5 Nov 2025
The LMU IEC Innovators’ Forum brought together a diverse group of founders, researchers, alumni, and innovation leaders all united by one vision: shaping the future of science-based entrepreneurship at LMU.
What a night! The LMU IEC Innovators’ Forum brought together a diverse group of founders, researchers, alumni, and innovation leaders from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and the broader Munich ecosystem — all united by one vision: shaping the future of science-based entrepreneurship at LMU.
The evening was skillfully moderated by Annie Weichselbaum, Innovation Incubator Lead, who guided the discussions with clarity and purpose.
The forum opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Dominik Domnik, Managing Director of the IEC, who reflected on LMU’s entrepreneurial evolution — from early initiatives to today’s vibrant innovation landscape.
This was followed by a powerful keynote from Dr. Philipp Baaske, LMU’s Vice President for Entrepreneurship. In his opening address, he laid out an ambitious and compelling vision for the university’s future:
“Entrepreneurship at LMU is becoming stronger, more connected, and more impactful.”
Adding depth to the program, Prof. Dr. Joachim Rädler offered a captivating retrospective on innovation at the Center for NanoScience, highlighting the long-standing tradition of interdisciplinary research and experimentation at LMU.
The spotlight then shifted to LMU alumni founders, who shared candid stories and practical lessons from their startup journeys. Their key takeaways for future innovators:
They also spoke to the value of LMU’s growing startup ecosystem and offered insights on how continued support and collaboration could drive even greater impact in Munich and beyond.
A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Research Transfer & Impact Entrepreneurship Grant. Presented by Prof. Dr. Dr. Peter Höppe (MUG), the award went to PathoPan by Aicendence, alumni of the 3rd LMU Innovation Incubator cohort — a testament to the power of research-driven innovation.
The forum concluded with vibrant networking over snacks and drinks, where ideas flowed freely and momentum for the next generation of LMU startups continued to build.
One thing is clear:
LMU’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive, expanding, and ready to shape the future.
But one essential question remains:
How can we bring it all together to build a thriving science-preneurship ecosystem in Munich — and across Bavaria?
Discover more about the event here!