AlpMomentum

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, host Michael Brehm sits down with Prof. Dr. Thomas Bauernhansl, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) and Professor at the University of Stuttgart. As one of Europe’s most influential figures at the intersection of applied research, industrial innovation, and entrepreneurship, Bauernhansl offers a rare inside look into how deep tech is translated from laboratories into real-world impact. The conversation explores why applied research and entrepreneurship are two sides of the same coin—and why separating academia from the market is, in Bauernhansl’s words, a fundamentally flawed idea. Drawing on his experience leading one of Fraunhofer’s largest institutes, he explains how IPA systematically builds startups through structured technology roadmaps, customer-first thinking, and an entrepreneurial culture embedded across the organization. Bauernhansl shares how Fraunhofer IPA operates at scale: managing a €100M annual budget, coordinating 1,000+ researchers, and actively supporting more than 20 startup teams at various stages. He details how IPA moved from “startups by accident” to a deliberate, repeatable spinout process—culminating in the creation of its own in-house incubator. The episode dives deep into concrete success stories, including breakthroughs in medical technology, fully automated cable assembly, and personalized cancer therapies—with some solutions reducing treatment costs by up to 80% while expanding global access. Bauernhansl also addresses Europe’s structural challenges: conservative procurement cultures, insufficient late-stage funding, and why up to 80% of successful German startups eventually rely on foreign capital. Beyond individual ventures, the discussion zooms out to the macro level: how Germany and Europe can remain competitive in an era defined by AI, robotics, biological transformation, and quantum technologies—and what universities, research institutions, and policymakers must change to unlock their full innovation potential. This episode offers a deep, unfiltered look into how industrial-scale innovation actually works, what it takes to build startups from science, and why Europe’s future depends on closing the gap between research excellence and market execution. Welcome to “AlpMomentum – Innovate, Educate, Elevate,” a podcast by entrepreneur and investor Michael Brehm, founding partner of Redstone.vc and founder of the AlpMomentum Think Tank. Each episode explores the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, technology, and policy with the people actively shaping Europe’s innovation ecosystem.

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, host Michael Brehm sits down with Prof. Dr. Jan Brinckmann, one of Europe’s leading thinkers at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and venture building. As Professor at ESADE Business School—one of the world’s most international and practice-driven institutions—Brinckmann offers a rare inside look into how he develops entrepreneurial talent and why ESADE consistently ranks among the top universities in the Redstone University Startup Index. Together, they explore how entrepreneurship education has evolved from traditional lectures to case-based learning and now to fully immersive, real-world project work. Brinckmann explains why the desire to act, the belief that you can, and powerful triggering moments matter far more than theoretical models—and how his programs are designed to move students from the “comfortable couch” into real entrepreneurial execution. He discusses the importance of role models, hands-on experimentation, and high-velocity project cycles, as well as why young founders should “build now” instead of waiting for perfect business plans. Brinckmann also offers insights into ESADE’s unique ecosystem: from weekly founders’ meetups to revenue-generating challenges, from cross-disciplinary collaborations to the mindset shifts required for building globally relevant companies. The conversation touches on Europe’s need to accelerate in AI and digital innovation, the persistent gap between business schools and engineering faculties, and how universities can become platforms for ambitious, pan-European technology initiatives. Brinckmann also shares stories of standout founders—including the creator of Touchland, who scaled her company to a multi-hundred-million-dollar exit—and outlines what truly distinguishes the top performers: curiosity, hunger, and an intrinsic drive to learn and build. This episode offers deep insights into entrepreneurial education, founder psychology, and the future of European innovation ecosystems—told by one of the most influential educators, entrepreneurs, and early-stage investors in the field. Welcome to "AlpMomentum - Innovate, Educate, Elevate," a captivating new podcast series brought to you by entrepreneur Michael Brehm, founding partner of Redstone.vc and founder of the Think Tank AlpMomentum. Join us as we delve into the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, technology, and policy with some of the brightest minds shaping our future. Each episode will bring you personal stories, expert opinions, and inspiring discussions from leading academics, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. We'll explore what it takes to create thriving educational environments, the traits of successful founders, and the future of tech-driven solutions to global challenges.

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, host Michael Brehm sits down with Bruno Bouchard, President of Université Paris Dauphine – PSL, one of Europe’s most dynamic mid-sized universities and recently ranked number one in efficiency across the continent. As the first Dauphine alumnus to lead the institution, Professor Bouchard offers a rare inside look into how he and his team are transforming the university into a model for innovation, interdisciplinarity, and entrepreneurial education. Together, they explore how Dauphine balances academic excellence with agility, cultivating a culture of collaboration across disciplines—from mathematics and management to AI and the social sciences. Professor Bouchard discusses the creation of PSL’s Paris School of Artificial Intelligence, the introduction of the pioneering AI & Management double degree, and the university’s unique House of Entrepreneurship and incubator, which have already supported over 250 startups with an 80 percent success rate. The conversation also addresses how to foster female entrepreneurship, the importance of humility and speed of learning in successful founders, and how European universities can bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. This episode provides deep insights into leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of higher education in shaping Europe’s next generation of entrepreneurs and change-makers. Welcome to "AlpMomentum - Innovate, Educate, Elevate," a captivating new podcast series brought to you by entrepreneur Michael Brehm, founding partner of Redstone.vc and founder of the Think Tank AlpMomentum. Join us as we delve into the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, technology, and policy with some of the brightest minds shaping our future. Each episode will bring you personal stories, expert opinions, and inspiring discussions from leading academics, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. We'll explore what it takes to create thriving educational environments, the traits of successful founders, and the future of tech-driven solutions to global challenges.

This episode features Nico Valenti Gatto, Operating Director of Bocconi for Innovation (B4I), in conversation with Michael Brehm: Learn how Bocconi bridges academia and entrepreneurship to support groundbreaking startups. Gain insights into leadership strategies for fostering innovation and a culture of ownership. Discover how programs like B4I are turning ambitious ideas into market-ready realities.

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, we’re excited to feature Marion Debruyne, Dean of Vlerick Business School, in conversation with Michael Brehm. Together, they explore the power of culture as a differentiator for high-performance organizations and the competitive advantage companies gain by partnering with universities. They tackle critical questions such as how culture drives organizational success, the strategic role of academic-business partnerships, and Vlerick’s unique approach to fostering entrepreneurial leadership. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators dedicated to shaping high-impact, future-ready organizations.

In this episode of the AlpMomentum Podcast, we’re thrilled to feature Leon Laulusa, Executive President and Dean of ESCP Business School, in conversation with Michael Brehm. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of business education and leadership, discussing critical questions such as how to prepare students for a rapidly globalizing market, the value of international experience, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. This episode offers deep insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

In this episode, we're honored to have Chas Bountra, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Oxford. He talks about the unique ecosystem and the rising challenges we are facing, while giving exclusive insights and personal solutions.

In this episode, we're honored to have Prof. Dr. Thomas Hofmann, president of TUM, the entrepreneurial university. Besides the exceptional performance of many student founded startups, TUM is also known for their own Day 1 approach. Together we discussed how the future of education in times of AI will look like and how universities need to change so they remain relevant in todays world.

In our inaugural episode, we're honored to have Prof. Dries Faems from WHU, the leading European university in fostering entrepreneurship. With a record of excellence in terms of efficiency in creating startups, WHU stands out among over 450 organizations across 34 countries. Prof. Faems will share insights into his journey, WHU's unique approach to education, and the innovations driving success in research, teaching, and entrepreneurship.