Promoting young talents in agricultural engineering

Claas-Foundation celebrates its 25th birthday

Harsewinkel, May 2024: The Claas-Foundation was established in 1999 under the patronage of Helmut Claas. Today, on 28 May 2024, it is celebrating its 25th birthday. To mark the occasion, a 25-year-old plane tree was symbolically planted on the CLAAS site, symbolising the steady growth of the Claas-Foundation.

The Claas-Foundation is the first of its kind to focus on promoting young talent in the field of agricultural engineering in East Westphalia-Lippe (Germany). “The Claas-Foundation has developed steadily over the past 25 years,” said Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees. “With its diverse initiatives, it supports research in agriculture and agricultural technology and makes the possibilities and prospects of modern agricultural technology tangible - especially for the younger generation, but also for the general public. This was a matter close to my father's heart and is still close to mine today.”

Around 200 students have been awarded a Helmut Claas scholarship since the foundation was established. The Claas-Foundation also maintains a lively network with schools, universities and other educational institutions in Germany and abroad, promoting projects and collaborations. A total of more than 2.5 million euros in funding has been awarded since the foundation was established.

Two further celebrations are planned during the anniversary year. In June, former scholarship holders will come together for an alumni reunion. ‘Maintaining personal contact with our award winners in the long term is important to us,’ emphasises Sylvia Looks from the Claas-Foundation's Executive Board. The award ceremony, which takes place every year in October and honours the new young talents, will form the festive conclusion of the anniversary year.

About the Claas-Foundation

The foundation works closely with a jury of international experts in agricultural science, as well as with renowned colleges and universities in Germany and abroad. The foundation capital amounts to around 14 million euros. In addition to the Helmut Claas Scholarship, the Claas-Foundation also supports international research projects at universities and promotes initiatives at schools to get pupils interested in science and technology.


Members of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Board are watering the tree.

All colleagues involved with the foundation are fertilizing the tree.

All employees leaving the factory premises after work admired the tree and received a sweet surprise.

 
Important Dates

» 21. Februar 2025: application deadline Anniversary Competition

» 11. April 2025: application deadline team support Field Robot Event

» 9th-12th June 2025: Field Robot Event in Milan / Italy

» 30th June 2025: application deadline Helmut Claas-Scholarship

» 28th October 2025 Day of Agricultural Engineering

» 26th November 2025: Awards Ceremony Helmut Claas-Scholarship