Review of the MuCon-X opening: First steps on Munich's bridge to the digital future

A strong network starts with strong connections – and that's exactly what we experienced at the end of February.

“Munich, we have a connection!” – With these words, Werner Theiner, President of German Mittelstand e.V. and host of the evening, opened the event. And that's exactly what it's all about: connections that strengthen Munich and the DACH region – technologically, economically, and politically.

With over 200 partners, industry experts, and key representatives from business and politics, we celebrated the opening of the new cloud and connectivity hub MuCon-X. But this evening was more than just an opening – it was the first step on a new digital bridge connecting Munich with the future.

Don't feel like reading? You can find the aftermovie at the very end of the article!

A bridge that is not only supported by digital connections

Looking at the pictures from the evening, one thing becomes particularly clear: our large bridge installation is not just a symbol—it is a joint promise made by strong representatives from our industry.

Our promise to work together to pave the way for digitalization, drive innovation, and reach new horizons for Bavaria and Germany as a strong community.

The enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate were palpable throughout the evening. MuCon-X was celebrated not only as a new technological platform, but also as a hub for digital sovereignty, growth, and innovation.

Representatives from politics and business explain why these connections are necessary.

Dr. Fabian Mehring, Bavarian Minister of State for Digital Affairs, and Dr. Ralf Wintergerst, CEO of Giesecke+Devrient and President of Bitkom, gave keynote speeches highlighting the importance of a high-performance digital infrastructure. Both emphasized the immense significance of independent digital hubs for Germany's competitiveness.

Dr. Ralf Wintergerst – CEO, Giesecke+Devrient & Bitkom President:

“Investments in digital infrastructure, products, and services are also investments in our future and digital sovereignty.”

Dr. Fabian Mehring, Bavarian State Minister for Digital Affairs:

“MuCon-X opens a new gateway to the digital world for our state capital. With EMC Home of Data, a Bavarian SME is fully committed to the future – because progress can only be achieved with courage. I am proud of this, because digital infrastructure is not a luxury, but indispensable for the sovereignty of modern states!”

A clear message: Germany and Bavaria must not lose touch with the digital future. This requires investment, courage, and strong cooperation between business, politics, and technology – which is exactly what MuCon-X stands for.

The highlight of the evening: the unveiling of the bridge installation

A special moment was the ceremonial unveiling of the MuCon-X bridge at the new MUC II data center section of EMC Home of Data.

The life-size installation reflects what MuCon-X stands for:

“The path to the digital future requires a stable foundation built on a strong network.”

✨ Nicola Winter, pilot and ESA reserve astronaut, kicked off the event with an impressive interactive light show. Guests were given glowing pens, which they used to gradually activate individual points in the room—until finally a radiant network of connections emerged, illuminating even the huge (future) server room. A powerful symbol that shows above all that every single connection counts.

💬 Bernhard Huter, CEO EMC Home of Data:

“MuCon-X stands for strong connections – digital and personal. The opening of this hub is a milestone for Munich and the DACH region. Together with our partners, we are building a stable foundation for a confident digital future – a bridge that will help us overcome the challenges of the digital future.”

First steps toward the future with MuCon-X partners

During the event, the first MuCon-X partners had the opportunity to symbolically immortalize themselves as part of MuCon-X – and thus as part of the bridge. By affixing their logos, they sent a signal of solidarity – and of the shared path toward the digital future.

Several companies already confirmed their partnership with MuCon-X that evening, including:

DE-CIX, Core-Backbone, 1&1 Versatel, SaSG, komro, LWLcom, Inter.link, AVACOMM, Arelion, NGN Fiber Network, Colt, M-net, Erdenreich Datentechnik, AnschlussWerk, waipu.tv, euNetworks, Hofmeir Media, MIT Teleport.

These partnerships have enabled us to take the first steps toward the future.

We would like to thank everyone who made this evening possible and was part of it, but especially you!