Stiftung Schurmatt

What Stiftung Schurmatt does

Stiftung Schürmatt is a Swiss non-profit foundation (Stiftung) headquartered in Zetzwil, Canton of Aargau, founded in 1963 by the Reformed Church of Canton Aargau to provide education, residential, employment, and therapeutic services for children, adolescents, and adults with cognitive and multiple disabilities. The foundation operates approximately 13 locations across 9 municipalities, serving roughly 500 clients with approximately 440 employees plus ~30 volunteers. Service offerings span special needs schools (HPS Zetzwil and HPS Aarau), a vocational preparation center (HZWB Othmarsingen), cooperative inclusive programs embedded in mainstream schools, residential care for children, youth, and adults, sheltered employment (Geschützte Arbeit / GAP), PrA vocational training aligned with INSOS standards, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychomotor therapy, and disability-specific counseling. A binding 2007 collaborative agreement with Psychiatrische Dienste des Kantons Aargau coordinates care for clients with combined psychiatric and disability needs.

The foundation's revenue model is anchored in multi-year performance agreements with Canton Aargau and the Swiss disability insurance scheme (Invalidenversicherung / IV), supplemented by minor streams including a custom-built Online Shop launched June 2025 for client-made handicrafts, the on-site Restaurant Apunto open to the public, twice-yearly public art exhibitions, donations and legacies, and a volunteer program coordinated through Benevol. Distribution is delivered through direct institutional care at the 13 locations, cooperative programs in regular schools, the e-commerce channel, and physical retail at the restaurant and exhibition venues. Underlying technology is standard enterprise IT (Office 365, SSL/TLS, Google Analytics, Vimeo) plus a custom e-commerce platform, a content-based sexual education app ("Klar und einfach") launched in 2020, and the Schürmatt Akademie internal continuing education platform. The go-to-market is government-contract driven: client placement occurs via official referrals, needs assessments, and inter-institutional coordination rather than commercial sales.

Strategically, Stiftung Schürmatt is governed by a Stiftungsrat (Foundation Council) under President Christoph Weber-Berg, with CEO Anke Müller leading four operational divisions (School; Work and Living; Human Resources; Finance and Building Services). Recent moves include the 2013 integration of HPS Aarau, the 2024 expansion of therapy partnerships, and the 2025 Online Shop launch alongside 60th anniversary community events and a TeleM1 documentary. The foundation maintains active memberships in industry associations Curaviva and INSOS, supporting sector representation and best-practice exchange.

Name

Stiftung Schurmatt

Legal name

Stiftung Schürmatt

Website

https://schuermatt.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Stiftung Schürmatt is a Swiss non-profit foundation operating since 1963 across 13 locations in Canton Aargau, providing education, residential care, sheltered employment, and therapeutic services to approximately 500 children, youth, and adults with cognitive and multiple disabilities, funded primarily through cantonal and federal disability insurance contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Other Residential Care Facilities (623990), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Residential Special Education Programs (EDAKAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialized Inclusive / Co-Taught Special Education Programs (EDAKAAAK)

Keywords

• Disability services
• Special education
• Sheltered employment
• Residential care
• Vocational training

Headquarters

HQ city

Lotzwil

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Cantonal Government Contracts: Core funding through performance agreements with the Canton of Aargau for providing educational, residential, and employment services for people with cognitive and multiple disabilities.
2. IV (Disability Insurance) Contracts: Contracts with the Swiss disability insurance scheme (Invalidenversicherung) for vocational training, sheltered employment, and integration measures.
3. Product Sales (Online Shop): Revenue from sale of handcrafted products (kindling aids, paper products, wooden items) produced by clients in protected workshops. Launched June 2025.
4. Restaurant Apunto: On-site restaurant operations open to the public, generating food service revenue.
5. Donations and Legacies: Charitable donations and bequests from individuals and organizations supporting the foundation's mission.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Stiftung Schürmatt is a Swiss non-profit foundation that provides education, residential care, sheltered employment and therapy services for children, adolescents and adults with cognitive and multiple disabilities. Its service portfolio includes special needs schools, vocational preparation, supported housing, protected workshops, occupational day programs, and an in-house continuing education academy, delivered across 13 locations in Canton Aargau.

Product overview

Stiftung Schürmatt is a social services organization (not a technology company) offering a comprehensive portfolio of residential, educational, therapeutic, and employment services for people with cognitive and multiple disabilities. The core offering consists of specialized schools (Heilpädagogische Schulen in Zetzwil and Aarau, HZWB vocational center), cooperative programs in mainstream schools, residential services (children, youth, and adults), sheltered employment (Geschützte Arbeit/GAP), occupational programs (Beschäftigung), therapy services, and the Schürmatt Akademie for staff and external education. In 2025, the organization launched an e-commerce Online Shop selling handcrafted products made by clients in the workshops. Additional services include the Restaurant Apunto, the Schatzkiste Argovia partner matching service, art exhibitions, leisure companionship, and volunteer programs. The organization operates 13 locations across 9 municipalities in Canton Aargau, serving approximately 500 clients with around 440 employees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Schürmatt Akademie: Internal and external continuing education institution offering courses in special education, therapy, care, leadership, management, health, movement and leisure.

Products and services

• Heilpädagogische Schule Zetzwil (HPS Zetzwil) Special education school in Zetzwil providing individualized instruction and support for children and adolescents with disabilities or learning difficulties.
• Heilpädagogische Schule Aarau (HPS Aarau) Special education school in Aarau (Nordpark district) providing individualized instruction and support for children and adolescents with disabilities.
• Heilpädagogisches Zentrum für Werkstufe und Berufsvorbereitung (HZWB) Othmarsingen Vocational preparation and training center in Othmarsingen for adolescents with disabilities, offering work-oriented education and career preparation programs.
• Kooperative Angebote in Regelschulen (Cooperative Programs in Regular Schools) Integrated educational programs operating within mainstream schools, including cooperative kindergartens in Gontenschwil, Holziken, Aarau Rohr, Densbüren, Unterentfelden and Unterkulm.
• Wohnen (Kinder und Jugendliche) - Residential Services for Children and Youth Residential services for children and adolescents including accompanied living, supervised group homes, the 'Passage' transition group, and external apartment living arrangements.
• Wohnen (Erwachsene) - Residential Services for Adults Residential services for adults including accompanied living, supervised group homes, and enhanced supervised living (Wohnen betreut Plus) with varying levels of support.
• Geschützte Arbeit (GAP) - Sheltered Employment Workshops Sheltered employment workshops providing meaningful work for approximately 40 adults with disabilities in areas such as woodwork, household services, gardening, and cleaning.
• Beschäftigung - Occupational Day Programs Occupational day programs offering structured activities for adults with disabilities, including workshops in painting, crafting, and other creative areas.
• Integrationsmassnahmen - Integration Measures Integration measures supporting adults with disabilities in transitioning to regular employment or community participation.
• Berufsbildung - Vocational Education and Training (PrA nach INSOS) Vocational education and training programs, including PrA (Practical Training) programs following INSOS standards, for adolescents with disabilities.
• Medizinisch-therapeutisches Angebot - Medical and Therapeutic Services Medical and therapeutic services including physiotherapy and occupational therapy provided to children, adolescents, and adults.
• Pädagogisch-therapeutisches Angebot - Speech Therapy and Psychomotor Therapy Educational-therapeutic services including speech therapy (Logopädie) and psychomotor therapy for children and adolescents.
• Behinderungsspezifische Beratung - Specialized Disability Counseling Specialized counseling services for individuals and families regarding disabilities, offering guidance and support.
• Schürmatt Akademie - Continuing Education Program Continuing education institution offering courses in special education, therapy, care, leadership, management, health, movement, and leisure; open to both internal employees and external participants.
• Online Shop - Handcrafted Workshop Products Custom-built e-commerce platform selling handcrafted products (firewood kindling aids, paper goods, wooden items) created by clients in the foundation's protected workshops.
• Restaurant Apunto On-site restaurant open to staff, clients and the public, offering catering services and hosting cultural events including the 'Langer Donnerstag' cultural evening program; also serves as a training and employment venue for clients.
• Schatzkiste Argovia - Partner Matching Service Partner matching service for adults with disabilities, helping individuals find partners for shared leisure activities, hobbies, or relationships; operates on Monday evenings.
• Freiwilligenarbeit - Volunteer Program Volunteer program allowing approximately 30 individuals to contribute time and skills across schools, housing, and leisure support; recruitment is coordinated via Benevol.
• Freizeitbegleitung - Leisure Companionship Leisure companionship services providing support for people with disabilities during outings, walks, trips, and other recreational activities.
• Kunstausstellungen - Art Exhibitions Twice-yearly public art exhibitions held in spring and autumn at the Zetzwil campus, providing a platform for regional artists and clients to display and sell works to the public; free admission with CHF 250,000 insurance coverage.
• Dienstleistungen - Operational Support Services Various professional services offered by the foundation, including facility management and other operational support services.
• Transportdienste - Client Transportation Services Daily transportation services for 157 students across 7 locations, with a fleet of 32 vehicles and 16 drivers operating 13 daily routes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served approximately 500 clients with cognitive and multiple disabilities at 13 locations
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Psychiatrische Dienste des Kantons AargaucoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007A binding collaborative agreement established in 2007 between Stiftung Schürmatt and the Psychiatric Services of Canton Aargau for coordinated care of clients with combined psychiatric and disability-related needs.
• Physio- und Sportarena GmbH EmmenbrückeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative collaboration started in 2024 for physiotherapy and sports services for clients.
• Ergotherapie SurentalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative collaboration started in 2024 for occupational therapy services.
• Ergotherapie Reaktiv GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative collaboration started in 2024 for occupational therapy services.
• HPS Aarau (integration 2013)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusteeship assumed and integration of the Heilpädagogische Schule (Special Needs School) Aarau completed in 2013, with new location in the Nordpark opened in 2014.
• Voltafilm GmbH (Luzern)minorOthersFilm production company that spent three days filming in various departments in 2023, creating a documentary about daily life at the foundation ('goes to Hollywood' project).
• Schatzkiste ArgoviaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner matchmaking service for adults with disabilities. Stiftung Schürmatt provides volunteer support for the service's matchmaking activities, and refers clients to the service for partner search support.
• CuravivacoreOthersSwiss industry association for institutions for people with disabilities and the elderly. Stiftung Schürmatt is a member for sector representation and best practice exchange.
• INSOScoreOthersSwiss industry association for organizations providing employment and living services for people with disabilities. Stiftung Schürmatt follows INSOS standards for PrA (Practical Training) vocational programs.
• BenevolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss volunteer organization through which Stiftung Schürmatt recruits volunteers. Listed as a volunteer employer on the Benevol jobs platform for the Aargau region.
• FC HombergminorOthersFootball club that organized an integration football tournament in which the FC Schürmatt (client football team) participated in Beinwil am See.
• Karl's kühne GassenschauminorOthersCultural initiative featured in the 2025 staff excursion as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mathilde Escher Stiftung: Zurich-based foundation offering housing, work, and day-structure programs for adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. Comparable in residential + sheltered-employment model for adults and in operating under Zurich cantonal performance agreements.
• Stiftung Arkadis: Olten-based Swiss foundation providing education, residential, and employment services for children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities. Closely comparable portfolio (school, Wohnen, Arbeit, Therapie) within a similar Aargau/Solothurn catchment, making it the most direct geographic peer.
• Stiftung Wagerenhof: Uster-based Swiss foundation offering residential living, sheltered employment, and day programs for adults with disabilities. Comparable in integrated residential + workshop model and cantonal-government payer base, though primarily focused on adults.
• Stiftung Vivendra: Aargau-based foundation providing residential and occupational services for adults with cognitive disabilities. Direct regional peer sharing the Canton of Aargau payer and overlapping Wohnen/Arbeit offerings.
• Stiftung Brändi: Swiss foundation headquartered in Lucerne providing sheltered workshops, residential services, and vocational training for people with disabilities across multiple cantons. Directly comparable in offering mix (work + living + training) and cantonal-government funding model, though operating on a larger multi-canton scale.
• Stiftung Rossfeld: Bern-based foundation operating a special-needs school, vocational training, residential care, and therapy services for children and youth with disabilities. Strongly comparable in the Heilpädagogische Schule + Berufsvorbereitung + Wohnen stack and in serving children/adolescents transitioning to adulthood.

Broad incumbents

• Pro Infirmis: Switzerland's largest disability advocacy and service organization, operating across all cantons with consulting, supported living, and social services. Comparable as a disability-services ecosystem player but with a much broader national remit and primarily advisory rather than residential/employment model.

Regional players

• Stiftung RgZ (Stiftung für Ganzheitliche behindertengerechte Zusammenarbeit): Aargau-based organization offering residential, work, and leisure services for people with disabilities. Comparable service mix and shared canton, though smaller in scale.
• Stiftung zur Palme: Lucerne-based Swiss foundation providing residential and work programs for adults with disabilities. Comparable residential + sheltered workshop model, though focused on a different canton and primarily adult services.

Others

• Insieme: Swiss umbrella association for people with intellectual disabilities and their families; while not a direct service competitor, Stiftung Schürmatt is an INSOS/INSOS-affiliated provider and operates within the standards Insieme/INSOS helps set, making it a sector-relevant ecosystem peer.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/schuermatt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/schuermatt

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles26 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 Schurmatt