Stiftung BWO

What Stiftung BWO does

Stiftung BWO is a Swiss non-profit foundation (Stiftung) headquartered in Langnau i.E., Canton of Bern, founded in 1969 as the 'Verein zur Förderung geistig beeinträchtigter Kinder' by parents of children with cognitive disabilities. The foundation operates an integrated, lifecycle-spanning service platform for approximately 300 people with cognitive and/or multiple disabilities, comprising seven residential groups (Wohngruppen Iduna, Topaz, Jazz, Mühlestock, Kado, Gecko, Rondo), a Heilpädagogische Schule (special education school), the ADW-Werkstatt workshop offering over 90 adapted work positions across packaging, assembly, metalworking, and logistics, vocational training programs, and craft ateliers in Langnau and Münsingen. Approximately 240 employees deliver services across locations in Langnau, Zollbrück, Konolfingen, and Münsingen (since 2026).

BWO's business model is anchored in Leistungsverträge (service agreements) with the Gesundheits-, Sozial- und Integrationsdirektion (GSI), the Bildungs- und Kulturdirektion, and the Invalidenversicherung (IV) of Canton Bern — making government funding the dominant revenue mechanism. Supplementary revenue comes from contract manufacturing services via the ADW workshop for external companies (Jumbo, Bredar AG, ROFIN-LASAG, Vögeli AG, Schelling AG), an online BWO-Shop selling handcrafted products (Payrexx-powered), and donations funding non-subsidized activities such as holidays and cultural events. Referrals flow through the AKVB (Amt für Kindergarten, Volksschule und Beratung) for school placements and through IV Bern for vocational integration services, with individual placement inquiries handled directly by the Wohnen und Ateliers (WAT) and ADW workshop departments.

The foundation holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, runs structured apprenticeship programs in partnership with Agogis and OdA organizations, and is actively preparing for the Canton of Bern's transition to individualized financing under the Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz (BLG), effective from January 2024 with full transition by end of 2027. Strategic sector partnerships include INSOS Schweiz, SOCIALBERN, and FHNW Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit. No proprietary technology platforms or AI/ML capabilities are disclosed; the technology footprint is limited to standard social services infrastructure plus basic web and newsletter integrations.

Name

Stiftung BWO

Legal name

Stiftung BWO

Website

https://bwo-langnau.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Stiftung BWO is a Swiss non-profit foundation in the Canton of Bern providing integrated disability services — special education, residential care, vocational training, and sheltered employment — to approximately 300 people with cognitive and/or multiple disabilities, funded primarily through cantonal service agreements.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK), Accessibility, Accommodations & Assistive Services (EDALAFAN), 504 Plan Consulting & Disability Accommodations (School-Based) (EDAKACAG)

Keywords

• Disability services
• Special education school
• Vocational training programs
• Sheltered workshop
• Residential care services

Headquarters

HQ city

Langnau

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Social Services Funding: BWO operates under Leistungsverträge (service agreements) with the Gesundheits-, Sozial- und Integrationsdirektion des Kantons Bern (GSI), the Bildungs- und Kulturdirektion, and the Invalidenversicherung (IV) des Kantons Bern. Service costs are oriented to government authority guidelines. Individual placements and services are funded through disability insurance and cantonal disability services.
2. Product Sales (ADW Workshop): The ADW workshop generates revenue through contract manufacturing services including packaging, assembly, mechanics, and logistics for external companies. Products include custom-built items, assemblies, and commissioned work.
3. Donations: BWO accepts charitable donations to fund non-subsidized activities such as group holidays, theater projects, Christmas celebrations, birthday gifts, and leisure activities for people with disabilities.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Stiftung BWO operates a comprehensive ecosystem of services for people with cognitive and/or multiple disabilities in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. Its offerings span a Heilpädagogische Schule (special education school), seven residential groups (Wohngruppen) with varying levels of care, an ADW-Werkstatt workshop providing over 90 adapted workplaces in packaging, assembly, metalworking and logistics, craft ateliers, vocational training programs, professional integration services, and leisure/holiday activities.

Product overview

Stiftung BWO is a social services foundation providing a comprehensive ecosystem of services for people with cognitive and/or multiple disabilities. The organization operates as a unified platform combining seven residential groups (Wohngruppen Iduna, Topaz, Jazz, Mühlestock, Kado, Gecko, Rondo), an ADW-Werkstatt workshop with over 90 adapted workplaces, craft ateliers in Langnau and Münsingen, a Heilpädagogische Schule (special education school), vocational training programs, professional integration services, and leisure/holiday offerings. The services span housing/living, education, employment in packaging/mounting, metalworking, and logistics, as well as career development support. All offerings are interconnected, enabling individuals to receive coordinated support across different life domains from a single provider.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Heilpädagogische Schule (HPS) Special education school for children and adolescents with cognitive impairments, offering individualized learning, speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, supported communication (UK), and social-emotional development. Students are assigned by the AKVB following assessment by Erziehungsberatung.
• ADW-Werkstatt Workshop providing over 90 adapted workplaces for people with and without disabilities. Includes departments for packaging/mounting, metalworking (mechanics), logistics, and professional integration services.
• Wohngruppe Iduna Residential group with care and support for six adults with cognitive/multiple disabilities. Includes day structure with on-site ateliers, and offers a holiday bed.
• Wohngruppe Topaz Residential group for people with complex disabilities, challenging behavior, or high support needs. Specializes in supported communication (UK) and basic care, with wellness bathtub.
• Wohngruppe Jazz Residential group for six people with complex disabilities, challenging behavior, or high support needs. Includes physiotherapy, wheelchair accessible, with individual atelier days.
• Wohngruppe Mühlestock Residential group offering web atelier, household and garden assistance. Located in Zollbrück.
• Wohngruppe Kado Residential group for eight people with holistic care and support, including assistance with daily routines, household tasks, and atelier work. Not wheelchair accessible.
• Wohngruppe Gecko Residential group for older adults with cognitive impairments or mobility limitations. Located in Konolfingen with lift and adapted infrastructure for mobility challenges.
• Wohngruppe Rondo Residential group for people with cognitive disabilities requiring exceptionally high care (KBS places) due to challenging behavior. Operates 24 hours, 365 days with night watch.
• Ateliers (Langnau and Münsingen) Craft ateliers for people with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities, offering activities including woodworking, weaving, felting, painting, cooking, and a Snoezelen room for sensory therapy.
• Verpackung und Montage Packaging and assembly department offering simple to complex assembly and customization work, including adhesive techniques and production in climate-controlled hygiene rooms.
• Mechanik Metalworking department providing precision manufacturing of turning, milling, and cubic parts, simple to complex mechanical assembly, and competent parts production with system construction capabilities.
• Logistik Logistics service including storage capacity, customized picking and shipping, and timely transport organization for client companies.
• Werkatelier Work atelier in Bärau offering creative and craft activities for people with disabilities in a relaxed atmosphere with sustainability focus using eco-friendly materials.
• Berufsbildung (Vocational Training) Vocational education and training programs including Fachfrau:mann Betreuung EFZ, Produktionsmechaniker:in EFZ, Polymechaniker:in EFZ, Logistiker:in EBA, and Büroassistent:in EBA.
• Berufliche Abklärung Vocational assessment for youth to explore chosen professions and related work tasks, determining appropriate apprenticeship and educational level.
• Job Coaching Professional coaching service for successful career completion and sustainable integration into the labor market, with coaching sessions at training locations or ADW workshop.
• BWO-Shop Online shop selling handcrafted products made by people with disabilities at the foundation.
• Freizeit und Ferien Leisure and holiday activities including movement, sports, music, culture, and social events, as well as therapy services such as physiotherapy and riding therapy.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 50 years of continuous operation supporting people with disabilities
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• AgogiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization for education and training in health and social work. BWO collaborates with Agogis for vocational training standards and professional development in the disability care sector.
• INSOS SchweizcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss national association for disability service providers. BWO participates in INSOS Switzerland for sector representation, best practice sharing, and advocacy for people with disabilities.
• SOCIALBERNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBernese association for social institutions. BWO works with SOCIALBERN for regional coordination, policy advocacy, and knowledge exchange among social service organizations in the Canton of Bern.
• FHNW Hochschule für Soziale ArbeitsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland. BWO collaborates with FHNW for research projects, practice education for social work students, and professional development.
• OdA Soziales Kanton BerncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization for labor market and training in the social sector for Canton Bern. BWO works with OdA Soziales Bern for vocational training standards and certification for social care professionals.
• OdA Gesundheit Kanton BernsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization for labor market and training in the health sector for Canton Bern. BWO collaborates for healthcare training standards and professional certifications relevant to disability care.
• OdA Soziales SchweizsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization for labor market and training standards in the Swiss social sector. BWO participates in national-level vocational training coordination.
• Gesundheits-, Sozial- und Integrationsdirektion (GSI) Kanton BerncoreOthersCantonal government authority responsible for disability services, social policy, and health services in Bern. GSI provides Leistungsverträge (service agreements) and regulatory oversight for BWO's services.
• Invalidenversicherung (IV) BerncoreOthersFederal disability insurance for the Bern region. IV Bern funds vocational integration services, workplace adaptations, and disability-related support services provided by BWO.
• Bernische Ombudsstelle für Alters- und HeimfragensupportingOthersBernese ombudsman for aging and care home issues. Provides independent complaint resolution and advocacy for residents in care facilities in the Canton of Bern.
• Verband für anthroposophische Heilpädagogik und Sozialtherapie in der Schweiz (VAHS)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss association for anthroposophical special education and social therapy. BWO may align with anthroposophical care approaches in its holistic service model.
• BFF Bern (Berufs-, Fach- und Fortbildungsschule)supportingOthersVocational and continuing education school in Bern. BWO partners for training opportunities and professional development for staff.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Stiftung Wagerenhof: One of Switzerland's largest disability service foundations in Uster, operating residential homes, workshops, and schools for people with intellectual disabilities. Comparable scale and integrated service offering to BWO.
• Stiftung Rüti (Hombrechtikon): Swiss foundation in Hombrechtikon (Zurich canton) providing residential groups, sheltered workshops, and special education for people with cognitive disabilities. Directly comparable service model and institutional structure to BWO.
• Stiftung Wohnheim Sonnweid: Swiss foundation operating residential care and day programs for adults with cognitive and behavioral disabilities. Comparable residential group model with focus on high-support needs, similar to BWO's Wohngruppe Rondo/Topaz/Jazz.

Regional players

• Stiftung Mosaik (Lucerne): Swiss foundation in the Lucerne area providing residential care, workshops, and supported employment for people with disabilities. Comparable service lines but operates in a different canton.
• Heime Bethesda Basel: Disability services foundation in Basel offering residential groups and vocational integration workshops. Comparable integrated service model to BWO but serving the Basel region.
• Stiftung Brüttelen: Disability services foundation in the Bern region neighboring BWO's Emmental catchment. Comparable residential and workshop offerings, serving an overlapping regional population.

Others

• INSOS Schweiz: Swiss national association of disability service providers. BWO is a member; INSOS sets quality and funding framework that directly affects BWO's operations. Ecosystem-level peer.
• Pro Infirmis Schweiz: National disability advocacy and service organization working with IV Bern and cantonal authorities. An ecosystem peer — partner rather than competitor — operating in BWO's same policy and referral environment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/stiftungbwo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stiftungbwo
• Instagraminstagram.com/stiftungbwo

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Stiftung BWO