The Small Auditorium at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) became a grand stage for an event whose impact extends far beyond Munich. Over 100 guests, in-depth discussions, and new alliances. The LMU Presidents’ Dinner focused on one of the most critical questions for Germany’s future: How can world-class research be translated more quickly into tangible impact and value creation?
The answer of the evening: Through courage, speed, trust — and people who are willing to take on responsibility.
LMU President Prof. Dr. Matthias Tschöp opened the evening with a clear message: “LMU isn’t just about excellent research. LMU is also about business. And it can shape the future.” His point: Innovation is fragile. The major questions of our time, according to Tschöp, are not decided where things are managed most cautiously — but where people are willing to invest in talent, ideas, and the future.
Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär provided the political momentum. Her motto: “Innovation is the new location policy.” With the “High-Tech Agenda Germany,” key technologies such as AI, microelectronics, fusion, quantum, batteries, and biotech are being consistently developed with a focus on application and value creation. LMU is a shining example of this.
The conversation between Philipp Baaske and the evening’s guest of honor, Nobel laureate Prof. Ferenc Krausz, was particularly moving. Perhaps his most important message was that Germany remains a world leader in cutting-edge research. The task now, he said, is to translate this scientific strength more quickly into medical, technological, and societal impact.
The foundation for precisely this was laid that evening. With the new “LMU Entrepreneurship Foundation,” the structural framework is being created for a new beginning in Germany, supported by capital, networks, and experience. The first pledges of support came in that very evening.
Photos: Jan Greune
