For the next generation of innovators

Welcome to the CDTM Application Portal

We're excited that you're considering applying to CDTM and we're looking forward to getting to know you.

We've put together this short guide to help you understand what CDTM is about and what to expect from the application process.

Watch

A look inside CDTM

Researchers, founders, policymakers, or industry experts; CDTM is for ALL innovators of tomorrow.

Hover or tap any photo for an application tip

Celine Röder

I'm Celine, studying medicine and currently doing research for my doctoral thesis in London where I work on understanding shared molecular mechanisms across neurodegenerative diseases. CDTM gave me the push to apply for opportunities outside of what I thought was possible for me and here I am now coding my days away in the terminal.

Celine Röder

Spring 22 · Medicine

Rudraksha Samdhani

I'm Richie, doing my Master's in Data Science at LMU Munich and working as an AI engineer at BCG. CDTM was the sole reason I came to Munich for my Bachelor's. I'd been researching startup clubs across the city, and when I saw the CDTM people at events and talked with them, I felt the same mindset, same energy.

Rudraksha Samdhani

Fall 24 · MSc Data Science

Markus Meinert

Yo-yo, I am Markus, 21 years old, and currently in my Bachelor's in Economics at LMU. I have a background in development banking and in development cooperation in Ghana. Without CDTM, I would have been on the clear path to academia.

Markus Meinert

Spring 26 · BSc Economics

Hanano Shiga

I'm Hana, a Master's student in Consumer Science at TUM with a German-Japanese background. Outside of uni, I work part-time at a VC fund, run events and community formats, and co-host a podcast. CDTM sits right at the intersection of everything I care about: tech, people, and building things.

Hanano Shiga

Fall 25 · MSc Consumer Science

Niko Pallas

Hi, my name is Niko and I am a media engineer by training and an environmentalist by heart. For the past 10+ years I've been inspiring and empowering young people to fall in love with wild nature and become change makers.

Niko Pallas

Spring 24 · MSc Human-Computer Interaction

Elena Herzog

Hi, I'm Eli, a Worm Mom, Fermentation Experimenter, Hobby Herbalist, Wannabe Origami Master, and Board Game Enthusiast. I just finished my studies in HCI and am now working on a solution for cell quantification with friends I met at CDTM.

Elena Herzog

Spring 25 · MSc Human-Computer Interaction

How to apply

Application Process

01

Form & Letter

This is where you introduce your background, experiences, interests, and skills.

But beyond achievements and CV points, we also want to understand who you are.

It is your chance to show personality, reflection, and motivation. There is no single right answer. The strongest essays are often the most personal, honest, and specific.

02

Interviews

Personal

A relaxed conversation to get to know each other better. Alumni often describe it as a "fun coffee chat." There is not much to prepare beyond being yourself.

Technical

A conversation about your projects, your creativity, and your problem-solving skills. Come well-rested and ready to talk to us about your field of interest.

Come say hi

Meet us

Join an info session, workshop, or casual mingle to meet current CDTM students and ask the questions that matter before you apply.

Next upIn 2 days
INFO EVENT

Mon, May 11 - 7:30 PM

CDTM Open Day: Get to Know the Community & Program

Meet current CDTM students from all disciplines, learn how the study program works, and get your application questions answered in an informal setting.

CDTM, Marsstrasse 20

Open on Luma
Also coming up
WORKSHOP

Tue, May 12 - 6:00 PM

Workshop: How to Crack a Case

Hands-on prep for the CDTM interview: learn the case-study framework step by step and practice on a real prompt in a small team.

CDTM, Marsstrasse 20

MINGLE

Mon, May 18 - 4:00 PM

Mingle @ Cafe Kosmos

Drop in for a casual coffee or beer with current CDTM students - the easiest way to ask the honest questions about the program before you apply.

Cafe Kosmos, Dachauer Str. 7

INFO EVENT

Wed, May 20 - 6:30 PM

InspiHer: Female Mentoring Night

An empowering evening with female mentors from tech, business and academia - short talks, 1:1 conversations and a community of like-minded students.

CDTM, Marsstrasse 20

INFO EVENT

Fri, May 22 - 4:00 PM

Info Event @ TUM Campus Straubing: Learn About the Program & Application

For TUM Campus Straubing students: learn how to combine CDTM with your studies in Straubing and how to position your application - with live Q&A.

Online - Google Meet

INFO EVENT

Fri, May 22 - 6:00 PM

Fireside Chat @ Campus Heilbronn: Learn About the Program & Application

For TUM Campus Heilbronn students: hear honest insights about CDTM from current students, including some studying at both campuses, and ask your application questions live.

Online - Google Meet

MINGLE

Tue, May 26 - 8:30 AM

CDTM Run & Mingle

Skip the formal info session - lace up and join a relaxed morning run with current students, then grab a coffee and ask anything you want.

LAP coffee, Hohenzollernstrasse 8

WORKSHOP

Wed, May 27 - 5:00 PM

Workshop: Prototyping with Lovable

Turn an idea into a working prototype in one evening using Lovable. Hands-on building, real feedback, and a taste of how we work at CDTM.

CDTM, Marsstrasse 20

INFO EVENT

Thu, May 28 - 6:00 PM

Final Online Info Session - Last Q&A

Your last chance before the deadline: a walkthrough of the application, insider tips on what we look for, and live Q&A with students and recruiting.

Online - Google Meet

Most events take place at CDTM, Marsstrasse 20-22, Munich.

See full Luma calendar
Your turn

Your journey starts here

What matters most is that you stay true to yourself and show us what genuinely drives you. The CDTM community is here to support you throughout the process, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Application FAQ
Explore community paths
Reach out

We're excited to get to know you! 🚀

Start your application