STIFT was established by the Federal State of Thuringia in 1993 as a private non-profit foundation governed by civil law with the purpose to promote knowledge transfer and to shape the innovation landscape of Thuringia. STIFT initiates projects and activities for strengthening innovation ecosystem at all levels and stages in an innovation ecosystem starting with scientific training and entrepreneurship education in kindergartens, schools and high-schools. At the next level STIFT provides coaching, consulting and upscaling for startups and growth companies as well as networking events as the “Investor Days Thuringia” – a platform for startups, entrepreneurs, investors and innovators. STIFT also provides (co-)funding for local startups on a limited scale. At business level STIFT is organiser and main supporter of the annual regional innovation award which awards outstanding innovative enterprises in Thuringia.

www.stift-thueringen.de