TUM Sustainability Day: Driving momentum for global sustainability collaboration

The strong international presence clearly highlighted TUM’s position as a trusted and valued partner in the global sustainability landscape.

A campus dedicated to sustainability

The following day, the Garching campus became the center of the TUM Sustainability Day. With workshops, competitions, and a “Fair of Opportunities,” more than 7,000 students, researchers, staff, alumni, and international guests gathered to explore current projects and solution approaches.

The Global Sustainability Challenge in particular demonstrated the innovation potential of interdisciplinary and international teams. At the same time, the diverse program offered numerous opportunities for networking and mutual learning.

A platform for the future and for collaboration

On the third day, the focus shifted decisively toward implementation with the Living Lab Summit. The summit built on the strategic collaboration between TUM and the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and followed the kickoff event held in October 2025 at Stanford University.

Under the guiding theme “Campus as a Catalyst for Urban Sustainability Solutions,” international partners from a global network of more than 20 universities came together to further develop Living Labs as platforms for experimentation, knowledge transfer, and innovation in sustainable urban development.

Keynotes, impulses, and interactive workshops addressed central issues – from energy systems and circular economy to mobility, governance, and data-driven approaches. Particular emphasis was placed on linking research, teaching, campus development, and societal partnerships to accelerate the translation of knowledge into practice.

The intensive exchange resulted in shared perspectives, concrete approaches for future collaboration, and the adoption of the “Munich Statement,” which will serve as a foundation for continued joint efforts.