STEM Education
Empowering tomorrow’s innovators
"I didn't know what an engineer does until I built my first robot."
In Liechtenstein, young people are discovering their future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
How do we spark curiosity early and sustain it through education into careers?
Liechtenstein's economy depends on innovation. But across Europe, interest in STEM careers drops sharply after age 12. Right when it matters most. The region needs more engineers, researchers and tech leaders.
Our vision is to fully realize Liechtenstein's potential in the fields of STEM. By fostering a holistic approach that connects education with industry, we aim to inspire the next generation and strengthen the region's long-term competitiveness.
How do we spark curiosity early and sustain it through education into careers?
Liechtenstein's economy depends on innovation. But across Europe, interest in STEM careers drops sharply after age 12. Right when it matters most. The region needs more engineers, researchers and tech leaders.
Our vision is to fully realize Liechtenstein's potential in the fields of STEM. By fostering a holistic approach that connects education with industry, we aim to inspire the next generation and strengthen the region's long-term competitiveness.
100%
growth
Double the number of new master’s students in Cybersecurity at the University of Liechtenstein from 2023 to 2024.
5,200+ p.a.
Every year, pepperMINT engages over 4,800 children and more than 440 teachers. (in 2023 alone).
900+
The new Smartfeld location in Buchs welcomed 924 students in 2024.
5M CHF
CHF 5 Million committed over ten years to support the Robotics Chair at ETH Zurich.
2x
Double the number of new master’s students in Cybersecurity at the University of Liechtenstein from 2023 to 2024.
5,200+ p.a.
Every year, pepperMINT engages over 4,800 children and more than 440 teachers. (in 2023 alone).
900+
The new Smartfeld location in Buchs welcomed 924 students in 2024.
5M CHF
CHF 5 Million committed over ten years to support the Robotics Chair at ETH Zurich.
2x
Double the number of new master’s students in Cybersecurity at the University of Liechtenstein from 2023 to 2024.
5,200+ p.a.
Every year, pepperMINT engages over 4,800 children and more than 440 teachers. (in 2023 alone).
900+
The new Smartfeld location in Buchs welcomed 924 students in 2024.
5M CHF
CHF 5 Million committed over ten years to support the Robotics Chair at ETH Zurich.
The challenge
To secure Liechtenstein’s future as a high-tech hub, there is a vital need for skilled professionals and innovative research. Currently, we must bridge the gap between early school education and the evolving requirements of the labor market to ensure that local and international talent can thrive in our region.
Our strategic pillars
We focus on three key areas to build a sustainable STEM ecosystem:
Early Inspiration & Schooling
Developing a national STEM strategy that integrates hands-on learning from an early age and creates "STEM schools" through practical cooperation between businesses and education.
Higher Education & Applied Research
Supporting professorships and research projects at world-class institutions like ETH Zurich and the University of Liechtenstein to drive innovation in fields such as Robotics and Cybersecurity.
Talent & Diversity
Actively promoting STEM careers to girls and women, and providing scholarships and mentoring programs to attract top international talent to Liechtenstein.
Featured initiatives
pepperMINT & Smartfeld
The "pepperMINT" discovery lab is our flagship project for children and teenagers, offering evening workshops and school holiday programs that spark curiosity through experimentation. Its success led to the opening of "Smartfeld" in Buchs, providing similar high-quality STEM education to the wider region.
Academic excellence & R&D
We invest in strategic partnerships to push the boundaries of technology:
Hilti Chair at ETH Zurich
Strengthening research in robotics to transform the construction industry.
Cybersecurity at University of Liechtenstein
Promoting talent acquisition and expert knowledge in data security.
RhySearch Dissertations
Funding regional research in fields like digital innovation and computational engineering to bridge the gap between academia and industrial application.
Vocational training support
To ensure vocational schools have state-of-the-art equipment, we support local institutions such as HTL Bregenz with plasma-cutting machinery and PTS Bludenz with modern mechatronics workstations.
“A competitive MBA scholars program aims to support the brightest MBA candidates from around the world. The new Hilti IMD MBA Scholars Program also aims to nurture talent and encourage new voices, views and perspectives to pursue leadership roles in STEM industries.”
Jahangir Doongaji
Hilti CEO & Hilti Foundation Board Member
