VDMA Startup-Machine and a new matchmaking initiative demonstrate how the mechanical and plant engineering sector can find suitable startups and easily launch collaborations—in a practical, structured way that delivers clear added value.
Today, innovations in the machinery and plant engineering sector are increasingly emerging through collaboration with startups. Young technology companies bring speed, new ways of thinking, and specialized solutions—for example, in the fields of artificial intelligence, data analysis, or automation—to the industry. For established companies, collaborations thus become a key lever for implementing innovations more quickly and remaining competitive in the long term.
At the same time, many companies face a key challenge: How can they identify suitable startups to address their specific needs? The market is growing rapidly, but companies often lack the time and resources for systematic scouting. Against this backdrop, ProduktionNRW, in cooperation with the VDMA Startup-Machine, organized a virtual information event on June 11, 2026, that provided a practical overview of new approaches to startup matchmaking.
Insights into the VDMA Startup-Machine
Ecehan Yozgat, project manager at VDMA Services GmbH, presented the VDMA Startup-Machine—a key initiative aimed at bringing mechanical engineering and startups together in a structured way. The focus is on targeted networking between the two worlds: While startups drive relevant trends and introduce new ways of working, the mechanical and plant engineering sector serves as a strong user industry. The goal is to bring both sides together through needs-based matchmaking, thereby facilitating concrete collaborations.
The VDMA Startup-Machine draws on a broad network of around 450 startups relevant to the mechanical engineering sector—including those in the fields of artificial intelligence, big data, industrial IoT, additive manufacturing, and robotics. In addition to providing access to relevant startups, the initiative offers a comprehensive portfolio of services:
- Startup scouting to identify new technologies and trends
- Matchmaking formats to initiate concrete collaborations
- Coaching services for collaboration with startups
- Platforms and events that promote visibility and networking
As a result, the Startup Machine serves as a central entry point for companies looking to systematically build innovation partnerships.
Introduction to Startup Matchmaking
Following this, Christoph Baier, Managing Director of Ambi-Vation GmbH, and Quentin Normand, Innovation Manager at Ambi-Vation, provided a practical introduction to the new Startup Matchmaking—including a live demonstration.
The service is aimed specifically at VDMA member companies and provides a low-barrier entry point for collaborating with startups. Companies can register their interest in various services free of charge and take advantage of tailored offerings. These include:
- Targeted identification of and contact facilitation with relevant startups
- Access to a comprehensive startup database via the Coopsaas platform
- Publishing their own innovation needs through so-called “startup challenges”
- Sharing best practices and success stories from collaborations
- Participation in events and networking opportunities, such as webinars, matchmaking events, or masterclasses
- International scouting with advanced tools and services
Exchange of experiences and discussion
A central component is the Coopsaas platform, through which companies can search specifically for relevant startups and initiate initial contacts.
In the concluding discussion, it became clear that entering into collaborations with startups is now significantly easier and more structured than it was just a few years ago. With the VDMA Startup Machine and the new matchmaking service, member companies have access to a concrete and practical set of tools to drive innovation in a targeted manner.
For companies that have had little interaction with startups to date, this service offers a clear, structured, and low-risk entry point into the innovation ecosystem.
Organizer
The event is organized by ProduktionNRW and the Northern Regional Association. ProduktionNRW is the cluster for mechanical engineering and production technology in North Rhine-Westphalia and is operated by VDMA NRW. ProduktionNRW sees itself as a platform for connecting, informing, and promoting companies, institutions, and networks with one another and along the value chain. Significant portions of the services provided by ProduktionNRW are funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.