Technical University of Munich

Overview

Also known as TUM, the Technical University of Munich is a research university that specializes in multiple disciplines. Its research and academics focus on the natural sciences, medicine, engineering, and social sciences, specializing in technology issues. It is a member of the TU9, an alliance of the top nine Technical Universities in Germany.

Billed as the Entrepreneurial University, TUM has, in recent years, bridged the gap between bleeding-edge research and the challenges in society through TUM members-founded startups. Entrepreneurial projects are spread across four future-forward research fields. They are (1) information and communication technology, (2) medical technology, (3) clean technology, and (4) life sciences. These projects, the university envisions, will add value to society and help unleash great potential for economic growth.

Entrepreneurship has been a great part of TUM’s heritage. The institution played a substantial role in converting Bavaria from an agricultural to a powerful industrial state. It also produced entrepreneurs since its founding by King Ludwig II in 1896. Indeed, Carl von Linde was the university’s first entrepreneur after the founding of the company, Gesellschaft für Linde's Eismaschinen AG. Today, it has developed into the Linde Group, the world-famous chemical company.

Research-wise, the university has been instrumental in producing Nobel Laureates. These include Wolfgang Ketterle for physics, Ernst Otto Fischer, and Joachim Frank, among others. Today, the University still carries its strong scientific research tradition. Research efforts focus on (a) understanding the foundations of life, (b) maintaining health and targeting diseases, (c) sustainable environment, (d) materials and technology, (e) digital transformation, and (f) technology and innovation for society.

The university houses both academic and corporate research, taking a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. Its research centers include the TUM Institute of Advanced Study (IAS), the World Agricultural Systems Center, TUM Leonardo da Vinci Bionics Center, Research Center for Industrial, and TUM CREATE, among others.

Academically, the university offers courses through its schools and departments. It has four main schools: Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering and Architecture, Life Sciences and Health Sciences, and Social Science. Each of these schools has its own departments where students and research faculty can hone their skills in innovative research and social entrepreneurship.

Aside from its main locations in Munich, the university also founded TUM Asia in Singapore. This effort aims to bring German engineering right at the heart of Southeast Asia’s technology hub. Founded in 2002, TUM Asia became the first German university with an overseas campus.