Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences

High-Level Overview

Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences is a state-recognized, remote-first edtech university in Germany, not a traditional technology company, focused on purpose-driven higher education in sustainability, innovation, technology, and leadership.[1][2][4] It offers flexible, accredited Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA programs like the Impact MBA—ranked Germany's #1 for Innovation in Leadership Education and among the world's top edtech companies of 2025 by TIME and Statista—equipping working professionals to address global challenges without pausing their lives.[1][3][4] Serving learners from over 60 countries, it solves the skills gap in green sectors (where only 13% of the workforce is prepared) through challenge-based, tech-enabled learning centered on UN Sustainable Development Goals, real-world projects, and a global community of mentors from companies like Google, SAP, and N26.[1][2][3]

Origin Story

Founded in 2021 amid the 2020 pandemic by Christian Rebernik (visionary entrepreneur behind N26 fintech) and Dr. Thomas Funke (founder of innovation hub TechQuartier), Tomorrow University addressed traditional education's shortcomings in flexibility, relevance, and tech integration.[1][2][4][5] The duo envisioned a model leveraging learning science, AI, and active community to empower "changemakers" for sustainability and innovation, rapidly achieving state recognition as Germany's first edtech University of Applied Sciences.[1][4] Early milestones include launching the world's first immersive MBA with Apple Vision Pro and building a curriculum with real-world application, gaining traction through accreditations from ACQUIN and ZFU.[1][3][4]

Core Differentiators

• Flexible, Remote-First Model: Fully online programs fit into real lives, with mobile accessibility, city hubs for meetups, and immersive tech like Apple Vision Pro—ideal for upskilling without career breaks.[1][3][4]
• Purpose-Driven Curriculum: Customizable degrees (e.g., Impact MBA specializations in ESG, AI & Sustainable Tech, CleanTech) emphasize 21st-century skills like sustainability, digital literacy, and critical thinking via challenge-based projects tied to UN SDGs.[1][2][4][5]
• Real-World Impact Focus: Learners apply knowledge in industry-partnered research, theses, and Impact Certificates, collaborating with experts from Google, SAP, N26 for hands-on roles in sustainability management, tech innovation, and entrepreneurship.[2][3][5]
• Elite Recognition and Network: Named a top 2025 edtech by TIME/Statista (highest-ranked German university), backed by world-class faculty and a diverse global community fostering co-creation and influence.[1][3]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Tomorrow University rides the edtech revolution accelerated by the pandemic, capitalizing on AI, VR, and scalable platforms to democratize access to future-proof skills amid labor shortages in sustainability and tech (e.g., green jobs).[1][2][3] Its timing aligns with urgent market forces: rising ESG demands, AI integration in education, and a shift to lifelong, flexible learning as only 13% of workers are future-ready.[1][3] By producing graduates for high-impact roles at mission-driven firms, it influences the ecosystem—bridging academia with industry (e.g., N26, SAP partnerships) to accelerate sustainable innovation and entrepreneurial ventures globally.[2][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Tomorrow University is poised to expand its lead in impact edtech, potentially scaling immersive AI/VR programs and Impact Certificates to more specializations amid booming demand for sustainability leaders.[1][3] Trends like AI for well-being, remote global collaboration, and green tech will propel growth, evolving its influence from skill-builder to ecosystem shaper—launching more startups and upskilling workforces at scale.[2][5] As the highest-ranked German edtech in TIME's 2025 list, it exemplifies how purpose-driven education transforms passions into global change, empowering the next wave of innovators.[3]