Start-ups for the health of tomorrow: TUM Venture Lab Healthcare opens new life science laboratory

The TUM Venture Lab Healthcare is the focus location for medical start-ups within the TUM Venture Labs - a joint innovation program of the Technical University of Munich and UnternehmerTUM, which accompanies technology-oriented start-up teams from the initial idea to practical implementation. It offers access to cutting-edge research, technical infrastructure, targeted training, market and technical expertise as well as a global network of industry and investors. The new location was officially opened on May 7, 2025 - together with the Bavarian Minister of State for Health, Care and Prevention, Judith Gerlach.

In the new life science laboratory of the TUM Venture Lab Healthcare, scientific start-ups from the fields of digital health, medical technology and biotechnology have access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and a professional working environment. The offer is complemented by targeted training programs, market expertise and strong networks - a decisive advantage, especially in the highly regulated healthcare sector. The new lab underscores the lab's efforts to generate even more start-up projects in the healthcare sector and turn innovative research into viable start-ups.

"The lab is a milestone in the promotion of pioneering solutions in health, care and prevention in the initial start-up phase," emphasized Minister Judith Gerlach. At the opening of the Life Science Lab, she handed over a grant of 500,000 euros for the SMART HEALTH project. The program, which is funded by the Ministry of Health, supports academic start-up teams in the fields of life sciences, medical technology and digital health. It offers start-ups state-of-the-art equipment, targeted support and space to develop and test innovative prototypes. The new life sciences laboratory at the TUM Venture Lab Healthcare is part of SMART HEALTH, which brings science, practice and entrepreneurship closer together - not only in the healthcare sector, but also in the fields of ChemSpace and food, agro and biotech. SMART HEALTH complements and strengthens the offerings of the TUM Venture Labs in the early phase of research-driven start-ups.

TUM President Prof. Dr. Thomas F. Hofmann points out the importance of Munich as one of Europe's leading deep-tech hubs: "The great strength of the innovation ecosystem is the excellent cooperation between the various players. Science, established companies, investors and Bavarian politics form a network that puts start-ups on the road to success."

The Venture Lab is strengthening its role as a bridge builder between science and application. The guests from research, clinics, the start-up scene and politics were able to see innovative projects for themselves on site.

The Healthcare division of Bayern Innovativ GmbH also sees this development as a key lever for providing new impetus in healthcare. The new laboratory of the TUM Venture Lab Healthcare supports the location, development and drives innovation. As a long-standing partner in the Bayern Innovativ network, the collaboration continues to strengthen the healthcare sector and actively shape the future.

With the new lab and the support of the SMART HEALTH program, the TUM Venture Lab Healthcare is sending a strong signal for innovative healthcare. Scientific excellence, entrepreneurial thinking and practical support are ideally combined here. The collaboration between research, start-ups, politics and practice shows: The future is created where good ideas meet the right conditions.