TUM Venture Labs: Managing Director (m/w/d) – Robotics / AI

Build the next generation of deep-tech robotics startups

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)

Your Impact

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 & Operations

• 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

Venture Creation & Startup Support

• 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

Ecosystem & Partnerships

• 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)

Community & Visibility

• 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.

Must-have qualifications

• 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

Nice to have

• 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

Impact & Ownership

• 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

Ecosystem & Exposure

• 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

Growth & Development

• Dedicated learning and development budget

• Access to exclusive networks, executive-level formats, and international conferences

Wellbeing & Flexibility

• Flexible working model with high autonomy

• Wellpass membership and access to a broad range of sports and wellbeing programs