BMW Group Startup Garage

• Startups building solutions aligned with BMW automotive and mobility partnerships.

About this scheme

The BMW Group Startup Garage is the dedicated venture client unit of the BMW Group, established in 2015. It functions as a global intermediary, integrating advanced startup solutions directly into various BMW business units. This initiative is designed to bolster BMW Group's leadership in innovation by matching pioneering startups with internal challenges, thereby converting these challenges into actionable solutions. Each year, the Startup Garage evaluates over 1000 startups and collaborates with enterprises originating from more than 50 countries. On average, over 35 startups successfully complete its program annually, with a significant portion, more than 50%, securing paid follow-up projects, underscoring its efficacy in fostering sustained partnerships.

BMW Group, a global leader in premium automobiles and motorcycles, operates with a strong commitment to innovation and future mobility. Established in 1916, the company has a rich history of technological advancement and design excellence. Through initiatives like the Startup Garage, BMW Group actively seeks to integrate external innovations, ensuring its continued leadership in the evolving automotive and technology landscapes. The program offers startups a unique opportunity to validate their technology within BMW's operational ecosystem, gaining invaluable real-world insights and a robust reference for future growth. The direct engagement model ensures that solutions are developed with specific, identified needs in mind, increasing the likelihood of successful adoption and long-term partnership.

Operating on a venture client model, the program facilitates a direct engagement where startups receive a formal purchase order from a BMW business unit. This order is specifically for testing their proposed solution through a proof-of-concept project. Successful engagement requires the startup to obtain an official BMW supplier number and finalize a purchase agreement, initiating their journey as a valued partner. The financial structure revolves around these paid projects, enabling startups to validate their technologies in real-world BMW applications while retaining their independence.

Throughout the pilot phase, the Startup Garage team actively mentors and supports participating companies. This includes providing essential education on BMW's operational processes and assisting startups in navigating the intricate organizational landscape. The team ensures strategic connections with relevant stakeholders, which is crucial for a smooth transition from an initial pilot project to a long-term supplier contract. A core tenet of the program is that startups maintain full autonomy and exclusive control over their intellectual property, fostering a collaborative yet independent environment for innovation.

Who can apply

• This program is designed for pioneering startups with advanced solutions relevant to the BMW Group's business units and strategic priorities, particularly in automotive, mobility, digital solutions, and hardware/software innovation.
• Applicants should have a mature prototype or a proven concept ready for a Proof of Concept (PoC) project, demonstrating sufficient technical readiness for integration.
• A strong, capable team with relevant expertise and a clear legal setup for their enterprise are also essential.
• The program is open to startups globally, reflecting BMW Group's international reach and desire for diverse innovative solutions.

Benefits & funding

• The program provides startups with a unique opportunity to validate their technology within the BMW Group's operational ecosystem, leading to invaluable real-world insights and a robust reference for future growth.
• Successful applicants receive a formal purchase order to initiate a paid Proof of Concept (PoC) project.
• This also includes obtaining an official BMW supplier number and establishing the startup as a valued partner, with potential for securing paid follow-up projects.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with BMW Group, in your own name.

1. 1

   Startups submit a comprehensive application via the BMW Startup Garage portal covering innovation relevance, prototype maturity, and team experience.

2. 2

   Promising solutions are assessed by the Startup Garage team and relevant BMW business units for technical feasibility and strategic fit, followed by product demos.

3. 3

   Selected startups receive a formal purchase order from a BMW business unit to initiate a paid proof-of-concept project.

Frequently asked questions