Joachim Herz Stiftung

The Joachim Herz Stiftung, founded in 2008 after the death of the German entrepreneur Joachim Herz, is one of the leading foundations in Germany dedicated to the promotion of education, science, and research.

The foundation focuses on promoting innovative, application-oriented research projects at the interfaces of business, engineering, natural sciences, and medicine. It supports talented trainees and students through individual, project, and structural funding, with a focus on international experiences, personal skills, and digital transformation in vocational education[1].

Another focus is on "Entrepreneurship Education," where entrepreneurial thinking and action are taught in schools to empower students for independence and innovative mindsets[3].

The mission of the Joachim Herz Stiftung is to contribute to the performance and freedom of society by supporting people in developing their personal and professional potentials. The guiding principle "Knowledge Creates Freedom" is a guiding force in all areas of its work. The foundation places great importance on self-determination through personal responsibility and initiative, self-reflection, willingness to perform, and openness to the world[1].

The foundation is engaged in various sustainable areas, including:

• Sustainable Cities and Communities: The foundation promotes projects that contribute to more sustainable and livable urban and community structures.
• Climate Protection Measures: A focus is on supporting research and projects that contribute to climate protection.
• Health and Well-being: The foundation supports initiatives that improve the health and well-being of the population.
• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: By promoting research and innovation in these areas, the foundation contributes to economic and technological development[1].

Additionally, the foundation operates "innovate centers" at universities to accelerate the transfer of research results into practice and promote knowledge- and technology-based innovations[4].

The foundation's assets, which amounted to around 1.3 billion euros at its founding, are primarily invested in corporate holdings, particularly in Beiersdorf AG, as well as in a broadly diversified securities portfolio and a real estate portfolio in the USA and Germany. The foundation spends millions annually on charitable purposes, with expenditures steadily increasing in recent years (e.g., 24.6 million euros in 2022)[1][3].

• 1 - https://www.joachim-herz-stiftung.de/ueber-uns/die-stiftung
• 2 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joachim_Herz_(Unternehmer)
• 3 - https://www.scheinheilige-stifter.de/wie-die-schwerreiche-joachim-herz-stiftung-unternehmerisches-denken-ins-klassenzimmer-bringt/
• 4 - https://www.joachim-herz-stiftung.de/forschen/forschung-und-anwendung/innovate-zentrum
• 5 - https://www.joachim-herz-stiftung.de