soffico GmbH is part of Next Level Mittelstand GmbH – the new digital offensive for SMEs
With the founding of Next Level Mittelstand GmbH at the beginning of April 2025, a new platform for practical digitalisation in the SME sector is being created. soffico GmbH has been part of Next Level Mittelstand from the outset, with the aim of developing concrete solutions together with other SME players and sustainably strengthening the digital competitiveness of SMEs.
Next Level Mittelstand was launched in 2024 as an initiative by Henrik A. Schunk, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Industry 4.0 platform and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SCHUNK.
The idea: through collaboration and joint action, SMEs can master digital challenges faster and more efficiently.
Henrik Schunk emphasises: “We have noticed that many smaller companies are still struggling with digitalisation. The aim of the initiative is therefore to bring companies together and jointly develop practical strategies and solutions for expanding digital expertise in SMEs.”
From mittelstand. For the mittelstand.
SCHUNK, ebm-papst, HEITEC and Blockbrain jointly founded Next Level Mittelstand GmbH in Heilbronn at the beginning of April 2025 – right at the heart of Europe’s new AI centre – in order to expand the offering for the successfully growing network in a future-proof and scalable manner. Schwarz Digits also intends to become a shareholder in Next Level Mittelstand GmbH.
This foundation will be complemented by member companies such as soffico GmbH, which will contribute their expertise and resources from industry, process knowledge and software to create an operational space for the implementation and provision of joint solution concepts.
Digital sovereignty through cooperation
“We are thus creating the structure for an open SME ecosystem that can grow quickly,” explains Henrik A. Schunk. “We are delighted to have gained a strong partner and shareholder for the initiative in Schwarz Digits. This allows us to combine the interests of industrial companies with the dynamism and expertise of a leading digital provider. The fact that we can rely on a local partner is a significant strategic advantage in view of the current global political situation – especially with regard to a sovereign and secure digital infrastructure.”
Bernd Wagner, Divisional Director Schwarz Digits Sales and CEO STACKIT, adds: “As a digital and infrastructure partner from Germany, strengthening the digital sovereignty of SMEs is a key concern for us. ‘Next Level Mittelstand’ brings together exactly the right players to drive forward practical digitalisation – collaboratively, securely and at eye level.”
Digitalisation succeeds when it is thought through together – this is exactly what Next Level Mittelstand stands for.
Working together to become ‘digital champions’
Next Level Mittelstand serves as a central platform for the development of practical digitalisation solutions. It enables exchange between companies, the utilisation of joint synergies and the collaborative development of individual strategies together with start-ups and IT experts. Participation pays off: The jointly developed solutions are evaluated and validated by Next Level Mittelstand and then made available to all members. This not only addresses the specific challenges of SMEs in a targeted manner, but also creates a digital basis for actively shaping future shared data spaces in the industry.
New members are very welcome! In addition to companies, IT service providers, software developers, start-ups and venture capital investors can also actively participate.
Rica Holzmann
