New incubators for Bavaria – Munich’s WERK1 as a role model

The Bavarian Ministry for Economic Affairs has launched a competition to establish business incubators and networking activities in the field of digitization in the beginning of 2016. Gründerland.Bayern, funded with around EUR 80m, serves as an important initiative to help to form new incubators and a unique ecosystem.

All activities are focused on providing innovative startups in Bavaria with an ideal environment, to explore the possibilities of digital technology for new products, services and business ideas. WERK1.Bayern, located close to the train station Munich East, serves as role model and local contact.

Exchange with established companies

At least one central point of contact for start-up founders will be established in each administrative district. The Bavarian Ministry for Economic Affairs will finance up to 75 percent of the investment in infrastructure (this percentage can go up to 90 percent in areas with a special need for action). In addition, the Bavarian Ministry for Economic Affairs bears up to 50 percent of the costs to develop regional networks, especially focusing on the exchange between established companies and founders of new businesses. Moreover, the regional networks will create cooperation throughout Bavaria and connections with the existing institutions such as BayStartUP, Zentrum Digitalisierung.Bayern (Center for Digitization in Bavaria), Bayern Kapital, the Bavarian Research and Innovation Agency and WERK1.Bayern. This aims at further improving the ecosystem for founders throughout Bavaria.

Selected Candidates in administrative districts

After the application deadline elapsed in Mid-May 2016, an external jury of experts in science, research and economy as well as the leading local community associations have evaluated the submitted concepts. The evaluation criteria were: regional potential (verified by facts) for the implementation of the concept, ensured connection to universities and research institutes, commitment of companies, chambers and associations, a sustainable commitment of the communities as well as ideas and concepts for the knowledge transfer and the development of the regional network.

Based on these criteria, the jury has selected nine locations. Moreover, the Council of Ministers has decided to develop further incubators in Bayerischer Untermain, Cham and Neustadt a. d. Aisch/Bad Windsheim (Bavarian regions).