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ABOUT US

Who we are

Shaping sustainable change together

Our heart beats for the forest - a symbol of a healthy planet and a sustainable future. As a think tank, accelerator and innovation hub for all those who want to harmonise nature, economic success and human needs, we support visionaries and pioneers with knowledge, resources and capital to test innovative solutions in practice and drive them forward with determination.

 

What we do

Germany's first Sustainability Innovation Hub

As the Future Forest Initiative, we are building the first sustainable innovation hub for forests and climate in Germany (and Europe) - located at Blankenburg Castle in the Harz Mountains. With passion and vision, we are driving forward innovations that harmonise nature and people.

The Triple S - Real-world laboratory
With our ‘Speed - Scale - Standards’ approach, we guarantee impact. We test innovations for quality and feasibility and visualise their impact in a real environment.
FFI Accelerator
We support scalable, impact-orientated start-ups with funding, knowledge and a strong network. Our mission: to support innovations that really make a difference.

Innovation-Campus "Green Castle"
Our Innovation-Campus is a unique place for Planetary Health, creating an emotional home for our community and work together to develop solutions for a sustainable future.

We offer customised support and valuable partnerships

Investors

For investors, we offer a highly qualified selection process with which we validate impact-orientated and scalable start-ups in our accelerator. Our in-depth evaluation of innovations according to technology readiness level, the founding team and financing opportunities guarantees promising start-ups with real impact.  

Corporates

Companies that are committed to sustainability and planetary health will find a strong partner in us. By working with us, they benefit from a strong network and develop solutions that strengthen their corporate responsibility.

Forestry

Forest owners benefit from our expertise and the innovative solutions we develop for the sustainable management and maintenance of forests. By supporting forestry measures and introducing new technologies, together we create added value for the forest as a valuable natural asset and at the same time develop new markets based on sustainable utilisation.  

Startups

For startups, we not only offer financing options, but also access to a strong network and valuable market knowledge. In our real-world lab, startups can test and scale their innovations in a real environment, while we support them on their path to success with mentors, corporate partners, investors and strategic guidance.  

 

At home in Blankenburg (Harz) 

„Think global, act local“ is our corporate culture.

Why Harz?

Like no other location in Germany, the Harz stands for the climate change-related forest dieback. Up to two thirds of the forest area there have fallen victim to the recent years of drought. This is exactly why we see the opportunity here through our initiative to create a model region with a role model function.

Blankenburg Castle

We are very proud of our headquarters: Europe's largest surviving Guelph Castle, the Blankenburg Castle above the Harz forests. It is the landmark of the city of Blankenburg with a history of more than 900 years.

2021 - Today

The origin of the Initiative

Achieved a lot, even more is planned!

01.

The first Future Forest Forum

 „Our forest needs your ideas“ – this was the motto under which our initiative started in the summer of 2021 with the Future Forest Forum.

02.

The official foundation

Exhilarated by all the ideas, solution approaches and potential of interdisciplinary cooperation, the official founding finally followed in February 2022.

03.

More events and formats

It continued with the first community events, accelerator formats and the new edition of the forum - many milestones behind us and even more in sight!

04.

Growth and new Dimensions

At the Future Forest Forum 2023, we recorded over 300 participants for the first time - establishing ourselves as a leading event in the field of innovations for forests and the climate.

 

 

05.

Joining the de:hub network

 At the end of 2024, the FFI officially became part of the Federal Ministry of Economics' de:hub initiative and, together with the Weinberg Campus Technology Park, now represents the Digital Hub Life Sciences & Bioeconomy.

06.

Become part of our journey

 Would you like to be there live when we take the next step towards the forest of the future? Then take a look at our partner-network!

Team

Dr.-Kowalski-Kopie
Dr. Benjamin Kowalski
Head of Science
björn-kaminski.1024x1024
Björn Kaminski
Head of Startup-Innovation
Christoph Ameseder
Christoph Ameseder
Innovation & Project Management
Steffi Fuhrmann
Stefanie Fuhrmann
Event Management
Bildschirmfoto-2021-07-26-um-10.58.27-Kopie
Christoph zu Stolberg
Head of International Relations + Forest Lab in Stolberg (Harz)
Susanne Rönnefarth (1)
Susanne Rönnefarth
Senior Startup Manager

Stay up to date and support the forest

 

In our newsletter we summarise all the important information. To ensure you do not miss the next event, we will invite you personally. You will also get access to Early Bird tickets!

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