UPDATE – REFERENCES
From digital platforms and networks to innovation-oriented educational initiatives.
For over twenty years, the matrix group has been developing digital platforms, coordinating networks and designing educational formats.
Our projects
From digital platforms and networks to innovation-oriented educational initiatives.
For over twenty years, the matrix group has been developing digital platforms, coordinating networks and designing educational formats.
STEM education・platform
zdi.NRW
A statewide joint initiative for young STEM talent in North Rhine-Westphalia with over 46 networks and 100 student laboratories — the largest STEM network in Europe.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
zdi.NRW is a statewide initiative to promote STEM talent in North Rhine-Westphalia. Over 46 zdi networks and more than 100 student labs together form the largest STEM community in Europe. They create practical opportunities that inspire children and young people early on in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology—from after-school clubs and holiday courses to career exploration programs. The goal: to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers and simultaneously address the skills shortage of tomorrow.
OUR ROLE
matrix acts as the state office and coordinates the development of regional structures. We develop digital tools for the networks, organize training courses, operate the zdi portal, and lead the strategic development of the community.
Visit this zdi-portal.de
STEM education・platform
MINT networked
Nationwide service and networking center for the STEM community in Germany.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
MINTvernetzt is the central hub for the STEM community in Germany. This networking platform promotes innovative STEM education programs, increases their visibility, and creates spaces for knowledge transfer and exchange—nationwide, across providers, and with easy access. The platform offers tools, events, a provider database, and practical support.
OUR ROLE
matrix develops and maintains the MINTvernetzt community platform in close collaboration with the STEM community. We design the technical architecture, UX, and functions together with the users and ensure that the platform meets the actual needs of the community.
visits MINTvernetzt.de
STEM education・platform
STEM campus
The digital learning platform of the STEM community with open learning content, tools and didactic concepts.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The STEM Campus is the central digital learning platform for the German STEM community. Here, educators and learners can find open learning content, tools, and teaching concepts related to mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology. The platform brings together quality-assured content from the community and enables users to create learning paths, share materials, and engage in mutual professional development—from preschool teachers to university lecturers.
OUR ROLE
Matrix coordinates the project, develops and operates the technical platform, and designs content and teaching methods together with partners. We take care of platform architecture, community management, and the continuous improvement of the learning experience.
visits MINT-Campus.org
Inclusion & Participation
Municipality included
Shaping inclusion holistically in the community — from neighborhood to education, together with Aktion Mensch.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The "Inclusive Municipality" initiative of Aktion Mensch developed five model municipalities into places of participation and a welcoming culture – taking a holistic approach, encompassing everything from neighborhood development and mobility to accessible infrastructure, education, and volunteering. The follow-up program, "Local Inclusion," continues this collaboration and adds a training program for process facilitators, equipping municipal stakeholders with the tools for sustainable inclusion work.
OUR ROLE
matrix acted as a process facilitator for all five model municipalities during the initiative and today trains stakeholders in municipal inclusion work. We contribute experience from supporting complex change processes on the ground and are working on transferring the methods to a wider scale.
VISIT THE ZDI WEBSITE
STEM education platform
German Stroke Foundation
Community platform for those affected, relatives and families — with a special focus on children.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Strokes don't just affect older people—children and their families are also affected and often struggle to find the right support and resources. On behalf of the German Stroke Foundation, matrix is developing a community platform with a safe space for sharing experiences, comprehensive information on therapy and rehabilitation, and access to helpful resources. A particular focus is on young stroke survivors and their families, who are often only marginally considered in existing services.
OUR ROLE
matrix develops and manages the community platform — from concept and technology to building an active, supportive community. We combine technical implementation with psychologically sound moderation, creating a safe digital space.
STEM education platform
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The matrix Lab is a creative space for companies, individuals, and students where ideas are transformed into prototypes using digital manufacturing. Equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC milling machines, and an open maker culture, it offers the tools and knowledge to experience innovation processes hands-on. The lab also serves as a learning and innovation hub, for example within the framework of the zdi-BSO-MINT Lab (ZBML), and fosters exchange within an international maker community.
OUR ROLE
matrix operates the lab and develops learning formats that make digital manufacturing tangible. We bring together makers, companies, and educational stakeholders, creating a space where theory and practice meet.
VISIT THE ZDI WEBSITE
STEM education platform
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Open Educational Badges (OEB) are digital certificates that make learning experiences and skills acquisition visible in a standardized and verifiable way. Educational providers easily create and award badges, learners collect them, and gain an overview of their individual skills profile. This makes learning experiences recognizable, especially in non-formal educational contexts—from student lab participation to workshop series. Practical testing in extracurricular STEM learning environments is part of the project.
OUR ROLE
matrix is developing the OEB platform and supporting its practical testing. We are responsible for the technical implementation, standards compatibility, and advising educational stakeholders during the rollout.
VISIT THE ZDI WEBSITE
STEM education platform
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The STEM Thuringia platform makes regional educational opportunities visible and connects stakeholders from schools, businesses, and extracurricular education in Thuringia. It creates a central point of contact for everyone who wants to promote STEM education in the region—teachers can find programs for their classes, companies can find partners for career guidance, and extracurricular providers can be easily located.
OUR ROLE
Matrix developed the technical infrastructure and created a user-friendly environment for the community. We paid particular attention to ensuring that the platform was equally usable for different user groups—from teachers to clubs and associations.
STEM education platform
ABOUT THE PROJECT
matrix supports the STEM networks in Salzburg and Vorarlberg in inspiring children and young people to pursue STEM subjects, promoting innovative educational formats, and creating sustainable networks among stakeholders. The focus is on long-term, sustainable structures for regional STEM education—from strategy development with stakeholders and the design of specific formats to support during operational implementation.
OUR ROLE
matrix supports the strategy development and establishment of regional networks in both federal states. We contribute experience from twenty years of STEM networking and translate it into the respective regional context.
VISIT THE ZDI WEBSITE
STEM education platform
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The cities of Dorsten, Paderborn, and Bergisch Gladbach, together with matrix, developed a trainee campus concept that offers trainees accommodation, networking opportunities, and practical support. The goal was to increase the attractiveness of dual vocational training and actively counteract the shortage of skilled workers—through an integrated program that considers not only housing but also social integration and learning support.
OUR ROLE
matrix developed the concept in collaboration with the cities and supported its implementation. We moderated the exchange between municipal stakeholders, housing developers, and training companies, and translated the needs into a concrete concept.
VISIT THE STEM Campus WEBSITE
STEM education platform
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The "HelpCamps" innovation forum of matrix gGmbH addressed the question of how digital manufacturing—such as 3D printing—can provide people with disabilities with assistive devices in a more individualized, faster, and more cost-effective way. The focus was on building an inclusive network of people with disabilities, companies, makers, and universities who collaborated on concrete solutions using a design thinking process—from individual gripping aids to complex prosthetic components.
OUR ROLE
matrix gGmbH initiated and coordinated the network and supported the design thinking processes. We brought all stakeholders to the table and ensured that the perspective of those affected was central from the very beginning.
VISIT THE ZDI WEBSITE
STEM education platform
ABOUT THE PROJECT
MakeOpaedics brought together makers and medical supply companies to co-creatively develop digitally manufactured, open-source orthopedic aids. The project resulted in innovative prototypes, such as a sensor-based insole system for pressure monitoring in Charcot foot deformities, which was made openly available for further development. This open-source approach allows medical supply companies worldwide to further develop the solutions and adapt them to local needs.
OUR ROLE
matrix gGmbH coordinated the co-creative collaboration between makers and medical supply stores. We facilitated communication between the different worlds of craftsmanship, high-tech manufacturing, and medical practice, ensuring a productive collaboration.
VISIT THE STEM Campus WEBSITE
STEM education platform
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Next Career offered comprehensive support to students in North Rhine-Westphalia facing doubts about their studies, changing their major, or dropping out through regional counseling services and information platforms. The goal was to provide guidance and assistance to those affected and their families—and to destigmatize the topic of dropping out of university. Transitioning to a dual vocational training program or another path is not a failure, but a valid option that deserves structured support.
OUR ROLE
matrix actively supported the project and developed counselling formats for students and their families. We designed informational materials, online resources, and workshops that help both those affected and multipliers such as parents and teachers.
VISIT THE ZDI WEBSITE