BMW Startup Garage is looking for potential startups

The newly founded BMW Startup Garage sets out to tap directly into the potential of particularly innovative startups.

It has always actively sought new, pathbreaking technologies, but until now it has been difficult for startups to present their ideas to the company owing to their daunting internal processes and procedures typical of major enterprises.

With its slimmed-down, efficient processes, the BMW Startup Garage now allows for swift and flexible collaborative projects. This helps in identifying startups easily and integrating with them rapidly.

Interested startup companies can 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.

Selected startups will then undergo a special programme lasting several months where they will learn to develop functional prototypes with an application relevant to the BMW Group. Startups will also receive assistance in building up their network within the Group and in drawing up a business plan.

In principle, any startup anywhere in the world can apply. And the scheme is not restricted to companies in the automotive sector, but extends to technologies that can be transferred to automotive engineering applications. 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."

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 BMW Group has joined forces with the Centre for Innovation and Business Creation - UnternehmerTUM - at Munich's Technical University, to set up the "TEchFounders" accelerator programme for technology startups. The Accelerator Programme introduces the BMW Group to innovative technologies, products and services at a very early stage, with the option of working together with the startup teams.
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