Project & Venture Manager (m/w/d)

About TUM Venture Labs

TUM Venture Labs is a joint initiative of UnternehmerTUM and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). As a network of domain-specific incubators for Deep Tech and Life Sciences, we support technology-driven startups from the initial idea to investor readiness.

In the field of Soil Innovation, we combine agroecological research, practical innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking – from field trials to startup ecosystems. As a Project & Venture Manager (m/f/d), you will play a central role in building and further developing this focus area: you will connect science, agriculture, and the startup scene, and actively shape how living soils influence the future of nutrition.

Please note that this is a temporary position.

Your Responsibilities

Agroecology Project Root2Fork (approx. 50%)

• Coordination and management of the collaborative Root2Fork project along the entire value chain – from soil research to the consumer's fork
• Project management including milestone tracking, progress monitoring, and quality assurance
• Strategic sparring with project partners from agriculture, science, and civil society on positioning and collaborations
• Coordination of field trials, transdisciplinary workshops, and knowledge transfer formats
• Preparation of progress and financial reports for funding agencies

Innovations in Soil Health (approx. 25%)

• Scouting and analysis of new scientific findings and practice-oriented innovations in soil biology and ecology
• Conception and implementation of knowledge transfer formats (e.g., expert workshops, publications, digital formats)
• Building and expanding a network of relevant stakeholders from research, practice, and politics
• Support of pilot projects as well as measurement and communication of effects and impact

Startup Ecosystem Soil Ventures (approx. 25%)

• Identification and approach of startups with soil-relevant solution approaches (e.g., bio-inputs, digital soil diagnostics, regenerative agriculture)
• Individual sparring with founding teams on product strategy, market positioning, fundraising, and team building
• Conception and implementation of accelerator, mentoring, and matchmaking formats
• Networking of startups with investors, research institutions, and agricultural companies
• Strategic positioning of the venture approach as a leading platform in the Soil Tech sector

Your Profile

• You have at least three years of experience in a scientific, agricultural, or innovation-driven environment – such as in research projects, venture roles, or in strategy and business development.
• A completed degree in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, sustainability management, biology, or a related field forms your professional foundation.
• You have in-depth knowledge of soil ecology, agroecology, or regenerative agriculture and can transfer this knowledge into application-oriented contexts.
• You are familiar with the dynamics of technology-driven startups and ideally have already supported founding teams or have your own startup experience.
• You are confident in navigating the German research and innovation ecosystem and communicate convincingly in English – with founders, investors, and project partners alike.
• Demonstrated experience in independently building projects, communities, or teams rounds off your profile.

Advantageous, but not required:

• Own startup experience – even failed ventures count
• Knowledge of relevant funding programs (e.g., BMBF, EU Horizon, foundations)
• Existing network with investors or partners in the Agri-Food and Soil Tech sector

Your Benefits

• Meaningful work at the interface of science, practice, and innovation
• Involvement in a dedicated, interdisciplinary team with flat hierarchies
• Scope for design and room for your own ideas
• Access to an extensive network of research, agriculture, the startup scene, and investors
• Initially a fixed-term position for two years with the intention of extension

Contact

Your contact person

Carina Schreyer · Business Partner People & Culture

UnternehmerTUM GmbH · Lichtenbergstraße 6, 85748 Garching/München