NUSX and UnternehmerTUM Launch Singapore-Munich Innovation

NUSX and German innovation center UnternehmerTUM have formalised a strategic partnership to link the Singapore and Munich innovation ecosystems. The collaboration establishes reciprocal innovation hubs through shared outposts, investment links, and talent development programs focused on biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor technologies. NUSX will establish its second global outpost at the Munich Urban Colab, an 11,000-square-metre innovation centre jointly established by UnternehmerTUM and the City of Munich. From this base, NUS DeepTech ventures will connect with the wider UnternehmerTUM and TUM Venture Labs ecosystem, gaining access to industry partners, technical expertise, and opportunities to validate technologies in the European market. In Singapore, TUM Venture Labs is exploring a representative presence at the NUS i³ building, where NUSX is based.

Dr. Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice President (Innovation & Enterprise), stated the move builds on existing foundations. "This collaboration with UnternehmerTUM builds on our longstanding ties with the Technical University of Munich as NUSX deepens its global venture-building network."

Collaboration builds on existing student exchange and talent programmes

The partnership expands on the NUS Overseas Colleges Munich programme, established in 2017. That exchange has already connected nearly 120 NUS students and more than 90 TUM students. Alumni have built ventures including Factorem. The new agreement will enable NOC students to intern with portfolio companies of a Munich-based venture capital partner. Selected NUS students will also gain access to UnternehmerTUM programmes like the Startup Launchpad, Digital Product School, and the UnternehmerTUM Incubator. This broadens exposure to research commercialisation and venture creation in Europe.

Strategic focus on biotech, AI, and semiconductors aligns with national and institutional strengths

Initial efforts will concentrate on three deep tech fields. This focus mirrors NUSX's innovation priorities and Singapore's RIE2030 strategy, which commits €25 billion (S$37 billion) over five years to research, innovation, and enterprise, including flagship programmes in semiconductors and health. It also aligns with TUM's institutional strengths. TUM ranks first in Germany in data science and AI. Its School of Life Sciences is home to 10 of the university’s 17 most-cited researchers.

The strategic areas of collaboration are structured around three pillars:

Munich-based VC firm under consideration as fifth venture partner in NUS VC Programme

A key investment linkage is being forged. NUS is in advanced discussions with a Munich-based venture capital firm closely affiliated with UnternehmerTUM. This firm is being considered to join the 102 million euro NUS VC Programme as its fifth venture partner. This would create a direct investment channel between the ecosystems.

Professor Helmut Schönenberger, CEO of UnternehmerTUM and Vice President, Entrepreneurship at TUM, highlighted the gateway this creates. "With this partnership, we open a direct gateway between two of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems." Munich ranks among Europe’s top five in the Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2026 and 11th globally for AI. The partnership supports ventures across the full journey from talent development and research commercialisation to investment and global market entry.