Munich: The BMW Group has introduced a Startup Garage that allows innovative startup companies to collaborate with the company directly.
In addition to the BMW Startup Garage, the venture capital company BMW i Ventures also fosters the exchange with young enterprises developing innovative solutions for urban mobility.
The company has also joined forces with the Centre for Innovation and Business Creation – UnternehmerTUM – at Munich’s Technical University in order to set up the “TechFounders” accelerator programme for technology startups. This programme introduces the group to innovative technologies, products and services at an early stage, which will give them a choice to work together with the startup teams.
One team headed by innovation managers Gregor Gimmy and Matthias Meyer has just come on board the BMW Startup Garage. Gimmy explains why: “It was time to ask ourselves how our company can tap into this potential in an efficient way.”
The company allows any interested startup companies anywhere in the world to apply online to the BMW Startup Garage. The selection is then made directly via the BMW Startup Garage in close consultation with the innovation management team and the relevant departments of the BMW Group.
However, applicants must meet a number of requirements as well. “We’re looking for good startups and not good inventors,” explains Matthias Meyer. “Anyone thinking of applying needs to bring along not just a great idea, but a great team as well. After all, only a top-flight team can make ideas work successfully.”