This year's UnternehmerTUM forum was all about sustainability. 500 participants from startups, investors and business angels, partner companies, researchers and experts from UnternehmerTUM accepted the invitation to Munich Urban ColabA series of keynote speeches and panels focused on innovative technologies and ideas relating to climate change, energy resilience and the circular economy – always with an eye on the three key concepts of people, planet and prosperity.
The question of how startups can advance the energy transition was answered Ann Mettler, Vice President for Europe at Breakthrough Energy and Gates Ventures, said:
"There are a lot of great startups in Europe that are making a contribution to sustainable transformation. But we have too few scaleups."
Green energy technologies can't make a big difference in small startups. Therefore, it's crucial for the energy transition to bring together the right players from politics, business, research, and the startup scene – for example, at events like the UnternehmerTUM forum. Her specific advice for startups in the energy sector:
"Try to figure out how to sell and market your technologies. And most importantly, talk to policymakers about what you need—even if it can be frustrating at times."
Susanne Kadner from Circular Republic She made it clear that, given the increasing scarcity of resources, general prosperity can only be maintained within the framework of a circular economy. It is the responsibility of every company and startup to critically examine their own business model and ask themselves whether it can be successful and sustainable in the long term, even with rising prices. She then appealed to the plenary to see change as an opportunity to network and learn from one another.
“Doing is like wanting, only more extreme”
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to becoming more independent and resilient in the energy sector in Europe, stressed Arthur Singer, founder and managing director of Stabl EnergyHe encouraged people to explore new paths, be open-minded, and accept the possibility of failure. Startups, in particular, could quickly develop new solutions—provided the European regulatory frenzy doesn't hinder them too much.
"We startups need an environment with a positive culture of failure that allows us to grow quickly. Often, the let's-do-it mentality is lacking."
Meeting point of the Munich ecosystem
Between the panels and after the presentations, the participants of Forum UnternehmerTUM had the opportunity to exchange ideas and network with one another. It's especially easy to network over a drink on the terrace of the Munich Urban Colab. Romano Wolf, founder of the robotics company Arculus, said:
“At events like the Forum UnternehmerTUM, you always meet familiar faces and quickly get to know new people in a relaxed atmosphere.”
