New York / Munich, April 16, 2026. New York Robotics, Inc., TUM Venture Labs Robotics and AI, and UnternehmerTUM today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
New York / Munich, April 16, 2026. New York Robotics, Inc., TUM Venture Labs Robotics and AI, and UnternehmerTUM today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The aim of the agreement is to establish a strategic transatlantic partnership to promote innovation in the fields of robotics and Physical AI.
The collaboration connects two of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems: the robotics hub in the Greater New York (Tri-State) region — serving as a gateway into the broader New York deep‑tech landscape — and the Munich deep-tech ecosystem. Together, the partners aim to actively advance the next generation of robotics startups and technologies.
Founded in 2024, New York Robotics serves as a central anchor for more than 160 robotics and Physical AI startups in the Tri-State region and over 450 additional startups worldwide. TUM Venture Labs Robotics and AI supports more than 80 startup teams in areas such as manufacturing, healthcare, mobility, and logistics — with strong connections to U.S. venture capital firms. UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s largest center for innovation and entrepreneurship, complements the partnership with extensive expertise in entrepreneurial education, business creation, and its innovation ecosystem.
Building a Transatlantic Innovation Corridor for Robotics
At the core of the collaboration is the creation of a “virtual transatlantic Robotics Startup Studio” that connects founders, researchers, and venture capitalists across both regions. Startups benefit from improved access to international markets, funding opportunities, and top-tier support networks.
Key areas of collaboration include:
- Startup exchange and support: Access to incubation programs, demo days, and investor networks in New York and Munich
- Knowledge and technology transfer: Exchange of best practices, research findings, and technological expertise in robotics and Physical AI
- Ecosystem development: Strengthening collaboration with universities, industry partners, and public institutions
- International expansion: Opening up additional markets — including Japan — based on existing partnerships
- Joint visibility: Coordination of events, communication activities, and presence at leading industry events such as Automatica
In addition, the partners plan to organize joint events, facilitate targeted connections with key stakeholders, and actively support startups in scaling across the Atlantic.
“Our partnership with NY Robotics is especially meaningful because it unites complementary capabilities — cutting‑edge deep‑tech innovation, robust industry relationships, and a shared ecosystem spanning New York City and Munich,” said Arne Rost, Director of the TUM Venture Lab Robotics and AI. “Together, we are creating a trusted transatlantic platform to advance robotics and AI.”
First Joint Activities Launched
Initial measures are already underway. These include ecosystem visits, exchange programs for founders, and joint events in New York and Munich. The first visit by TUM Venture Labs Robotics and AI to New York takes place in April 2026 including meetings with key partners and stakeholders.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Physical AI
All three organizations are convinced that robotics and Physical AI represent the next major wave of technological innovation. By combining their networks, expertise, and resources, they aim to sustainably accelerate the development and scaling of impactful startups across continents.
“At New York Robotics, our North Star is to build more successful robotics companies,” said Randy Howie, Co‑Founder and Director Strategy and Operations at New York Robotics. “We are deeply committed to growing these companies in the New York Tri‑State area, and equally committed to serving as a landing pad for the global robotics ecosystem — especially Europe. Over the last 25 years, UnternehmerTUM has become the most successful startup support organization in Europe, and we are proud to form this strategic partnership with them to accelerate our support for robotics companies on both sides of the Atlantic.”