Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!"
Berlin-based German non-profit (MINT Zukunft e.V.) founded in 2008 that promotes STEM education through two standardized school certification programs (MINT-freundliche Schule and Digitale Schule), a network of 20,000+ volunteer ambassadors, and 3,000+ recognized schools across all 16 federal states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" does
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" is a Berlin-based German non-profit association (MINT Zukunft e.V.), founded in May 2008, that promotes STEM (MINT — Mathematik, Informatik, Naturwissenschaften, Technik) education across Germany. It functions as a national umbrella platform coordinating schools, corporate partners, professional societies, and volunteer ambassadors around standardized STEM and digitalization recognition programs. The initiative serves German schools (all types: primary, secondary, vocational), students, corporate sponsors seeking future STEM talent, and over 20,000 volunteer MINT-Botschafter. It operates under the official patronage of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz since 2022 and is chaired by Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel (former HPI CEO) since May 2022.
The initiative's core offerings are two school certification programs: "MINT-freundliche Schule" (launched 2011), which evaluates schools against a 14-criteria STEM catalog, and "Digitale Schule" (launched 2017), which evaluates digitalization across five modules (Pedagogy & Learning Culture, Teacher Qualification, Regional Networking, Concept & Sustainability, Technology). Both seals are valid for three years; as of 2025, approximately 3,000 German schools held a valid seal. Supporting programs include the MINT-Botschafter volunteer network, the MINT-MAX partner program, MINT-Meter (monthly STEM workforce-gap reporting with IW Köln), MINT-Awards for students, and MLP-funded scholarships. Schools apply free of charge through an online Bewerbungsportal (civicrm.mintzukunft.de) that handles account management, document upload, and progress tracking.
Revenue is generated through corporate membership fees and sponsorship contributions from partners including Deutsche Telekom Stiftung, Deutsche Bahn AG, MLP, Google, and SAP, with no fees charged to schools. Distribution is decentralized via volunteer regional advisors in each of Germany's 16 federal states and 40+ partner organizations (employers' associations, industry societies) that conduct school evaluations and award ceremonies. The initiative operates from a small Berlin office with approximately 5-7 core staff, governed by a board chaired by Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel with Managing Director Benjamin Gesing overseeing day-to-day operations since end-2023.
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!"
- Legal name
- MINT Zukunft e.V.
- Website
- https://mintzukunftschaffen.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Berlin-based German non-profit (MINT Zukunft e.V.) founded in 2008 that promotes STEM education through two standardized school certification programs (MINT-freundliche Schule and Digitale Schule), a network of 20,000+ volunteer ambassadors, and 3,000+ recognized schools across all 16 federal states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" industry classification
Industry- Product category
- STEM Education Advocacy and School Certification
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG)
Keywords
Where Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership fees: The association 'MINT Zukunft e.V.' operates with membership fees from corporate members, with activities funded by member contributions and sponsorships from companies
- Corporate sponsorships and partner contributions: Companies provide financial and organizational support in exchange for association with the STEM initiative and access to the network
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free school recognition program - no fees for applicants |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" operates as a German non-profit association that administers standardized school recognition programs — specifically the "MINT-freundliche Schule" (STEM-friendly School) and "Digitale Schule" (Digital School) certifications — while running a national network of over 20,000 volunteer STEM ambassadors, a monthly workforce gap reporting service (MINT-Meter) with IW Köln, student awards, and a scholarship program. Schools apply for free via an online Bewerbungsportal, and the initiative is funded by corporate memberships and sponsorships.
Product overview
MINT Zukunft schaffen! is a national German initiative operating as a network and certification body rather than a traditional software product. The core offerings consist of two school certification programs: 'MINT-freundliche Schule' (MINT-friendly School, since 2011) recognizes schools with STEM education profiles based on 14 standardized criteria, while 'Digitale Schule' (Digital School, since 2017) recognizes schools with digitalization profiles across five modules. Supporting programs include the MINT-Botschafter volunteer ambassador network (20,000+ members), the MINT-MAX partner program, the MINT-Meter monthly reporting on STEM workforce gaps, MINT-Awards for students, and an MLP scholarship. Schools apply through the online Bewerbungsportal. The initiative operates as MINT Zukunft e.V., a registered non-profit association.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- MINT-freundliche Schule A school certification program recognizing German schools with a focus on STEM (Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Technology) education. Schools are evaluated based on a standardized catalog of 14 MINT criteria through a nationwide uniform application process; certification is valid for three years.
- Digitale Schule A school certification program recognizing German schools with a focus on digitalization. The criteria catalog covers five modules: Pedagogy & Learning Cultures, Teacher Qualification, Regional Networking, Concept and Continuation, and Technology & Equipment; certification is valid for three years.
- MINT-Botschafter-Netzwerk
- MINT-Meter
- MINT-Awards
- MLP Stipendium
- Bewerbungsportal
- MINT-MAX Programm
Quantifiable outcome
- 3,000 schools recognized with valid seals as of 2025
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!"
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (Patron)flagshipSince 2022, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz serves as official patron (Schirmherr) of the initiative, providing high-level political support
- IW Köln (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft)coreIW Köln provides data and analysis for the monthly MINT-Lücke (STEM gap) reports and semi-annual STEM trend reports, supporting evidence-based advocacy for STEM education
- Gesellschaft für Informatik (GI)corePartner in developing the 'Digital School' program criteria and evaluation framework, providing expertise in informatics education and digitalization
- Wissensfabrik für Deutschland e.V.coreContributed to development of Digital School criteria and serves as partner organization recognizing schools
- Dienstleistungsgesellschaft für Informatik (DLGI)coreCo-led the initiative 'Auf dem Weg zur digitalen Schule' developing criteria and guidelines for digital schools
- Fraunhofer IAIScoreProvided expertise in developing the Digital School guidelines and digitalization criteria
- eco – Verband der InternetwirtschaftcoreContributed to Digital School criteria development representing internet industry perspective
- Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (VDI)coreContributed to Digital School criteria development and serves as partner recognizing schools
- Hasso-Plattner-Institut (HPI)coreHPI Director Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel serves as Vorstandsvorsitzender (Board Chair), providing academic legitimacy and institutional support
- VDE (Verband der Elektrotechnik)coreOrganizes and supports the MINT-Botschafter network among its members, helping coordinate ambassador activities
- VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure)coreOrganizes and supports the MINT-Botschafter network among its members
- Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh)coreParticipates in ambassador network organization and school recognition activities
- Deutsche Mathematiker-VereinigungcoreParticipates in ambassador network organization and school recognition activities
- SAP Young ThinkersminorPartners in STEM education initiatives for youth
- Landesarbeitgebervereinigungen (Regional Employers' Associations)coreCoordinate school recognition activities in their respective federal states, conducting regional award ceremonies
- Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK)flagshipThe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education provides patronage for the 'MINT-freundliche Schule' recognition program, lending official educational authority
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft: Major German non-profit association of companies and foundations funding education, science, and innovation. Functions as a broader incumbent in the same education-funder space, with overlapping corporate membership base.
- acatech – Deutsche Akademie der Technikwissenschaften: German national academy of science and engineering advising policymakers on STEM and innovation. Comparable as a high-level advocacy and policy actor in the STEM ecosystem, with overlapping leaders and policy agenda.
Direct peers
- Wissensfabrik für Deutschland e.V. Active partner organization that co-developed the Digitale Schule criteria and also runs school-business STEM education programs. Comparable organizational model (corporate association, school recognition, education programs).
- Haus der Kleinen Forscher: Germany's largest early-childhood STEM education initiative, also a non-profit running school-based STEM programs for kindergartens and primary schools. Directly comparable in mission, funding model (corporate partners), and nationwide scope.
- SCHULEWIRTSCHAFT: Network connecting schools and employers in Germany, with a comparable model of regional recognition, corporate partner engagement, and STEM/career-orientation programs. Direct operational peer.
Emerging players
- Körber-Stiftung: German foundation running STEM education programs (e.g., Körber MINT-Forum) and school competitions. Comparable as a non-profit funding STEM education, with overlapping corporate partners and program beneficiaries.
- Joachim Herz Stiftung: Foundation funding STEM education projects in schools, particularly in the natural sciences and economics. Comparable in targeting German schools and corporate/foundation funding model.
Others
- Gesellschaft für Informatik (GI): Strategic partner that co-developed the Digitale Schule criteria and provides academic expertise. Comparable as a professional society engaged in informatics education and school-level digitalization certification.
- Bundesvereinigung Kulturelle Kinder- und Jugendbildung: Umbrella non-profit for non-formal youth education in Germany. Comparable only structurally as a national non-profit association coordinating education initiatives with diverse institutional partners.
- Deutsche Telekom Stiftung: Core partner of MINT Zukunft schaffen! and itself a major funder of digital education in German schools. Comparable as a corporate foundation supporting STEM/digital education at schools, with potential overlap in school and partner networks.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" social profiles
Digital presenceDie Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!"
What does Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" do?
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" operates as a German non-profit association that administers standardized school recognition programs — specifically the "MINT-freundliche Schule" (STEM-friendly School) and "Digitale Schule" (Digital School) certifications — while running a national network of over 20,000 volunteer STEM ambassadors, a monthly workforce gap reporting service (MINT-Meter) with IW Köln, student awards, and a scholarship program. Schools apply for free via an online Bewerbungsportal, and the initiative is funded by corporate memberships and sponsorships.
Is Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" a public or private company?
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" founded?
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" was founded in 2008. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" based?
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Membership fees are the primary driver. The others are corporate sponsorships and partner contributions.
Who are Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!"'s main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft and acatech – Deutsche Akademie der Technikwissenschaften. Direct peers are Wissensfabrik für Deutschland e.V., Haus der Kleinen Forscher and SCHULEWIRTSCHAFT. Emerging players are Körber-Stiftung and Joachim Herz Stiftung. Others are Gesellschaft für Informatik (GI), Bundesvereinigung Kulturelle Kinder- und Jugendbildung and Deutsche Telekom Stiftung.
Does Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" have an API?
No public API is recorded for Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!".
What industry is Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!" in?
Die Nationale Initiative "MINT Zukunft schaffen!"'s product category is STEM Education Advocacy and School Certification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGADAG, STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits. Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.