schedule be met?
Clemens Baumgärtner: Yes! We plan to open in spring 2021. I hope the weather or other unforeseen events won't put a damper on our plans. Startups, corporate innovators, scientists, and creatives can then work together on innovative products, smart technologies, and services for the city of the future.
I am pleased that we have succeeded in UnternehmerTUM to enter into a cooperation to realize this unique approach. The City of Munich has Munich Urban Colab Access to all projects and programs and a wide range of opportunities to contribute your own problems or participate in test series and programs. We want to work together in a productive environment with optimal expertise and central infrastructure to develop smart solutions for the growing cities of the future. Not just at our desks, but also in practice in suitable test fields.
Munich Startup: The Munich Urban Colab will focus on the topic of smart cities. What does the city of Munich expect or hope to achieve from this focus?
Clemens Baumgärtner: The Munich Urban Colab aims to enable new forms of interdisciplinary collaboration. The focus is on solutions for the city of the future. Technology-driven innovations in the areas of mobility, living and working, artificial intelligence, and energy supply will be developed and tested. This approach is unique and offers the opportunity for Munich to assume an international pioneering role in the development of smart city solutions.
Munich Urban Colab as a national and international attraction
Munich Startup: Will Munich startups be given preferential treatment or will international startups be more likely to be accommodated there?
Clemens Baumgärtner: The Munich Urban Colab is open to everyone. Founders and innovators from Munich and around the world will work together on projects there. The Colab is intended to be a magnet for national and international partners from business, science, and the startup scene.
Munich Startup: The Munich Urban Colab is located in the creative quarter on Schwere-Reiter-Straße — what plans does the city of Munich have for this quarter besides the Munich Urban Colab?
Clemens Baumgärtner: The City of Munich is breaking new ground in the development of the creative quarter on the site of the former Luitpold Barracks: Over the next few years, a new urban district will emerge in which living, working, knowledge, art, and culture will be closely intertwined. It is important to us to carefully develop existing uses in order to bring new impetus to the existing city and utilize the existing local potential. This is an interesting concept that mitigates the traditional competition for space right from the planning stage: In addition to cultural, creative, social, and commercial uses, 820 apartments, a primary school, a new university building, and public green spaces are planned. The Munich Urban Colab is located in direct proximity to the creative quarter's art scene. The listed industrial buildings of the Jutierhalle and Tonnenhalle will form the cultural and creative-economic center of the creative park in the future.
Startups as important drivers in future industries
Munich Startup: And finally: How do you assess the importance of startups for Munich’s economy?
Clemens Baumgärtner: Startups are very important for Munich's economy. The city of Munich is one of the most economically successful and fastest-growing cities in Europe. It is a magnet for companies, startups, and founders. These can develop more sustainably here because several established companies with a willingness to embrace change are located here. In addition, there is an excellent scientific environment. This makes the city particularly attractive for technology-oriented start-ups. Startups therefore play an important role in innovation and are important drivers in future industries.
