BMW plans partnerships with small start-up companies

BMW has started a program labelled the BMW Startup Garage. As the name suggests, the program is the BMW group’s way of reaching out to start-up companies. Additionally, the BMW group has also partnered with the UnternehmerTUM business creation centre at Munich’s Technical University in order to set up the “TEchFounders” accelerator programme for technology startups.

The Startup Garage aims to provide easier access for start-ups to showcase their ideas and developments to the brand. The process is often tedious due to the processes and procedures of a major corporations, which often leads to new developments failing to get the support they need. Any interested start-up companies can apply online to the BMW Startup Garage. The selection is then made directly in close consultation with the management team and the relevant departments of the BMW group.

The short-listed companies then undergo a special program lasting several months. At the core of this program is the development of a functional prototype with an application relevant to the BMW group. Start-ups also receive assistance in building up their network within the group and in drawing up a business plan.

The scheme is not restricted to companies in the automotive sector and extends to technologies that can be transferred to automotive engineering applications. More details on the program can be found on the official website.