Bavaria's Minister of Science Markus Blume and Colorado's Governor Jared Polis signed a joint declaration in Munich to deepen research and innovation relations. The aim is to better network the competencies of both innovation ecosystems - from basic research to technology transfer and industrial application.

The cooperation can build on existing connections: Eleven universities in Colorado already work with ten Bavarian universities today. Eleven universities in Colorado work with ten Bavarian universities together. This includes collaborations between the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Colorado Boulder and other universities, as well as the OTH Regensburg with Colorado State University.

In the future, further joint research projects, workshops, and networking formats, as well as exchange programs for students and researchers, are to be established. Cooperation between research institutions and innovative companies is also to be intensified.

Focus on strategic future technologies

A focus of the partnership is on future technologies. Particularly emphasized is Fusion research, which both sides see as a strategic key technology for the energy generation of the future.

Bavaria contributes, among other things, the competencies of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Garching and the CALA research center with the high-performance laser ATLAS-3000 at LMU. Colorado has particularly pronounced research structures in laser and precision physics, quantum optics, and modern measurement technologies. In addition, there is a high concentration of federally funded research centers around Boulder.

Bavaria expands scientific network in the USA

The agreement is part of the expansion of Bavarian scientific cooperation with the USA. From August 18 to 26, 2026 Minister of Science Blume will travel to the United States. Planned are, among other things, scientific-political talks, a visit to GAIN26 in San Francisco, and a visit to Colorado State University.

The new partnership aims to strengthen the long-term exchange of talents and knowledge and enable new joint research and transfer projects between Bavaria and Colorado.