The Technology, Innovation and Research Foundation of Thuringia (STIFT) is celebrating its 30th anniversary

Image credit: Technology, Innovation and Research Foundation Thuringia (STIFT).

the Technology, Innovation and Research Foundation Thuringia (STIFT) It was established in 1993 as a private foundation through a partnership between the Free State of Thuringia and founding board member Dr. Lothar Spaeth. It obtained financial resources from the proceeds of the privatization of Jenoptik AG. For three decades now, STIFT has played a crucial role in Thuringia’s innovation ecosystem and is committed to promoting education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Foundation is constantly expanding its services along the entire educational and economic development processes in order to provide important incentives and support to the people behind the innovations. Today STIFT is one of the 7% of the largest institutions in Germany by assets. “Innovations are the engine of the future – and this is more true today than ever. Today’s challenges, such as the much-needed economic transformation, cannot be achieved without innovations. STIFT has been active here in a variety of areas for 30 years. Whether it is introducing children to… And young people with the topic of technology in its broadest sense, whether it is about creating networks or organizing high-level events – STIFT is a reliable and professional partner. In the coming years, it will again be necessary to plan innovative projects in order to promote innovations from Thuringia and support participants in their effective implementation. “I would like to warmly congratulate the team on its anniversary and look forward to joint and future-oriented work in the future,” explains Thuringia Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Tiefensee.

A celebration of progress and the future of innovation in Thuringia

However, celebrating does not only mean looking back at the successes already achieved, but also includes the opportunity to lay the foundations for the future. STIFT has set itself the goal of connecting innovation actors from business, politics, science and society more closely with each other and turning their shared enthusiasm for innovation into practical collaboration. The STIFT Board of Directors team consists of Christian Kilian and Dr. Sven Günther takes a look at the successes achieved over the past 30 years of foundation work: “We are proud of what we have achieved, which is also the basis for making innovations even more possible in Thuringia in the future. Thanks to our entrepreneurial and supportive nature, we work closely with other foundations and people in “Innovation ecosystem. That’s why we say thank you to all our comrades from the past, present and future. We still have a lot to do.”

STIFT invites comrades, stakeholders and target groups to attend the STIFT Futures Conference in spring 2024. In discussion and input rounds, current questions and challenges of our time and concrete goals for the Foundation’s future work are discussed. More information about this event will follow soon.