User Group: Investor

  • Last month at Cyber Valley

    Last month at Cyber Valley

    There was a lot going on at Cyber Valley last month. Here’s a quick rundown of our highlights:

    On March 4, we had the pleasure of welcoming journalists from across Europe to Cyber Valley Tübingen. The program, organized in collaboration with the Deutsch-Französisches Institut in Ludwigsburg, offered a fantastic overview of the research, innovation, and collaboration happening across the Cyber Valley Innovation Campus. The afternoon kicked off with inputs from Florian K. Mayer (CEO of Cyber Valley GmbH), Tobias Leismann (Managing Director at ELLIS Institute Tübingen), and Philipp Hennig (Director at Tübingen AI Center). Christoph Koch, former “Journalist in Residence”, gave insights into the Journalist in Residence Program, followed by pitches from the Cyber Valley Start-up Network: Laura Neusser (Chief Communication Officer at Optocycle) and Anand Waghmare (CEO and Co-Founder of Yugen Space). The afternoon was rounded off by lab visits from Tsvetelina Alexiadis and Michael Muehlebach at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, as well as Martin Kiefel, Co-Founder of polybot.

    Photo: Cyber Valley

    On March 17, the Cyber Valley Impulse series began, focusing on AI in Mobility and Aerospace. Researchers, start-ups, corporates, and investors met at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart to discuss vision-based perception for aerial robots, AI in aerospace systems, automated driving, and new funding opportunities in mobility technologies. Speakers included: Aamir Ahmad (University of Stuttgart), Thilo Zimmermann (Innovation Campus Future Mobility), Zamira Daw Perez (Institute of Aircraft Systems), Ulrike Weinrich (FKFS Research Institute for Automotive Engineering and Powertrain Systems), Anand Waghmare (Yugen Space), and Frederik Boenke (NUVUS).

    Photo: Cyber Valley

    On March 19, we were delighted to welcome representatives from IPAI and IPAI Foundation at Cyber Valley in Tübingen for an exchange on future collaboration opportunities. It was a pleasure to host Jana Strattner, Tamara Pyter, and Sofia Willhauk—three driving forces behind IPAI’s mission to build a vibrant ecosystem for applied artificial intelligence. 

    By aligning strengths and working together, we can create even greater value for the ecosystem as a whole in Baden-Württemberg—reflecting a responsible approach that also considers the social and ethical implications of AI. The exchange highlighted our common goals: accelerating the transfer of AI research into applications, strengthening networks, and building meaningful collaborations across regions. Through this collaboration, we aim to build bridges between research, society, and industry to create a vibrant ecosystem for applied AI in Baden-Württemberg.

    Photo: Cyber Valley

    On March 27, representatives from “Tourismus und Stadtmarketing Tübingen GmbH” visited Cyber Valley in Tübingen. Tübingen’s tour guides and Stocherkahn operators were given an introduction to the Cyber Valley Innovation Campus. After an overview presentation, our guests joined a guided tour through the campus in Tübingen. At Cyber Valley, our mission is to turn AI and robotics research into real-world solutions that benefit people, industry, and society. An important part of that is engaging with the public and opening our doors to the community. 

    That’s why we are excited to launch our upcoming Campus Tours in Tübingen, where everyone will be welcome to explore the campus and learn more about the research happening here. Dates will be announced soon.

    Photo: Cyber Valley

    On March 30, we welcomed members of the European Parliament Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Axel Voss, Brando Benifei, and Anze Erbeznik to Cyber Valley in Stuttgart for an engaging exchange on Europe’s evolving AI landscape. Together with Regina Ammicht Quinn and Jessica Heesen from the International Center for Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities at Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, as well as Florian K. Mayer, CEO of Cyber Valley GmbH, they discussed key developments shaping Europe’s AI ecosystem. Topics included European AI legislation and the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the ethical implications of AI, digital autonomy, and questions surrounding our digital afterlife.  

    Photo: Cyber Valley
  • Another milestone for AI from the Stuttgart region

    Another milestone for AI from the Stuttgart region

    The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking an important step forward in the heart of Baden-Württemberg: the High-Performance Computing Center Stuttgart (HLRS) is joining the ‘KI-D@ARENA2036-X” program as a new partner, contributing its expertise and computing capacity. 

    The program is jointly driven by ARENA2036, Cyber Valley GmbH, DeepScenario, waveye, and the Technical Information and Communication Services of the University of Stuttgart (TIK).

    With HLRS joining the initiative, the program gains an important new partner. This collaboration provides access to the infrastructure project HammerHAI. Starting in mid-year, extensive AI computing resources will be available across the entire development chain—from smaller systems directly integrated into machines or devices to powerful high-performance computing systems. This will make it possible to train and deploy very large and complex AI models.

    Infrastructure designed to accelerate AI development

    As part of the initiative, the partners are building an open IT and data infrastructure, including access to a data space for the sovereign exchange of data. The goal is to provide companies with easy access to powerful resources for AI applications—from the initial idea to practical deployment within companies. At the center of this effort is the networking of AI systems and data. Companies will be able to use the provided infrastructure without having to build large technical systems themselves. Access will be offered at competitive costs. Start-ups as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will particularly benefit, strengthening their innovative capacity and competitiveness.

    This will create a scalable, transparent, and collaboratively designed system in Baden-Württemberg. Instead of a black-box approach, the project deliberately focuses on an open infrastructure.

    This infrastructure is built on three key components:

    Integrating own hardware

    Companies can integrate their own computing hardware, allowing them to flexibly expand available computing capacity and address individual requirements.

    Shared data space

    A scalable, collaborative data space with marketplaces enables different organizations to work together on datasets, AI models, and concrete use cases.

    High-performance computing with HammerHAI

    Powerful high-performance computing resources enable the training and deployment of particularly large AI models.

     

    A program that accelerates companies

    Participating companies in the ‘KI-D@ARENA2036-X’ program benefit from practical access to powerful AI infrastructure and a strong innovation network.

    The program offers, among other things:

    • the opportunity to test and implement new ideas and proof-of-concepts without high upfront investments
    • access to powerful high-performance IT without having to operate their own data center
    • professional exchange with other AI developers facing similar technological challenges
    • a real-world testing environment at ARENA2036 that brings together requirements from different industries

    This means the program not only supports companies in their projects—it actively accelerates the development and implementation of new AI applications.

    Voices from the project team

    Prof. Dr. Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart:

    “The IT and data infrastructure of ‘KI-D@ARENA2036-X’ is another important building block in our innovation ecosystem. The University of Stuttgart contributes to the success of this project through its Technical Information and Communication Services and as a partner of ARENA2036. I am therefore particularly pleased that the High-Performance Computing Center Stuttgart (HLRS) is now joining as another strong partner. With its powerful computing infrastructure, HLRS will support companies and start-ups in testing and optimizing state-of-the-art AI applications.”

    Dr. Alexander Lahl, Regional Director of the Verband Region Stuttgart:

    “Together with the HammerHAI infrastructure project, an important nucleus for AI development is emerging in the region. Start-ups and especially small and medium-sized enterprises will benefit greatly from this initiative. Through our support, we are significantly strengthening the Stuttgart Region as a location for AI applications and data infrastructures. At the same time, this project highlights the importance of collaboration across research, industry, and regional partners.”

    Michael Kaiser, Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS):

    “The collaboration between ‘KI-D@ARENA2036-X’ and HLRS and its European AI Factory HammerHAI is another important building block for the AI ecosystem of the Stuttgart Region. It enables companies to train and use very large AI models using efficient high-performance computers—without having to operate their own data center. This opens up new opportunities in AI development and application, especially for small and medium-sized companies.”

    Angelina Jukic, Program Manager at Cyber Valley GmbH:

    “Our goal within the KI-D@ARENA2036-X program is to create a highly connected ecosystem that brings together research, start-ups, and industry. This will make the development and training of AI models more efficient. HammerHAI is one of Germany’s leading AI computing infrastructures and works together with ARENA2036 on forward-looking solutions.”

     

    Project status and outlook

    Following the successful establishment of the basic infrastructure during the first year of the project, the program will enable operational access to the available computing and data resources in 2026.

    About the KI-D@ARENA2036-X program

    The KI-D@ARENA2036-X program is jointly implemented by ARENA2036, Cyber Valley GmbH, DeepScenario, waveye, and the Technical Information and Communication Services (TIK) of the University of Stuttgart. The goal is to build a collaborative infrastructure that accelerates AI innovation in Baden-Württemberg while ensuring security, transparency, and long-term economic sustainability.

    The program is funded by the Verband Region Stuttgart within the Co-Financing Program for Artificial Intelligence from 2024 to 2027 with a total of €685,000.

    Presscontact:

    Silke Dutz

    Public Outreach Manager      

    Email: silke.dutz@cyber-valley.de   

  • Cyber Valley Impulse on Mobility and Aerospace

    Cyber Valley Impulse on Mobility and Aerospace

    Join us for the first event of our new series “Cyber Valley Impulse”. It is dedicated to the role of AI in shaping the future of mobility and aerospace. This event brings together leading scientists, innovative start-ups, corporates, and investors who will share their research, success stories, and AI-driven breakthroughs.

    As part of the Cyber Valley Impulse event series, this edition focuses on the application of intelligent systems in mobility and aerospace. These sectors are rapidly evolving through advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven technologies, creating new opportunities and challenges across reseach and industry.  

    A highlight of the event is our research marketplace, an open space to explore emerging AI projects, exchange insights, and connect with entrepreneurs and potential collaborators from academia and industry.

    Program

    15:00: Registration and Check-in

    15:30: Cyber Valley Impulse Welcome

    15:40: Get-Together Circles

    16:30: Science Impulses

    • “Vision-based perception and autonomous control of aerial robots” by Aamir Ahmad, Institute of Flight Mechanics and Controls, University of Stuttgart
    • “ICM – Research and funding opportunities in manufacturing systems & mobility technologies” by Thilo Zimmermann, InnovationCampus Future Mobility (ICM)
    • “Usage of AI in aerospace systems” by Zamira Daw Perez, Institute of Aircraft Systems, University of Stuttgart
    • “Automated driving” by Ulrike Weinrich, Electronics & Mobility, FKFS Research Institute for Automotive Engineering and Powertrain Systems Stuttgart

    17:15: Break

    17:30: Start-up Impulses

    • Anand Waghmare, Yugen Space
    • Frederik Boenke, NUVUS

    17:50: Q&A

    18:15: Science Marketplace and Networking

  • Cyber Valley and UTokyo IPC Announce Yugen Space as Winner of ‘Valley and Sunrise’ – Market Exploration Program

    Cyber Valley and UTokyo IPC Announce Yugen Space as Winner of ‘Valley and Sunrise’ – Market Exploration Program

    STUTTGART/TÜBINGEN, TOKYO, March 3, 2026 – Cyber Valley GmbH und UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. have announced Yugen Space as the winner of the ‘Valley and Sunrise’ Program’s first edition.

    The ‘Valley and Sunrise’ Program empowers start-ups working in AI and robotics to find entry into the Japanese market. Driven by its goal of fostering international growth, the program offers participants hands-on mentorship, strategic insights, and access to UTokyo IPC’s network of industry leaders and partners.

    ‘We designed Valley and Sunrise to help talented founders accelerate their impact,’ said Angelina Jukic, Program Manager of Valley and Sunrise at Cyber Valley GmbH. ‘The quality of applications was exceptional, and our judges were impressed with how Yugen Space combined a bold vision with real-world traction.’

    Yugen Space was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants for its innovative approach as well as its strong market potential. The start-up was founded by Anand Waghmare (CEO) and Parikshit Joshi (CTO) in June 2025 and has its headquarters in Tübingen. Yugen Space’s mission is to build the intelligence engine for satellite-driven decisions.

    Yugen Space combines raw satellite imagery and real-world decisions. It integrates multi-source satellite data, applies scientific and machine learning models, and converts planetary signals into decision-ready intelligence. Users select a location, ask a question, and receive decision-ready insights within minutes. 

    Over the course of the program, Yugen Space will work closely with mentors and industry experts to refine its market strategy and develop a roadmap for scaling its products and services.

    Anand Waghmare, CEO of Yugen Space:

    ‘Being selected for the Valley and Sunrise program is a pivotal milestone for Yugen Space. It allows us to bridge two of the world’s most advanced AI and deep-tech ecosystems: Cyber Valley here in Germany and UTokyo IPC in Japan. For us, this is a vital opportunity to scale our mission of democratizing planetary intelligence internationally. We look forward to working with Japanese industry leaders to prove how our products can solve complex environmental and industrial challenges on a global scale.’ 

    Hideki Nagasaka, Partner and Director, 1stRound, UTokyo IPC:

    ‘This selection marks a meaningful milestone in the collaboration framework we have steadily built between Japan and Germany over the years. We are confident that this milestone will serve as a critical step for Yugen Space as it accelerates its business development with a clear view toward expansion into the Japanese market. Through this initiative, we hope not only to contribute to the continued growth of the German innovation community, including Cyber Valley, but also to further deepen the ties between the German and Japanese ecosystems. We remain committed to strengthening the Japan-Germany network and advancing sustainable, long-term collaboration.‘

    For more information about Valley and Sunrise and future opportunities, visit: https://cyber-valley.de/en/websites/cyber-valley/pages/valley-and-sunrise-program/

    About UTokyo IPC

    UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) is a venture capital firm wholly owned by the University of Tokyo, established in 2016 to strengthen Japan’s global industrial competitiveness through startup investment and ecosystem building. As a public–private venture capital firm, UTokyo IPC has invested in more than 80 university-affiliated startups and venture funds both in Japan and overseas. Beyond investment, UTokyo IPC operates the Startup Building Program, which supports the commercialization of research outcomes; 1stRound, Japan’s largest academia-linked accelerator; and DeepTech Dive, a program dedicated to cultivating deep-tech talent. In 2024, UTokyo IPC launched the ASA Fund under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s initiative to promote global collaboration and establish Japan as a hub for deep-tech innovation.

    About Cyber Valley

    Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. Its mission and public mandate are to advocate for research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in intelligent systems. Cyber Valley encourages entrepreneurship by uniting scientific excellence with innovation and technology transfer. In addition, Cyber Valley facilitates critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI through public engagement. Cyber Valley envisions a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.

    Media Contact

    Silke Dutz, Cyber Valley GmbH: silke.dutz@cyber-valley.de

    Akiko Tsuchiya, UTokyo IPC: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp

  • Cyber Valley Start-up Meshcapade draws Epic Games to Tübingen

    Cyber Valley Start-up Meshcapade draws Epic Games to Tübingen


    Meshcapade has been acquired by Epic Games. As part of the acquisition, Epic Games is establishing a presence in Cyber Valley. The Meshcapade team will join Epic’s AI research team, contributing to technologies for Unreal Engine and MetaHuman.

    Meshcapade, is a spin-off of the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Tübingen and one of the earliest members of the Cyber Valley Start-up Network. The start-up develops advanced technologies for the creation and animation of digital humans. Founded in 2018, the start-up received the inaugural Max Planck Startup Award from the Stifterverband in 2022. Epic Games is a U.S. game developer and creator of Unreal Engine, a game development technology. 

    Meshcapade’s technology builds on the Institute’s SMPL (Skinned Multi-Person Linear) body model, a highly realistic 3D representation of the human body trained on thousands of 3D scans. Licensed through Max Planck Innovation, the technology transfer arm of the Max Planck Society, SMPL has become the de facto standard for 3D human representation in both academia and industry. The technology was developed by co-founders Naureen Mahmood and Talha Zaman together with Michael J. Black, Director of Perceiving Systems at MPI-IS. 

    The Meshcapade team will now join Epic Games, which is opening a new office in Tübingen. This move strengthens Epic’s presence in Cyber Valley, one of Europe’s leading AI innovation ecosystems, and underscores the region’s role as a hub for cutting-edge research and industry collaboration in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and digital human technologies. 

    Read the full news story from the Max Planck Society here:

    https://www.mpg.de/26082348/max-planck-spin-off-meshcapade-draws-epic-games-to-tuebingen

  • Corporate Network

    Corporate Network

    Connections that matter

    The Cyber Valley Corporate Network connects companies with cutting-edge AI research, emerging start-ups, and leading institutions in one of Europe’s largest and leading AI ecosystems. Members gain access to insights from renowned research organizations, opportunities to engage with the latest AI and robotics innovations through various formats and events, and valuable connections that can spark new collaborations, partnerships, and applications for industry.

    Contact for corporates

    Alina Benze is dedicated to building strong relationships with corporate partners. She connects them with start-ups, technologies, and leading researchers from Baden-Württemberg to enable impactful partnerships and successful knowledge transfer.

    Founders

    • Amazon
    • BMW
    • Bosch
    • IAV Automotive Engineering
    • Mercedes-Benz Group AG
    • Porsche
    • ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    • Fraunhofer

    Partners

    • Boehringer Ingelheim
    • Festo
    • Zeiss

    Friends

    • Abstract
    • ALTEN
    • BioPro
    • Artificial Intelligence Institute Seoul National University (AIIS)
    • BioRegio Stern
    • CANCOM
    • CeGat
    • Dell Technologies
    • ELCO
    • Electrolux Professional
    • EnBW
    • IHK Stuttgart
    • Immatics
    • Intervall
    • Medical Innovations Incubator GmbH
    • NDI Europe GmbH
    • NXTGN GmbH
    • Ovesco
    • relyon
    • Seoul AI Hub
    • SiloAI
    • Stimme Mediengruppe
    • Stuttgart Airport
    • TOTO
    • UTokyo IPC
    • Walter
  • DenkBox, kausable, and polybot join the Cyber Valley Start-up Network

    DenkBox, kausable, and polybot join the Cyber Valley Start-up Network

    Cyber Valley welcomes three new members to its Start-up Network: DenkBox, kausable, and polybot. These start-ups are using bold ideas and groundbreaking technologies to shape the future of AI and robotics in Baden-Württemberg.

    polybot envisions unlocking a sustainable future for humanity’s food production. The start-up builds small, dexterous robots that can perform a variety of complex, labor-intensive tasks, like weeding, precision pruning, and harvesting delicate crops like tomatoes and cucumbers. By automating manual fieldwork, polybot helps farmers address labor shortages while boosting long-term productivity and sustainability.

    DenkBox uses the latest open-source LLMs to provide a locally hosted AI chatbot. The start-up puts its users’ privacy first: it does not require connection to an external cloud, ensuring full compliance with GDPR. Meanwhile, DenkBox offers access to state-of-the-art open-source LLMs. The start-up offers both hardware and software from a single source, requiring minimal IT configuration that integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructures.


    kausable is pioneering a new reasoning-first approach to AI, moving beyond pattern-based large language models. Their agentic AI learns in-context from only a few examples, opens new domains without retraining, and generalizes across tasks and modalities. Backed by leading investors such as Mätch VC, LDV Partners, and experts from Black Forest Labs, kausable is building efficient, general-purpose intelligence that is made in Europe.


    The Cyber Valley Community is excited to welcome DenkBox, kausable, and polybot to its growing ecosystem. These start-ups are strengthening Cyber Valley’s mission to unite groundbreaking science with innovation and technology transfer to solve real-world problems.

    The Cyber Valley Start-up Network

    The Cyber Valley Start-up Network brings together more than 90 innovative AI and robotics start-ups across Baden-Württemberg, forming a strong and growing entrepreneurial community within one of Europe’s leading AI and robotics ecosystems. The network spans a broad range of applications and industries, from foundational AI technologies to applied and industry-specific solutions. Connected through their close ties to Cyber Valley, members benefit from access to world-class research, industry partners, investors, and public stakeholders, jointly strengthening the region’s AI and robotics ecosystem.

  • Health Network

    Health Network

    About the Cyber Valley Health Network

    The Cyber Valley Health Network strengthens the cooperation between science and industry that utilize artificial intelligence and modern robotics in health and medical fields. The Network provides an ecosystem that brings together players working on this important intersection to consolidate Germany’s position as a beacon for artificial intelligence and improve global health. The Health Network promotes joint AI and health/medicine initiatives, supports start-ups and corporate innovations, and provides members access to relevant networks and business opportunities.

    ContacT

    Alina Benze is dedicated to building strong relationships with corporate partners. She connects them with start-ups, technologies, and leading researchers from Baden-Württemberg to enable impactful partnerships and successful knowledge transfer.

    Academic and state partners

    • Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems
    • University of Stuttgart
    • University of Tübingen

    Corporate partners

    • BioPro
    • BioRegio Stern
    • Boehringer Ingelheim
    • CeGat
    • Immatics
    • Medical Innovations Incubator GmbH
    • Ovesco
    • Roche
    • Zeiss

    Start-ups

    • Actimi
    • AIRAmed
    • Ambigate
    • Auditect
    • BinDoc
    • Biocompile
    • BrainKey
    • Cerebri Health
    • Cytolytics
    • Deep Care
    • Deep Scenario
    • dxOmics
    • Earlytrace
    • EndoSurge
    • Hellstern Medical
    • IntegraSkin
    • Medicalvalues
    • MiraVision Gmbh
    • OSORA
    • SKAI
    • Vicinity Bio
    • Visual Abstract
  • Investor Network

    Investor Network

    Trusted capital. Strategic growth.

    At Cyber Valley, we believe the path from science to application is clearest when researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors collaborate early and deeply.

    The Cyber Valley Investor Network spans a curated group of top-tier venture funds, family offices, and mission-aligned capital partners. These investors share a commitment to scientific rigor, long-term thinking, and building transformative deeptech companies.

    Together, we support the transformation of AI and robotics research into scalable ventures, backing scientists and founders from pre-seed to growth.

    While we don’t list every investor publicly, their impact is visible across the Cyber Valley Community—in our start-ups, events, and shared milestones.

    Contact for Investors

    Blanca Büechl is dedicated to advancing deep tech innovation and connecting global investors with high-potential opportunities emerging from the Baden-Württemberg region.