First TechnoThek in Brandenburg: MINT fascination for children starts!

First TechnoThek in Brandenburg: MINT fascination for children starts!

On Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, the first “TechnoThek” in Brandenburg will open its doors. It will be ceremoniously inaugurated at 9:30 a.m. in the children's library at Altstädtischer Markt 8, Brandenburg an der Havel. The opening will be attended by Tobias Dünow, State Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Research and Culture, and Mayor Steffen Scheller. The VDI Berlin-Brandenburg (Association of German Engineers) will also be represented by several representatives, including Prof. Burghilde Wieneke-Toutaoui and Prof. Hermann Mohnkopf. This innovatively designed offer is part of the nationwide VDI initiative “TechnoTheken” and is intended to make it easier for children and young people in the region to access technical and scientific topics.

A life without technology is unimaginable today, and this is exactly where the TechnoThek comes in. It offers experiment kits that enable young explorers to actively explore the MINT subjects – mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. This initiative is not only a benefit for the children, but also a response to the lack of infrastructure to strengthen technology skills in many schools. It is not uncommon for there to be a lack of know-how and resources to convey technology in a practical way. As vdi.de reports, the TechnoThek creates a space in which children can learn and research through play.

A place of discovery

The TechnoTheken are not just seen as places to borrow books. Rather, they are experience and event centers that offer a wide range of activities. In this new library, young people can research independently, participate or simply try out how technology works. Plans include, among other things, school projects, self-research groups and the use of modern technical devices such as notebooks and programming controllers. Some of the first users will be 4th grade students at Wilhelm Busch Elementary School, who will be able to take advantage of the offer immediately after it opens.

In order to instill an interest in technology in primary school children at an early stage, concepts are used that combine both practical and theoretical aspects. According to kinder-mint-bildung.de, early STEM education is crucial for children's cognitive, emotional and social development. Programs such as the “House of Little Researchers” and competitions such as “Jugend forscht” additionally support this and promote children’s MINT talents.

A model for future TechnoTheks

The Fouqué library serves as a model library for setting up other TechnoTheken in Brandenburg. Here the infrastructure is designed in such a way that it concentrates and facilitates the availability of all MINT media. The goal is clear: children should develop a positive attitude towards technology and science in order to motivate themselves for a future in the field of MINT careers. Investments in education in these areas are of great importance for society's innovative strength and competitiveness.

The event to open the TechnoThek promises to be an exciting occasion and will support the positive development of technical knowledge and expertise in the region. After the ceremonial inauguration, the TechnoThek will be open to anyone interested and invites you to discover a new approach to technology.