The TUM Venture Labs are a joint initiative of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and UnternehmerTUM, building Europe’s leading hub for science-based entrepreneurship in Deep Tech and Life Sciences. The TUM Venture Labs act as one organization across a closely-knit network of 12 domain-specific labs.
Our mission is to support outstanding researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs in transforming cutting-edge research into scalable companies with global impact. Through domain-specific venture labs, we provide founders with access to venture building expertise, industrial partners, investors, and world-class research infrastructure.
The TUM Venture Lab Robotics/AI focuses on breakthrough innovations in robotics and industrial automation, artificial intelligence and embodied intelligence as well as in communication technologies. Working closely with the renowned Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI), the lab connects research excellence with venture creation and industrial collaboration to build the next generation of deep tech robotics startups.
We are looking for a Managing Director (m/w/d) who will lead and expand the Venture Lab Robotics/AI starting July 2026 (min. 32h)
As Managing Director of the TUM Venture Lab Robotics/AI, you will shape one of the most important enabling technologies of our time. You will foster synergies across technological fields and unlock the full potential of robotics, ranging from industrial intelligence and autonomy to nanoscale and biorobotics.
Leading one of the key nodes of the TUM deep-tech startup ecosystem, you will combine strategic leadership, venture-building expertise, and ecosystem development to transform cutting-edge robotics and AI research at TUM into scalable, globally competitive deep-tech startups.
Leadership and further development of the team as well as the strategic direction of the TUM Venture Lab Robotics/AI
Securing and managing funding streams to ensure sustainable long-term lab operations
Ensuring operational excellence and effective execution of programs and initiatives by applying the OKR framework
Alignment with key stakeholders, in particular Academic Directors, TUM Entrepreneurship, and UnternehmerTUM
Building and further developing a high-quality pipeline of robotics and AI startup teams – from early research ideas to investor-ready companies
Supporting founders in close collaboration with venture coaches, researchers, and industry partners
Initiating and leading domain-specific programs, hackathons, and support formats for founders
Identifying emerging technology fields in robotics, industrial automation, AI, embodied intelligence, and CommTech and translating them into venture creation initiatives
Acting as both a horizontal and vertical driver within the ecosystem: strengthening the Robotics/AI domain while enabling other labs through robotics and advanced mechatronics capabilities
Building and maintaining strong relationships with research groups at TUM and MIRMI, industry partners, investors, and international robotics ecosystems
Initiating and developing strategic collaborations with corporates, venture capital firms, and research institutions
Representing the TUM Venture Lab Robotics/AI within the international robotics and AI community
Further developing and implementing the strategic positioning of the TUM Venture Lab Robotics/AI as an integral part of the TUM Venture Labs
(with strong interfaces to the Venture Labs Software/AI, Mobility, Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare, and Additive & Advanced Manufacturing)
Positioning the Venture Lab as a leading European platform for entrepreneurship in robotics and AI
Designing and delivering high-impact events, programs, and ecosystem activities
Contributing to flagship initiatives such as robo.innovate, 6G life, and other robotics innovation programs
We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader with strong technology affinity and a passion for building innovation ecosystems.
Several years of experience in deep-tech entrepreneurship, venture building, venture capital, or startup ecosystem development
Strong understanding of robotics, AI, or related deep-tech fields
Proven ability to build and lead teams and initiatives
Experience working with research institutions, startups and industry partners
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Fluent in English & German
Founder or early-stage startup experience and/or industry experience
Experience working with robotics or AI research organizations
Strong network in the European or global robotics ecosystem
Experience managing complex multi-stakeholder initiatives
Shape one of Europe’s leading hubs for robotics and AI entrepreneurship
Take full ownership in a highly visible leadership role at the intersection of research, venture building, and industry
Drive initiatives with real strategic and societal impact
Work within the TUM / UnternehmerTUM ecosystem – one of Europe’s most powerful deep-tech environments
Collaborate with leading researchers, founders, corporates, and top-tier investors
Operate at the forefront of global robotics and AI innovation
Dedicated learning and development budget
Access to exclusive networks, executive-level formats, and international conferences
Flexible working model with high autonomy
Wellpass membership and access to a broad range of sports and wellbeing programs
Diversity enriches our team. We explicitly encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of gender, social and ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.
Carina Schreyer, Business Partner People & Culture
UnternehmerTUM GmbH
Lichtenbergstraße 6, 85748 Garching/München