MINTchallenge plus

The MINTchallenge plus honors interdisciplinary STEM degree programs throughout Germany and awards five exemplary programs each with €5,000. Educational institutions can submit an application online at any time, provided they have already demonstrated a sustained, cross-disciplinary degree program. The award aims to amplify successful concepts as best-practice examples: Using videographic documentation, the level of innovation, degree of interdisciplinarity, and evidence of effectiveness regarding student numbers, dropout rates, and diversity—particularly the proportion of women—are recorded and publicly presented. This creates an inspiring network that provides impulses for new STEM teaching formats and contributes to strengthening interface competencies.

The program is aimed at universities and other educational institutions that have already successfully established innovative technical degree programs in the STEM field (e.g., mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, process engineering). Prerequisites for application include a detailed project description, proof of long-term implementation, and evaluation data for success assessment. Selection takes place through a multi-stage jury process based on strict criteria: degree of innovation, interdisciplinarity, and transferability. The funding supports the production of high-quality video documentation, which is disseminated via the communication channels of the sponsor, the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e. V. This award procedure makes it possible to showcase pioneering study concepts, attract new students, and reduce dropout rates. Ongoing submissions ensure continuous support and networking of outstanding STEM initiatives in Germany.