Shaping the future together: How Munich aims to become a leading AI and Startup hub through its 'Innovation Agenda 2030'

Munich is known for its engineering heritage, headquarters of world-renowned DAX listed companies, a vibrant research scene, and high quality of life. With the launch of the Innovation Agenda 2030, the city is now positioning itself as one of Europe’s most influential innovation hubs with a focus on artificial intelligence, scaleups, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

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Driven by a powerful alliance that includes the City of Munich, Munich Innovation Ecosystem GmbH, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria, and many others from academia, civil society, and the private sector, this strategic roadmap is about delivering structural change through action.

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"We are striving to develop a joint Innovation Agenda 2030 for Munich, involving partners from business, science, academia, the public sector, startups and entrepreneurs, as well as representatives from the venture capital sector and civil society. This collaboration will further establish Munich and the region as a leading innovation and entrepreneurship hub at local, regional, national and international levels."
- Frizzi Engler-Hamm, Managing Director of Munich Innovation Ecosystem GmbH

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One Agenda - Five fields of action

The Innovation Agenda 2030 is built around five interconnected fields of action, each designed to strengthen Munich’s economic and technological future while embedding innovation deep into the city’s identity.

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1. Scaleup City 2030 -Munich's Future Business

The goal of this field of action is to turn Munich into one of Europe’s leading cities for scaleups – fast-growing companies that are transitioning from startup to major player. Through strategic initiatives like a Scaleup Council, improved access to growth capital, dedicated support programs, and better visibility at the political and international level, the partners are aiming to create the right conditions for innovation-driven growth. Established companies, successful founders, and public institutions are working hand-in-hand to unlock new potential and keep innovation anchored in Munich.

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2. Munich as a central AI hub in Europe

Munichis evolving into a place where collaboration and exchange around responsibleand applied Artificial Intelligence can thrive. The goal is to foster dialogue,spark ideas, and develop human-centered AI solutions that address real-worldchallenges – from mobility and climate tech to healthcare and manufacturing.This emerging hub aims to connect diverse actors, support spin-offs fromscience, and build on Munich’s strong foundation of research, innovation, andentrepreneurial spirit.

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3. CleanTech Hub 2030 -Strengthening CleanTech for a regenerative future

This field of action supports Munich’s transition to a regenerative and resource-efficient economy. The city is fostering innovation in circular economy, zero waste strategies, and sustainable technologies by building strong networks between startups, established companies, and research institutions. Practical programs and pilot projects help turn ideas into scalable solutions – making Munich a living lab for climate innovation and CleanTech entrepreneurship. A key initiative in this context is the Zero Waste Innovation Hub, which serves as a platform for developing and testing innovative zero waste solutions, promoting knowledge exchange, and accelerating the shift towards a circular, waste-free urban economy.

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4. Fostering openness to innovation in our society

Innovation should be inclusive and accessible. That’s why Munich is creating opportunities for citizens to engage with new ideas, co-develop solutions, and shape the city’s future. Public formats like participatory funding, citywide innovation challenges, and interactive events help foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. It’s about empowering people to become active drivers of change – not just observers.

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5. Positioning Munich as leading European Innovation Hub

Beyond individual projects, Munich aims to raise its international profile as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Through strategic storytelling, cross-sector partnerships, and active participation in global networks and events, the city highlights the strength of its innovation ecosystem. The unique collaboration between startups, corporates, academia, and public institutions sets Munich apart as a place where the future is being built – together.

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The Innovation Agenda 2030: A collective effort

The Innovation Agenda 2030 is a collaborative initiative that relies on the active involvement of dedicated stakeholders. We are looking for individuals, institutions and organisations who would like to take on responsibility, whether by contributing their own projects to the fields of action, by providing innovative ideas, or by joining a strong network. Anyone who would like to get involved or join existing initiatives is cordially invited to participate.

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"We don't just talk about innovation; we make it happen. This is particularly evident in our unique blend of top universities, traditional businesses, startups, scaleups and investors,” says Prof Matthias Notz, CEO of Start2 Group. "With our particular focus on scaleups, we can establish Munich as a leading European and global innovation hub by 2030."

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Involved partners:

Further Information (German): Innovationsagenda 2030

Official press release (German): Press & Media

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