Ororatech can look forward to receiving the TUM Presidential Entrepreneurship Award, endowed with 10,000 euros, this year. The development of a satellite system that can detect forest fires convinced the jury. The award recognizes spin-offs with a scientific foundation, high growth potential, and initial financing successes.
The award falls in a record year for the Technical University of Munich’s startup ecosystem: researchers, students, and alumni founded 115 startups in 2025 – more than ever before in a single year. Additionally, TUM recorded approximately 500 initial consultations for startup projects and the most approved EXIST foundation grants nationwide.
Ororatech detects forest fires from space
As climate change progresses, the number of forest fires worldwide is increasing. Ororatech therefore relies on its own satellite system that detects fires particularly early. The startup now operates 19 small satellites with infrared cameras. Compared to conventional weather satellites, they provide significantly higher resolution and monitor every point on Earth multiple times daily. This allows the system to detect fires as small as a car. Civil protection authorities, forestry companies, and other customers receive precise warnings within the shortest time and can respond faster.
Founded in 2018, the company is now active internationally and also operates a location in the United States. Three of the four founders met during their studies in electrical engineering or computer science at TUM. The technological foundation emerged from a student research group for nanosatellites. The team received support from the chairs for space technology as well as measurement systems and sensor technology, TUM founding advice, and the UnternehmerTUM program Manage and More.
Besides Ororatech, two other well-known names from the Munich ecosystem made it to the final. Deepdrive is developing a dual-rotor electric motor intended to make electric cars more efficient and cost-effective. Lio automates the entire procurement process in companies using AI agents – from supplier search to invoicing. Both startups also emerged from the TUM environment and received support through programs from UnternehmerTUM or the TUM Venture Labs.
