Head of Batteries / Project Lead (m/f/d)
Published February 8, 2025
Are you passionate about technology? Do you want to support Germany´s founders of deep-tech start-ups in turning their ideas into groundbreaking products?
Then become part of the BaStI (Battery Start-up Incubator) Project, a first-of-its-kind incubator dedicated to advancing battery-related start-ups across Germany. Driven by the TUM Venture Labs, BaStI addresses the unique challenges faced by battery startups in Germany — from high initial investment needs and long payback times to navigating access to highly specialized research infrastructure.
The TUM Venture Labs are a joint initiative by TUM and UnternehmerTUM that support deep tech and life science start-ups throughout their early life cycle—offering domain expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and access to Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem to turn ideas into impactful ventures. This ambitious initiative leverages the combined expertise of TUM Venture Labs, TUM, TUMint.Energy Research and UnternehmerTUM to offer world-class support for battery start-ups, transforming scientific research into market-ready innovations. As part of Europe’s leading start-up ecosystem, BaStI aims to accelerate the industrial application of battery technology and provides comprehensive support across all stages of start-up development.
As part of the TUM Venture Labs team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping a cutting-edge start-up environment. You’ll support founders in transforming their ideas into market-ready innovations while working in an interdisciplinary, forward-looking environment where innovation, collaboration, and impact drive everything we do.
Your Mission
* Support scientists, students and start-ups in the battery sector (such as Material and Process Research, Scaling Research and Digitalization, Sustainable Battery Life Cycles, Future Technology, etc.) by developing tailored solutions based on the team’s stage of development.
* Engage with researchers and students while expanding educational offerings for aspiring founders in materials science, energy storage, and sustainability.
* Build and maintain a German battery network, especially with external experts, investors, and companies, and represent BaStI publicly at events and conferences.
* Oversee the operational organization, implementation, and execution of all incubator activities in collaboration with the TUM Venture Labs.
* Connect research institutes in Germany working in the battery sector, facilitating collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint project development across the entire research ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the overall BaStI project and ensure the achievement of strategic objectives.
* Oversee the planning, implementation, and operational execution of the BaStI Incubator, providing tailored support along the entire battery value chain—from early-stage idea development to market entry.
* Develop and manage partnerships with research institutes, universities, and industry stakeholders across Germany’s battery technology ecosystem.
* Facilitate collaboration between battery-related research institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and joint development projects.
* Drive the development and execution of strategies to support the growth and success of battery-related start-ups.
* Monitor and report on project progress, budgets, and key performance indicators.
* Ensure seamless integration and coordination with TUM Venture Labs, TUM, TUMint. Energy Research, UnternehmerTUM, and other supporting partners.
* Represent BaStI at public events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
Your Profile
* A completed academic degree (Diploma, Master’s, or PhD) in electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, business administration, or a comparable field (ideally related to battery technology, materials science, or related areas).
* Ideally, experience as a founder or alternatively experience with incubation/accelerator programs for deep-tech start-ups or in innovation management.
* Experience in the battery industry or related deep-tech sectors, with knowledge of key stakeholders, industry dynamics, and trends.
* Proven ability to manage and implement complex projects independently, with strong leadership and organizational skills.
* Experience in fostering cross-institutional collaboration and coordinating partnerships with research institutions.
* Ability to build and maintain an extensive stakeholder network across academia, industry, and government.
* Team player with the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and proactively contribute expertise.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and German.
* High level of personal responsibility and a strong hands-on mentality.
What we offer
* Impactful Mission: Contribute to building Europe’s leading battery start-up incubator and support the technological sovereignty of Germany and Europe.
* Innovative Environment: Work with top-tier institutions like TUM Venture Labs, TUM, TUMint. Energy Research and UnternehmerTUM, with access to a unique ecosystem of industry experts, researchers, and government initiatives.
* Collaborative Team: Join a multidisciplinary, forward-thinking team with access to a broad network of stakeholders in the field of battery technology and deep-tech start-ups.
* Flexible Work Environment: Hybrid work options are available, with a main location at Garching near Munich, Germany.
The position is funded through a grant until 31.12.2028. Employment and remuneration are based on TV-L. As an employer committed to promoting equal opportunities, we explicitly encourage applications from women and all other individuals who can bring an additional dimension of diversity to our team. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.
Please send your application (cover letter indicating the earliest possible start date, a structured CV without a photo, and copies of your most important certificates combined into a single PDF file) via email to hiring_sustainability@tum-venture-labs.de with the subject line “Battery Startup Incubator – Role title.”
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