Munich Startup: Before we delve into the topic of startups at the IAA – what can visitors expect at this year’s IAA Mobility? What highlights should they not miss?
Christine von Breitenbuch, project manager of IAA Mobility: Definitely a lot! In addition to the world’s largest mobility and tech companies, nearly 100 international startups will present their ideas for digital and climate-friendly mobility solutions. That’s our focus. Our Startup Area is the ideal platform for young companies and their business ideas in the mobility sector.
Munich Startup: Nearly 100 international startups will have the opportunity to present their ideas for digital and climate-friendly mobility at IAA Mobility. Can you give a few examples of innovative ideas from participating startups that could sustainably change the automotive industry?
Christine von Breitenbuch: The majority of startups are presenting products for charging, e-mobility or AI solutions for autonomous driving. New propulsion technologies are also being presented. Which of the products will be successful depends on the assessment by investors and business angels, as well as by customers or companies that become enthusiastic about the startups’ products. It’s tough competition – even among the startups themselves – and it’s international. One thing I can reveal: there are some very exciting ideas.
Direct exchange with international decision-makers and investors
Munich Startup: Which Munich startups are participating? And where can they be found?
Christine von Breitenbuch: We have eight startups from Munich, which we’re really delighted about. Most of the Munich startups focus on e-mobility and charging solutions. But also on supply chain management. At IAA Mobility, nearly 100 startups in four areas meet experienced and inspiring investors on the exhibition grounds. The promising young companies with creative mobility ideas are one of the highlights of IAA Mobility and present themselves alongside established industry players in halls A3, B1, B2 and B3 of the exhibition grounds.
Munich Startup: What can startups concretely take away from participating in the IAA?
Christine von Breitenbuch: The startups present themselves in close proximity to the larger exhibitors of the IAA Summit on the exhibition grounds. This ensures visibility and direct exchange with international decision-makers and investors is almost guaranteed. First and foremost, startups are looking for international contacts in their industry, but also in similar industries, as well as better and more access to investors. We facilitate these contacts directly and indirectly at IAA Mobility, for example at the Founders Night in cooperation with the Bits & Pretzels.
Munich Startup: Startup participation at this year’s IAA has increased significantly compared to 2021. Has the relationship between established companies in the industry and startups changed in general during this period?
Christine von Breitenbuch: Startups increasingly want to show their exhibits at the event, not just digital concepts. That’s something we’ve experienced compared to 2021. An international meeting place for mobility companies of all kinds is the perfect place for startups registered for IAA Mobility to present their innovative technologies, business models and products to the relevant specialist audience.
IAA Mobilitython: follow-up contracts worth €50,000 and €150,000
Munich Startup: Prior to the IAA, startups could also apply for the IAA Mobilitython. What exactly is this about and how can startups benefit from this competition?
Christine von Breitenbuch: The answer is quite simple: established companies present a real-world development task to a small group of startups that are to solve it. Both sides benefit from this: the company doesn’t have to wait long for an internal solution or search for an external service provider. And the participating startups gain valuable experience and contacts and, at best, take a follow-up contract home with them.
The IAA Mobilitython and cooperation with Prototype.club were launched for IAA Mobility 2021. As part of IAA Mobility 2023, two renowned companies are presenting challenges to ambitious startups: TÜV Nord and Robert Bosch GmbH. Both companies have posed questions from their daily business operations, which they want to implement with the best teams after the IAA.
The tasks are subsequently presented to the startups at a digital kickoff. The solutions are then presented to the clients at the IAA Summit. This gives the participating teams more visibility and allows them to make additional contacts. The team that wins the follow-up contract is crowned on site. The follow-up contracts are usually between €50,000 and €150,000.
