Packed rows, exciting innovations, and the scent of freshly prepared delicacies: The anniversary edition of ‘Startup trifft Handwerk’ attracted numerous visitors to the Handwerkskammer für München und Oberbayern (HWK Munich). The event was already fully booked well in advance. For ten years now, HWK Munich and Munich Startup have been bringing innovative founders and craft businesses together with this joint format.
How it all began was shared by Georg Räß from the HWK Munich and Regina Bruckschlögl from Munich Startup during their welcoming remarks. The two met in 2015 and quickly discovered their shared passion for craftsmanship and innovation.
“There was an immediate professional spark,”
Räß recalled. This encounter gave rise to the idea for “Startup trifft Handwerk” (Startup Meets Skilled Crafts), which was held for the first time in 2016.
What makes the event special to this day is not only the coming together of two worlds that otherwise rarely cross paths. The culinary accompaniment has also been a core element of the concept from the very beginning.
“You don’t get that aroma at other events,”
Räß joked with a nod to the Bavarian delicacies.
A retrospective video highlighted the development of the format over the past ten years. The technological focus has also shifted significantly: While Industry 4.0 took center stage back in 2016, artificial intelligence took the spotlight at this year’s anniversary edition.
From a Hackathon Idea to a Digital Solution
The keynote by Donplano demonstrated that innovation doesn’t just emerge from the startup scene, but can also come directly from the skilled crafts. The team—consisting of a master butcher, a software developer, an organizational consultant, and students—came together at this year’s “Servus Zukunft #Werkstatt KI” hackathon. Together, they developed a data-driven planning tool for butcher shops that incorporates weather data and empirical values, among other factors. The solution is already in place, and the team is now looking for pilot businesses.
Afterward, ten teams presented their innovations in three-minute pitches each, showcasing just how diverse the applications of AI in the skilled crafts have become.
For example, Munich startup &act presented an AI proposal assistant, while Isarlabs aims to simplify construction site management using WhatsApp and AI. The Repair Scanner combines video consultations by tradespeople with AI-powered damage detection. Condesk assists with construction billing and quantity takeoff, while Safety Go and Velth make occupational health and safety management easier.
Additional solutions came from Waise with digital knowledge management, Synclaro with AI applications and automation, and Krafthub with a platform that maps business processes from inquiry to invoicing. Handful, a not-yet-incorporated team from a hackathon organized by Hochschule München, aims to preserve valuable craft expertise using a special glove and AI.
Networking, trying things out, and enjoying
Following the pitches, Georg Räß provided information on funding opportunities and support programs for craft businesses and startups. The event then transitioned into the networking session. Here, visitors had the opportunity to explore the featured technologies in greater detail, ask questions, and offer direct feedback. Some tradespeople had even brought along specific challenges from their day-to-day operations to search for solutions together with the startups.
Traditional culinary treats were also not to be missed for the anniversary. Brot-Zeit served fresh sourdough bread, Rolling Boazn brought along their mobile bar, and Alveare Food prepared fresh waffles from an Ape van. Metzgerei Ludwig Filser contributed something special: as part of the Donplano team, the butcher shop not only presented artisanal specialties, but also unveiled its own digital innovation for the first time.
The anniversary edition once again proved how valuable direct exchange between skilled crafts and the startup scene is, and that innovation and tradition go hand in hand just as well today as they did ten years ago.
