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At ESMT Berlin, we believe in harnessing the power of business to drive positive societal change. Our commitment to social impact is woven into the fabric of our institution, where we nurture future leaders to think globally and act responsibly. Through diverse initiatives and programs, we empower our students and community to contribute meaningfully to society, fostering innovation, leadership, and sustainability.

Explore below how ESMT’s social impact projects and partnerships are creating a better tomorrow, one step at a time.

Societal Impact Financing Initiative (SciFi)

The Societal Impact Financing Initiative (SciFi) at ESMT brings together diverse stakeholders, including impact entrepreneurs, wealth owners, foundations, and policymakers, to optimize the use of private capital for societal benefits in Europe and beyond.  Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, among others, SciFi promotes strategic resource use and innovative financing structures to advance societal transformations, particularly in sustainability and education. 

Social Impact Projects

Our Social Impact Projects provide students enrolled in ESMT MSc and MBA programs with the opportunity to apply their business acumen to real-world challenges. These projects span various sectors and geographies, addressing critical issues such as education, healthcare, and sustainable development.  

Learn more about Social Impact Projects 

Students SIP

Industry Immersion Program 

Established in 2017, the Industry Immersion Program (IIP) is a collaborative initiative between the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry Johannesburg, and various African and German companies. The six-month, tuition-free program enhances the employability of young African graduates in mathematics through internships and academic modules taught pro bono by ESMT faculty.  

IIP statistics

Responsible Leaders Fellowship

The Responsible Leaders Fellowship (RLF) is a six-month postgraduate fellowship allowing MBA graduates to work on social impact projects in developing countries. Working alongside nonprofit organizations like Barefoot College International, German Doctors, and TSIBA, the Fellows contribute their knowledge to initiatives with local and global impact and gain real-world business experience. 

Learn more about the Responsible Leaders Fellowship  

RLF

Supporting Ukraine

ESMT stands with Ukraine, condemning Russian aggression and calling for an immediate end to war. Our initiatives in support of Ukraine include expert panel discussions on the conflict, raising funds for Feine Ukraine, and providing scholarships to female Ukrainian students. Our ongoing efforts also include the Ukraine Impact Project, where pro bono consultants help Ukrainian companies expand internationally and collaborations with the IT Ukraine Association and VDMA to facilitate business exchange.

Support our initiatives by becoming a pro bono consultant or mentor. Contact us at standwithukraine@esmt.org to learn more and join our efforts.