TUM’s tech transfer office will begin training 12 impact-focused startups from June 2020 in an accelerator allied to BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt.
Technical University of Munich’s tech transfer office Unternehmertum has teamed up with carmaker BMW’s Foundation Herbert Quandt unit to launch a new accelerator for impact-oriented businesses, Munich Startup has reported.
The Respond accelerator will kick off in June 2020 for a five-month term that will encompass coaching in impact-driven business strategy, responsible corporate management, marketing, sales and financing.
Applications for the program will close on March 1, 2020
Respond ’s initial intake will comprise up to 12 startups around three of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals: decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, and industry, innovation and infrastructure.
In addition to coaching, participants will be invited to partner events, conferences and field trips across Europe. Respond’s chief executive is Heba Aguib, the lead for BMW Foundation’s accelerator activity since July 2019.
Aguib said: “By enabling impact-oriented founders to scale their innovative solutions and technologies, the BMW Foundation wants to contribute to a systemic transformation towards a sustainable economic and financial system.
“Responsible leadership is the central lever for this. With programs like Respond, we identify, activate and support leaders who drive this change.”
– Feature image courtesy of Respond accelerator
