SCHUNK, ebm-papst, HEITEC and Blockbrain launch digitalization network for SMEs

SCHUNK, ebm-papst, HEITEC and Blockbrain have jointly founded Next Level Mittelstand GmbH in Heilbronn in April 2025. The company aims to expand the existing digitalization initiative for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering scalable services and new collaboration opportunities. Schwarz Digits, together with another entity from the Schwarz Group, plans to become a shareholder.

The initiative, originally launched in 2024 by Henrik A. Schunk, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Industry 4.0 Platform and Chairman of the Board of SCHUNK, supports SMEs in developing practical strategies for digital transformation. It focuses on peer collaboration and the sharing of experiences and best practices to overcome digital challenges.

Next Level Mittelstand GmbH intends to create an operational platform where industrial companies, process experts and software providers can jointly develop and implement solution concepts. The goal is to offer a secure, open ecosystem for SMEs that enables rapid digital progress and strengthens competitiveness.

“With this, we create the structure for an open SME ecosystem that can grow rapidly,” said Henrik A. Schunk. “We are pleased to have gained Schwarz Digits as a strong partner and shareholder for the initiative. Being able to rely on a local partner is a significant strategic advantage given the current geopolitical situation.”

Bernd Wagner, Divisional Board Member Sales Schwarz Digits and CEO of STACKIT, stated: “As a digital and infrastructure partner from Germany, it is a core concern for us to strengthen the digital sovereignty of SMEs. ‘Next Level Mittelstand’ brings exactly the right players together to drive practical digitalization forward – collaboratively, securely, and on equal footing.”

Next Level Mittelstand GmbH serves as a central contact point for SMEs, offering validated results, shared strategies, and access to industrial data space development. The network welcomes participation from companies, IT service providers, software developers, startups, and venture capital investors.