The mission of Venture Lab Food/ Agro / Biotech (FAB) is to become Europe’s top breeding ground for agricultural, food tech and biotech start-ups. This incubation hub fosters interdisciplinary innovation in the life sciences, from genetic and biological research to production and processing technologies. We support ideas about agriculture, food, beverages, nutrition, forestry, biotechnology or applied life sciences.
Hence, we operate in one of the hottest venture areas, considering, the climate-driven challenges in agriculture and forestry and the impact of nutritional habits on public health.
Selected Teams we work with

Paltech
The classic garage start-up story was not an option for developing our high-tech robots: we needed a well-equipped workshop.


Education
Students

IGL
WiSe 23/24
The TUM IGL (Innovationswettbewerb Weihenstephan) is a dynamic education format that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-up culture within the TUM School of Life Sciences.
Spaces
TUM Venture Lab FAB offers a creative environment and infrastructure by providing appropriate spaces: offices, workshop & meeting rooms, labs, a food area, a maker space and creative spaces.
BayWa Co-Working Space

Experience the innovative environment of BayWa Co-Working Space (BCS), our modern collaborative workspace within the prestigious TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan. BCS is an ideal destination for students, scientists, and entrepreneurs seeking a vibrant workspace and connection with fellow innovators. The BayWa Co-working Space offers:
- Flexible workspace options (hot desks, dedicated desks, private offices, meeting rooms)
- Amenities (high-speed internet, comfortable furniture, office equipment)
- Networking events and workshops
- Event and lounge location
- Collaboration and workshop opportunities
Lab Space

Explore the FACIT Lab Space, a cutting-edge facility designed for startups, offering a range of laboratory amenities, including general labs and an S1 lab. Our dedicated space is equipped to foster the research and development initiatives of early-stage companies, ensuring your innovative ideas transform into tangible solutions. In three labs with total of 150 m2, we offer:
- General labs: well-equipped general laboratory facilities, designed to accommodate various scientific and technological research activities,
versatile environment for startups to conduct experiments, testing, and analysis. - S1 lab: specifically designed for startups working with biological materials and requiring a controlled and secure environment. These labs meet the biosafety level 1 (S1) standards, ensuring the safe handling of biological samples and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Laboratory infrastructure: The lab space is furnished with equipment, including scientific instruments, workstations, and safety measures, to support the specific needs of startups. This infrastructure enables startups to carry out their research, prototype development, and proof-of-concept activities efficiently and effectively.
- Expert guidance and support: Startups in the FACIT Lab Space have access to expert guidance and support from experienced scientists and technical staff.
Machine Hall & Tech Space

Discover the unique opportunities at TUM FACIT Machine Hall, a dedicated space within the TUM School of Life Sciences. We provide start-ups with an engaging environment to collaborate, innovate, and flourish. On 1400 m2, we specifically offer:
- Start-up space: this space offers a conducive environment for innovation and growth, allowing startups to develop their ideas and technologies.
- Technical infrastructure: state-of-the-art technical infrastructure, including specialized machinery and equipment.
- Start-ups in the TUM FACIT Machine Hall can tap into the school's workshops to accelerate their prototyping.
Makerspace

Unlock your creative potential at the Venture Lab FAB Maker Space, a specialized facility designed for entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators. Our state-of-the-art fabrication and prototyping tools are at your disposal, helping you transform your innovative concepts into reality. Here is a brief summary of the Venture Lab FAB Maker Space:
- Advanced fabrication tools: a wide range of cutting-edge fabrication tools and equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, electronics workstations, and more.
- Prototyping and testing
- Accessible to all skill levels
- Expert guidance and support
Food Area

Discover the FAB Food Area, a specialized facility equipped with food-safe rooms designed for cutting-edge food production. Our services cater to students, scientists, and startups, alongside seasoned entrepreneurs in the food industry. Specific offering:
- Food-safe rooms for production
- Compliance with regulations for the production of beverages and plant-based food
- State-of-the-art facilities and equipment
- Expert guidance available
- Customizable spaces
Events

FAB Meetups
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 · TUM, Catalysis Research Center (CRC) Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Straße 1 Room 3002 85748 Garching bei München
The FAB Meetups organized by the TUM Venture Lab Food/Agro/Biotech are regular gatherings that bring together entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry professionals from the food, agriculture, and biotechnology sectors.

TUM IDEAward 2023
Thursday, November 30, 2023 · TUM City Campus, Arcistr. 21, Munich
The TUM IDEAward, an annual award ceremony, aims to provide 10 pre-selected founding teams with the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas!

Circular Hackfest - A Robo.Innovate Initiative
Friday, November 10, 2023 · Munich Urban Colab
Circular Hackfest - A Robo.Innovate Initiative

Life Science Engineering Seminar Series One
Thursday, October 26, 2023 · Maximus-von-Imhof-Forum 2, 85354 Freising
Future on the plate: Mark Post, the pioneer of cultured meat, comes to TUM!

GründerInnen-Stammtisch: Food & Agtech
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 ·
Monthly exchange for founders/interested parties in Food & AgTech - organised with EIT Food. This time it takes place after the AgriFood Demo Day

AgriFood Demo Day Munich 2023
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 ·
The future of our agri-food system holds vital questions: What will our diets consist of, and how can we ensure a future-proof AgriFood system that sustainably produces affordable and nutritious food for everyone?

HEF AgriScience Symposium
Thursday, October 12, 2023 · Weihenstephan, Freising
The world needs new proteins - exploring innovations in Agricultural Sciences

GründerInnen-Stammtisch: Food & Agtech
Thursday, September 28, 2023 ·
Monthly exchange for founders/interested parties in Food & AgTech - organised with EIT Food. This time it takes place after the AgriFood Demo Day

Soft Opening BayWa Coworking Space
Monday, July 31, 2023 · Maximus-von-Imhof-Forum 2, 85356 Freising
Join us for the Soft Opening of our brand-new BayWa-Coworking Space at the TUM Campus Weihenstephan. We want to introduce the Office to students, StartUps that are keen to immerse in a collaborative environment, designed to fuel your creativity and productivity.

MunichFoodConvention
Thursday, May 4, 2023 · Munich Urban Colab

Aerospace meets Agriculture
Thursday, February 2, 2023 · Vorhoelzer Forum

AgriFood Demo Day 2022
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 · Munich Urban Colab
People

Prof. Dr. Arne Skerra
Academic Director

Dr.-Ing. Roman Werner
Managing Director

Stefan Steinhauser
Technical Director

Laurin Waldmann
Program Manager | Biotechnology

Patrick Schiwek
Lab Manager

Sabine Grabbe
Community Manager

Sylvia Gruber
Office Manager

Rita Laukemper
EIT Food Progammes and Food Entrepreneurship made in Bavaria

Belinda Büchner
Start-up Consultant

Florian Jäger
Start-up Consultant

Ingo Potthoff · Doctor
Venture Director

Stefan Drüssler
Venture Director

Henrike Möllenhoff
Working Student

Victoria von Schweinitz
Working Student

Laurens Heller
Working Student