The City of Munich and UnternehmerTUM, a company launched by Germany’s wealthiest woman, Munich resident and BMW heiress Susanne Klatten are planning a new innovation and start-up centre in the city’s creative quarter. The aim is for start-ups and established firms, creatives and scientists to engage in dialogue with urban planners, architects and the public at large and to work together on the innovative products, smart technologies and forward-looking services that will shape the city of the future.

Thanks to this unique approach and to the new innovation and start-up centre, Munich will assume a pioneering role in the development of smart city solutions. On February 16, the City Council will make the final decision on construction of the new centre.

Construction of the new innovation and start-up centre for smart city solutions is due to commence in 2017. The facility will ultimately boast around 10,000 m2 of floor space or offices, event spaces, co-working spaces and a prototype workshop. The City of Munich will grant leasehold on the land, while UnternehmerTUM will bear the cost of building and operating the new facility.

Assuming a positive decision by the City Council on February 16, the next steps will include drafting detailed specifications for the new building, enlisting additional partners and requesting submissions for a general contractor competition with the involvement of the City Council.