We support societal breakthrough innovations with the potential to improve the lives of millions while relieving the state of billions. SPRIND stands for the courage to think radically differently. For many years, we have supported breakthrough innovations that create new markets, unlock economic strength, and effectively solve ecological challenges. But this courage is needed not only in technology and business — it is equally essential within the state and society itself. That is why we are now specifically supporting societal breakthrough innovations with the potential to make large-scale contributions to improving our education system, labor market, and social and healthcare systems, or to fundamentally rethink the relationship between the state and its citizens.

Our goal is to strengthen social cohesion and reinforce trust in a modern, effective state. This, too, is a crucial pillar for the resilience and sovereignty of Germany and Europe. That is why, from now on, we are also searching here for the next leap.

SPRIND.SOCIETY supports entrepreneurial ventures designed to achieve social goals, ease pressure on public budgets, and meaningfully strengthen the cohesion of our country. The focus is on technology-related projects with a high degree of innovation and risk – but also a high Social Return on Investment.

So far, traditional markets have failed when it comes to innovation relating to the state and society. This is because the return on social innovation arises at a societal level – through time saved by public authorities, improved life chances, more efficient social services, or similar benefits. This impact (Social Return on Investment) is measurable, quantifiable and usually contributes directly to the objectives and budgets of state institutions. Nevertheless, there has been little innovation transfer between the state and start-ups to date – and so Germany rarely benefits from the many innovative ideas out there. The Valley of Death is particularly pronounced for high-tech, scalable projects: too entrepreneurial and technological for philanthropy, too little financial return for private investors, too nascent and with too high market entry barriers for standard government operations. We are filling this gap. We build bridges for these projects into the public sector and into societal systems.

Specifically, we are looking for innovations that improve the lives of millions and save the state billions – so-called ‘impact unicorns’. These are start-ups that achieve social goals through entrepreneurial means, thereby strengthening the state and society. In doing so, we support the local ecosystem on the one hand, but also look specifically at successful models from abroad: digital participation from Taiwan, performance-based impact financing from the UK, AI-supported education from Sweden – so that we in Germany can benefit from them too.

This country has so much potential – and we want to unlock it. We need the brightest minds from business and science to tackle societal challenges as well. Guided by the principle of (breakthrough) innovations for a better life, we focus on fields where conventional markets fall short – whether in education, pensions, health, participation, or public administration. Our goal is to support the many people out there with ideas for how Germany can work better.

So here's good news for all the new thinkers out there: from now on, SPRIND.SOCIETY is your point of contact.

It's time to unleash your power to innovate – for a modern state and a strong society.

Are you developing a solution with the potential to make a significant impact on society?

We're looking for Impact Unicorns – disruptive ideas that solve societal challenges and have the potential to save the state billions and improve the lives of millions.

Do you work in academia, government, or the public sector?



SPRIND.SOCIETY especially welcomes close collaboration with bold actors from within the public administration itself.

Zarah Bruhn, Innovation Manager Leading Societal Breakthrough Innovations zarah.bruhn@sprind.org