Other Initiatives

Dzanga Forest Elephant Project (Central African Republic)

The Hasso Plattner Foundation supports the Dzanga Bai Forest Elephant Project, conducted by Cornell University. Initiated under the patronage of Sabine Plattner, this project aims to advance the research program at the Dzanga Bai, and protect the elephants in the Congo Basin. The main objectives are threefold: to gather long-term data on the lives of the elephants in the Dzanga Bai, to reduce elephant poaching, and to build the capacity of local researchers.

Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town (South Africa)

The Department of Biological Sciences is part of the University of Cape Town (UCT) in South Africa, offering research and study programs in the fields of terrestrial and marine ecology, evolutionary biology, and ecophysiology. Following a devastating fire at the UCT upper campus in 2021, the Hasso Plattner Foundation pledged to support the department’s recovery efforts. In particular, the Foundation supports donations that aim to safeguard and digitize the botanical collection of the department and upgrade the building’s infrastructure so that it can continue its scientific research in conservation.

HPI and MIT Collaboration (Germany and USA)

Using design methodologies to address societal challenges related to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) started a joint new program in November 2022 that drives scientific research at both institutions.  

Through 10-12 joint projects per year and lively exchanges between scientists at both institutes, the “Designing for Sustainability” program focuses on digital technologies, computer science, and innovation. The Foundation supports this new research collaboration, the results of which will be translated into practice, aiming to tackle global challenges, especially in the areas of health, education, energy, and climate action. 

HPI and Stanford Collaboration on Human-Centered AI (Germany and USA)

The Hasso Plattner Institute and the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence have joined forces to research human-centered AI systems. This 6-year program, which started in May 2024, aims to explore how humans interact with intelligent systems and to positively impact the field of AI and human-computer interaction.  

The Foundation supports this new research collaboration and the exchange of PhD students between the two institutes. The research will be conducted in areas such as explainability of AI systems, design of social computing systems, AI-assisted manufacturing tools, AI-assisted human-to-human interactions, and design of privacy-compliant smart spaces. 

Ukraine-related initiatives (Germany and Ukraine)

In the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, we have provided donations to support the people of Ukraine. Since February 2022, we have donated to more than 20 initiatives to alleviate the consequences of the war. These initiatives have provided medical care, supplies, protection of cultural heritage in Ukraine, and accommodation and support for refugees, children, and university students arriving in Germany. 

Nano Nation  

Established in November 2022, Nano Nation supports Ukrainian refugee children and their parents in Berlin through the Nano’s Kidsclub. The program provides flexible childcare and comprehensive support for parents, with a focus on integration and learning German through play. 

Since the Hasso Plattner Foundation supports projects in the areas of science & education, art & culture, social & conservation exclusively on its own initiative within the scope of its statutes, it is generally not possible to support individuals or institutions. We therefore ask for your understanding if we have to decline requests for donations of this kind.