Messe München and UnternehmerTUM have entered into a strategic partnership to help start-ups and emerging technology companies access international markets, customers, industry networks and investment opportunities. The collaboration combines Messe München’s global trade-fair platforms with UnternehmerTUM’s strong start-up and innovation ecosystem.
The partnership is designed to strengthen connections between emerging technologies and established industries, creating new opportunities for technology companies to scale internationally and turn innovations into practical applications.
Connecting Start-ups with International Industry
Messe München hosts around 150 events annually, bringing together more than 50,000 exhibitors and approximately three million visitors across its international network.
The trade-fair company has a presence across important global markets, including India, China, Brazil, Singapore, the United States and Türkiye. Its portfolio covers a wide range of industries, including automation, construction, mobility, electronics, circular economy and quantum technologies.
Through its extensive exhibition platforms and international industry network, Messe München provides start-ups with opportunities to showcase technologies, connect with potential customers and build relationships with established companies.
UnternehmerTUM, meanwhile, connects start-ups, corporations, universities, investors, public-sector organisations and talent within its innovation ecosystem. According to the partners, more than 140 scalable technology start-ups are launched through the ecosystem each year, with start-ups collectively raising around €2 billion in venture capital annually.
New Platforms to Promote Innovation
The strategic partnership will focus on future-oriented technologies and sectors already represented across Messe München’s trade-fair portfolio, while also exploring opportunities to develop new thematic areas.
Key areas of cooperation will include increasing the visibility of innovative technologies and their practical applications, creating new innovation formats and strengthening interaction between start-ups, industrial companies, investors and research institutions.
The two organisations also plan to develop additional opportunities for young technology companies to expand into international markets. By connecting start-ups with established industry networks and potential customers, the partnership aims to shorten the path from innovation and technology development to commercial application.
Building on Existing Collaboration
The agreement expands on the organisations’ previous cooperation at events including automatica and World of Quantum. These initiatives have already created platforms for technology companies, start-ups and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore business opportunities.
The new strategic partnership will extend this collaboration across Messe München’s wider portfolio of trade fairs in Germany and international markets.
Strengthening the Path from Innovation to Market
By combining Messe München’s international exhibition infrastructure with UnternehmerTUM’s start-up and innovation network, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities for emerging technology companies seeking market access, industrial partnerships, investment and international expansion.
The collaboration highlights the growing role of trade fairs and industry platforms in supporting the commercialisation of emerging technologies. By bringing innovators together with established companies, investors and research institutions, Messe München and UnternehmerTUM aim to strengthen the connection between start-up innovation and industrial growth.
As technology-driven industries continue to evolve, the partnership could provide start-ups with new routes to international markets while helping established industries discover emerging technologies and potential business partners.
