What is SPARK

SPARK is the first centre for innovative space propulsion worldwide that is tailored to the needs and requirements of universities and start-ups.

Structural goals and success criteria

SPARK has set itself the following ambitious structural goals:

• Strengthen the Bavarian and Germany-wide space ecosystem to establish a global leadership position
• Unique/leading research in the key areas of space propulsion and space transport
• Establish TUM and participating German universities as leading research institutions in the field of space propulsion in Germany, Europe and the world
• Anchoring university research and development in the Bavarian ecosystem in and for collaboration with up-and-coming start-ups
• Attract leading industry players, start-ups and students

SPARK has defined the following specific target criteria, the achievement of which will also be used to measure the success of the initiative. At least 10 start-ups will be founded or supported by SpaceTeC by 2026. More than EUR 3 million in venture capital is to be attracted for this purpose. The acquisition of 4 million euros in EU and DFG third-party funding is primarily intended to strengthen basic research. During this period, around 500 students will also be trained, 15 publications produced, 5 patents registered and over 1000 hours of innovative drive technologies tested.