MINTco@NRW is a cooperation project between the University of Cologne and the University of Siegen and is an educational learning opportunity to promote young people from all types of schools with an interest in STEM (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, technology). The basic idea of the project is to present young people in project teams with relevant and authentic mathematical problems from companies and to implement these in lessons over the long term. The young people work together in international teams with counterparts from the USA and meet weekly to work on the problems posed by the cooperating companies. These problems cover various subject areas such as optimization, digitalization, big data, modelling and artificial intelligence (AI). In this way, the young people get to know typical working methods of companies in the region in terms of career orientation and authentic applications of digital media and tools. In doing so, they actively participate in the further development of digital transformation in society and the economy.

A project cycle begins with a preparatory phase in which various problems are identified by the company representatives, the accompanying teachers and the university staff. The mathematical and STEM skills (problem solving, modeling, using theories, communicating) as well as 21st century skills of the young people are also promoted in order to prepare them for the second phase of a project cycle. In this second project phase, the long-term problem-solving phase takes place, in which the young people work on and solve the companies' problems over a period of three to four months. In doing so, they experience problem-solving processes in a digitalized and globalized world. This project phase begins with a "kick-off" at which the problems are presented to the project teams by company representatives. Several company visits and other events, such as the Midway Meeting, take place during the long-term problem-solving phase. The "Forum of Innovation" is the final event of a project cycle, at which the project teams present their solutions to the company representatives.