Gründerland Bayern gives you access to a number of start-up networks across Bavaria. Here you can find out about networks involving state and state-assisted players, their focus areas and the added value they can give you.
BayStartUP (External link) oversees one of Europe’s biggest investor networks and has thus evolved into one of the most important contact points for start-ups looking for capital. Company founders with innovative and especially technology-based business ideas can get specific support here for a successful market launch. Besides individual finance coaching to prepare people for the task of approaching investors, the range of services also includes business training in the form of high-quality workshops, the Bavarian business plan competitions and networking events. BayStartUP also has useful contacts on the Bavarian start-up scene, in industry, at universities and within the research community.
Bayern Innovativ (External link) is knowledge manager, initiator and accelerator of innovations. Bayern Innovativ specifically connects people from business, science and politics to drive innovation projects forward using state-of-the-art methods. With companies and institutions from the entire ecosystem, Bayern Innovaitv tracks technology trends and supports start-ups in trend scouting. Bayern Innovativ GmbH's "Start-up" program specifically increases potential for collaboration between SMEs and start-ups and initiates cooperations in the strategic fields of mobility, materials, energy, digitalization and health.
On behalf of the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Bayern International (External link) helps SMEs from Bavaria to take their first steps into new and established markets and is a key player in the Bavarian export business. At the same time, Bayern International works closely with partners from the government and economic institutions, both in Bavaria and worldwide. With various projects at home and abroad, Bayern International helps companies at every stage of the export process. Bayern International’s other activities include organising the shared Bavarian stands at foreign trade fairs, organising entrepreneur and delegation trips and running the ‘Bayern – Fit for Partnership’ training programme, which attracts foreign managers and skilled workers to Bavaria. Additionally, the platform "Key to Bavaria" enables potential business partners worldwide to specifically search for Bavarian products, services, and technology partners.
HOCHSPRUNG (External link) is the entrepreneurship network of Bavarian universities. Through information, exchange and qualification, HOCHSPRUNG promotes the university-based entrepreneurship culture and is an important part of the Bavarian startup ecosystem. HOCHSPRUNG is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts.
Invest in Bavaria (External link) works on behalf of the Bavarian Ministry of the Economy to help companies at home and abroad to set up and expand their business in Bavaria. To this end, Invest in Bavaria provides tailored information, assists with the search for the ideal location in Bavaria and identifies and brings together the right contacts for realising the project, including authorities and associations as well as relevant local networks and partners. Invest in Bavaria is supported by the global network of offices representing Bavaria around the world. The service provided by Invest in Bavaria is free and it goes without saying that all enquiries are handled confidentially.
Munich Startup (External link) is the official start-up portal for Munich. It was developed by the City of Munich, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria and the four entrepreneurship centres of the Munich universities within the framework of the Entrepreneurship Strategy Munich. The portal is run by Münchner Gewerbehof- und Technologiezentrum GmbH (MGH), the organization that operates Munich’s industry centres. It is the point of (virtual) contact for technology-oriented, innovative start-ups in and around Munich. With interesting start-up stories and background information from the start-up scene, it creates greater transparency and helps to network company founders with possible partners, investors and mentors.
The Social-Startup-Hub Bayern (External link) is the place to go for anyone who wants to create social added value with their idea and do business sustainably! We offer free advice for all those who are tackling a social or ecological problem with their start-up. Start-ups not only receive answers to the "classic" start-up questions, but also intensive support in planning, measuring and implementing their social impact.
The non-profit initiative STARTUP TEENS (External link) is the most high-profile network for the innovators of the future. The non-profit initiative teaches relevant "future skills" such as entrepreneurial knowledge and coding know-how and promotes personal development. Regardless of whether they want to become founders, company successors or intrapreneurs later on. STARTUP TEENS operates the YouTube channel with the widest reach for entrepreneurship education for pupils in Germany with more than 120 videos powered by simpleclub. Equally leading is the mentoring programme with more than 1,000 volunteer mentors who support the teenagers. In addition, the initiative organises the business plan competition for students in Germany with the highest prize money of 7 x 10,000 euros and hosts live streams, events and idea camps.
You can find further networks here.