Daimler has established Startup Autobahn, a new startup ecosystem in Stuttgart that aims to be Baden-Württemberg’s answer to California’s Silicon Valley.
“In contrast to Silicon Valley with its software focus, with Startup Autobahn both software and, above all, hardware-oriented projects are to be in the foreground. We are warmly welcoming international as well as local startups,” said Thomas Weber, member of the board of management at Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “Whether it’s the USA, China, India or Germany – for a long time now we have been focusing the strengths of various world regions with our global research and development network. But our roots are and remain here in the strong industrial region of Baden-Württemberg. Therefore this region must retain and continue to strengthen its huge appeal for innovation and inventive spirit in future, too.”
To this end, additional local firms and medium-sized businesses will be able to join the Startup Autobahn project in the future.
“We are charting new territory and will continue to further our innovative culture through the additional impulses from the startup scene. The fast and uncomplicated cooperation with top talents from the startup scene will open up a further way for us to use the chances digitization offers,” said Wilfried Porth, member of the board of management, personnel director, IT and Mercedes-Benz Vans at Daimler AG.
Startup Autobahn – Full Speed Ahead In Stuttgart
“Stuttgart is one of the world’s leading automotive and high-tech regions and thus offers the ideal prerequisites for startups,” said Saeed Amidi, CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center. “Together with our strong partners Daimler, the University of Stuttgart and ARENA2036, startups, local companies and venture capitalists have optimum opportunities to find each other here at Startup Autobahn.”
Through the cooperation with Plug and Play, Startup Autobahn is highly networked with the German startup community in places all over the world, including Silicon Valley and Berlin.
The Plug and Play Tech Center has more than 20 locations in Silicon Valley, Germany, Spain, Singapore, China and Brazil, making it one of the biggest and most experienced accelerator operators. Having looked after more than 2,000 startups since it was founded 10 years ago, Plug and Play has grown with a technical focus and venture capitals to become the world’s largest global accelerator. Plug and Play organizes more than 365 events all over the world every year in order to network startups and investors and operates also as an investor.
ARENA2036 is a new form of cooperation in which renowned partners from science and industry research innovative subject areas related to automotive production of the future under the same roof as the startups. A unique high-tech center is being created in the heart of the economic region of Baden-Württemberg. The name “ARENA2036” stands for “Active Research Environment for the Next Generation of Automobiles.” By the year 2036, the 150th anniversary of the car, the stated aims are to be implemented at the ARENA2036 research campus, thus paving the way for the automotive engineering of the future.
Startups from all over the globe are invited to apply for the Startup Autobahn accelerator program. Following the application phase, around 25 startups will be invited to the Selection Day on July 14. The winners will be prepared for the Expo-Day for three to six months within the framework of special coaching and with support from mentors. As part of the Startup Autobahn’s accelerator scheme, the Coworking Space and Hardware Lab will be at the startups’ disposal in the ARENA2036 research factory. At the Expo-Day, startups will be pitching to investors in order to be able to develop their ideas.
Hardware Lab For Innovations Without Borders
The Hardware Lab in ARENA2036 is a large high-tech workshop containing equipment such as tools, machines, 3-D printers and software for building prototypes and small series production. The aim is to accelerate the development process with supporting services such as legal and tax advice, professional help with financial planning and project management. Straightforward networking with partners from business, research and politics, plus contact with investors, potential customers and mentors are some of the other the services offered to the startups.
