GBB Gesellschaft fur Bildung und Beruf

What GBB Gesellschaft fur Bildung und Beruf does

GBB Gesellschaft für Bildung und Beruf e.V. (GBB) is a German non-profit research and education association founded in 1986 and headquartered at Evinger Schloss in Dortmund (registry VR 3521). Registered as an eingetragener Verein (e.V.), GBB conducts publicly funded research projects, develops digital innovations, and transfers scientific findings into practice in close cooperation with universities, vocational training institutions, and industry partners. The organization has held DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 certification since 1995 as one of Germany's first certified research and transfer companies and operates as an AZAV-approved vocational training provider.

GBB's core technical focus is on digital assistance systems, 5G-enabled workplace technologies, XR/VR/AR applications, Industry 4.0 solutions, and Industrial Metaverse concepts, with specific applications for workplace inclusion of people with cognitive impairments and remote/decentralized work in rural areas. Its portfolio comprises funded initiatives including 5G-Außenarbeit (5G outdoor/decentralized workplace support), 5G Inklusion 4.0, INKLUSION 4.0 RUHR (innovation forum and knowledge platform), RegHUB-S3 (state-funded digital inclusion platform), RCS Inklusion 4.0 (open-source community software), DCL (German-Chinese Agricultural Vocational Training Center), CC Iran (refrigeration/HVAC competence center), MobiPro EU (BMAS-funded EU mobility program for vocational trainees), Willkommenslotsen (refugee integration counseling), and Juventus (social inclusion). Technical architecture combines 5G networks, XR/AR interfaces, and knowledge-based digital audiovisual assistance systems rather than proprietary AI models.

Revenue is generated exclusively through public funding from German federal ministries (BMBF, BMAS, BMEL, BMWK) and state-level programs, alongside AZAV-certified vocational training and continuing education services. The organization operates seven offices across Germany (Dortmund, Berlin, Recklinghausen, Iserlohn) and China (Beijing, Wuhan, Shanghai), with additional project-based activities in Iran, Morocco, and Brazil. Customers and partners consist of universities, vocational training institutions, workshops for disabled persons (Werkstätten), German Chambers of Commerce abroad, government bodies, and companies seeking integration support for refugees. GBB does not operate a commercial product or subscription model; managing director Hans Schreiber passed away in April 2026, creating open succession risk.

Name

GBB Gesellschaft fur Bildung und Beruf

Legal name

Gesellschaft für Bildung und Beruf e.V.

Website

https://gbb-gruppe.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

GBB is a German non-profit research and education association (founded 1986) executing publicly funded projects on 5G, XR, and digital assistance, plus AZAV-certified vocational training. It serves universities, vocational schools, disability workshops, and government ministries across Germany, China, Iran, Morocco, and Brazil.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Research Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Results-Based Financing (RBF) & Performance-Based Grants (BPADAOAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Content Conversion, Digitization & LMS/SCORM/xAPI Packaging (EDAGAKAL), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF)

Keywords

• Vocational education research
• Digital assistance systems
• 5G workplace inclusion
• XR/AR training solutions
• International training cooperation

Headquarters

HQ city

Dortmund

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Research Projects: GBB generates revenue through publicly funded research projects from German federal ministries (BMBF, BMAS, BMEL, BMWK) and state funding programs. Projects focus on digital technologies, vocational training, international cooperation, and inclusion.
2. Vocational Training and Continuing Education Services: As an AZAV-certified provider, GBB offers vocational training and continuing education programs. They conduct Train the Trainer measures and qualification programs for international partners.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

GBB Gesellschaft fur Bildung und Beruf e.V. is a non-profit research and transfer organization that executes publicly funded research projects, develops digital assistance systems (including 5G, XR/AR/VR-based solutions) for workplace inclusion and decentralized work, and delivers certified vocational training and continuing education programs. It works in close cooperation with universities, vocational training institutions, and industry partners across Germany, China, Iran, Morocco, and Brazil.

Product overview

GBB (Gesellschaft für Bildung und Beruf e.V.) is a research and education organization that does not operate a single unified product but rather manages a portfolio of publicly funded research projects and vocational training programs. Its offerings include digital assistance systems for workplace inclusion (INKLUSION 4.0 RUHR, RCS Inklusion 4.0, RegHUB-S3), 5G-enabled remote work solutions (5G-Außenarbeit, 5G Inklusion 4.0), international vocational training cooperation projects (DCL with China, CC Iran with Iran, MobiPro EU across the EU), and integration support services (Willkommenslotsen, Juventus). These projects are funded by German federal ministries (BMBF, BMEL, BMAS, BMWK) and operate as demonstration platforms, networks, and training programs rather than commercial software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 5G-Aussenarbeit (Decentralized Workplaces) A funded project exploring how 5G networks can support decentralized outdoor workplaces using networked digital assistance systems in rural areas, enabling multimedia real-time communication for remote work.
• 5G Inklusion 4.0 One of 13 funded projects developing knowledge-based digital audiovisual assistance systems using 5G to support people with cognitive disabilities in workplace settings, demonstrating digital participation solutions.
• INKLUSION 4.0 RUHR A federally funded innovation forum providing a network of providers and users to explore the application of digital assistance systems in facilities for people with disabilities (WfbM), conducted through workshops, conferences, and an internet-based knowledge and collaboration platform.
• RegHUB-S3 (Smart Social Solutions) A research initiative developing innovative digital learning and assistance systems to enable people with cognitive impairments to secure and expand their workplaces in regional workshops and companies, funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
• DCL (Deutsch-Chinesisches Landwirtschaftliches Berufsbildungszentrum) A BMBF-funded project establishing a dual agricultural vocational training center in China modeled on the German agricultural vocational training center in Echem, focusing on training rural workers and vocational school teachers in agriculture and animal husbandry.
• CLIMATE COMPETENCE IRAN (CC Iran) A BMBF-funded project promoting German-Iranian cooperation in research, development, and design of vocational training in refrigeration and air conditioning technology, establishing a competence center with Iranian partners.
• MobiPro EU A BMAS-funded EU mobility program supporting young EU citizens aged 18-27 in obtaining dual vocational training in Germany, providing language courses, socio-pedagogical support, and monthly salary subsidies, implemented through the ZAV of the Federal Employment Agency.
• Willkommenslotsen A BMWK-funded counseling service where specially trained advisors support companies in recruiting and integrating refugees into vocational training and employment, providing guidance on legal aspects, competence assessment, and building a welcoming corporate culture.
• RCS Inklusion 4.0 (Regionale Community Software) An open-source-based software platform developed for the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis to enable barrier-free communication, information access, and networking for people with disabilities via digital devices, facilitating contact between job providers and seekers.
• Juventus - You'll Never Walk Alone A social inclusion project combining professional integration support with cultural activities for young people facing integration challenges.

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ESSS (École Supérieure des Sciences de la Santé), CasablancacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2019Nursing college in Casablanca, Morocco. GBB signed partnership agreement to facilitate qualification and placement of nursing professionals from Morocco in German healthcare facilities.
• AHK Shanghai (German Chamber of Commerce Abroad)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 September 2018Partner in signing cooperation agreement for establishing a technical vocational school in Wuhan Technology Park.
• Wuhan Dejiang Education Investment Co. Ltd.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 September 2018Chinese education investment company, partner in establishing technical vocational school in Wuhan Technology Park.
• Diakonisches Werk im Kirchenkreis Recklinghausen eGmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2018Partner in RegHUB-S3 (Smart Social Solutions) project, focused on developing digital learning and assistance systems for people with cognitive impairments. Total project funding of 1,541,215 euros with up to 90% state funding.
• Bergische Universität WuppertalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2018Academic partner in RegHUB-S3 project, contributing research expertise in digital assistance systems and inclusion technologies.
• Landwirtschaftliches Bildungszentrum Echem (LBZ Echem) der Landwirtschaftskammer NiedersachsencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Partner in the DCL (Deutsch-Chinesisches Landwirtschaftliches Berufsbildungszentrum) project, contributing expertise in agricultural vocational training based on the German model.
• Verein zur Förderung der bäuerlichen Veredlungswirtschaft GmbH (VzF)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Partner in the DCL project, contributing practical expertise in pig farming and agricultural business development.
• Institut für Tierzucht und Tierhaltung der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Academic partner in the DCL project, contributing scientific expertise in animal husbandry and breeding.
• Dr. Boesken & Partner Ostasien Service GmbH (OAS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Partner specializing in East Asia services, supporting project coordination and implementation in China.
• Iserlohner Werkstätten gGmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner in 5G Außenarbeit project, implementing and testing 5G-based digital assistance systems for decentralized workplaces in rural areas.
• Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, TehrancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in CC Iran project, hosting project visits and collaborating on vocational training development in refrigeration and air conditioning technology.
• IRCEO (Iranian Engineering Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in CC Iran project, signing cooperation agreement for developing vocational training in refrigeration and air conditioning technology.
• TVTO (Organization for Technical and Vocational Training), IrancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Iranian government organization for vocational training (4 million persons trained annually), partner in CC Iran project.
• TVU (Technical and Vocational University), IrancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIranian technical university with 172 technical vocational education institutes across provinces, partner in CC Iran project.
• Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, WeifangcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey Chinese partner in DCL project, collaborating on agricultural vocational training development.
• Informationszentrum für Kälte-, Klima- und Energietechnik (IKKE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in CC Iran project, contributing expertise in refrigeration, air conditioning, and energy technology.
• Forschungsinstitut für innovative Arbeitsgestaltung und Prävention (FIAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in CC Iran project, contributing expertise in innovative work design and prevention.
• Lincoln Electric do BrasilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in TECSOL welding qualification project, providing training facilities and hosting pilot course for International Welding Specialist.
• AHK São PaulominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo, supporting TECSOL welding qualification project implementation in Brazil.
• SmartRegion Emscher-LippeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGBB is a partner of SmartRegion Emscher-Lippe, contributing to regional digitalization and innovation initiatives.
• Verein für deutsch-chinesischen Wirtschafts- und Handelsaustausch NRWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGBB is a member of the association promoting German-Chinese economic and trade exchange in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• DFKI (German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence): Germany's leading applied AI research center, comparable to GBB in its non-profit R&D model and government funding sources. DFKI operates at much larger scale and focuses specifically on AI and digital technologies, but shares the bundesfinanzierte applied research DNA.
• DEKRA Akademie: Training and certification arm of DEKRA SE, providing vocational training, retraining, and continuing education. While DEKRA operates as a commercial certification body at much larger scale, both organizations deliver workforce qualification services under similar accreditation regimes.
• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft: Germany's largest applied research organization, operating as a non-profit with a research-and-transfer model highly comparable to GBB. Fraunhofer spans a much broader range of applied sciences and operates at vastly greater scale, but shares the contract-research-from-government/industry funding DNA.
• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit): German federal enterprise for international cooperation, directly comparable to GBB's international development and vocational training projects in China, Iran, Morocco, and Brazil. GIZ operates at much larger scale and broader scope, but shares the bundesfinanzierte development project model.

Direct peers

• IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) Network: Germany's statutory Chambers of Industry and Commerce provide vocational training, certification, and continuing education services in the same domains as GBB. IHK is a more established statutory body with broader employer reach, but directly overlaps with GBB's AZAV training and inclusion-to-work mission.
• bbw Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft: Major vocational training and continuing education provider in Germany, comparable to GBB's AZAV-certified vocational training services and continuing education programs. Both organizations deliver publicly funded training and project-based contract work for ministries and employer bodies.
• DAA (Deutsche Angestellten-Akademie): One of Germany's largest vocational training and continuing education providers, comparable to GBB's AZAV-certified vocational training services. DAA operates more broadly across Germany and offers standardized training programs, but shares the same publicly-funded education delivery model.
• Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB): Germany's federal institute for vocational education and training research and policy — the primary public body for VET research, directly comparable to GBB's vocational training and continuing education mandate. BIBB also houses iMOVE, which markets German VET internationally in the same markets GBB addresses.
• iMOVE: Division of BIBB focused on international marketing of German vocational training, directly comparable to GBB's international VET cooperation projects in China, Iran, Morocco, and Brazil. GBB has even been featured in iMOVE publications, underscoring the overlap.

Regional players

• Technische Universität Dortmund: Major research university in Dortmund — the same city as GBB's headquarters — that partners with GBB on joint research projects. Unlike GBB, TU Dortmund is a large academic institution focused on traditional research and teaching, but shares the Ruhr region R&D ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@gbbmediathek

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about GBB Gesellschaft fur Bildung und Beruf