Tomorrow University

Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences (abbreviated ToU), is a private, state-recognized university based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.^[1] It was founded in 2020 by Christian Rebernik and Thomas Funke as a remote institution focused on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and technology.^[2]

Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences

Motto	We educate and empower the brave to create a better tomorrow
Type	Private, online,Applied Sciences
Established	2020; 5 years ago (2020)
Founder	Christian Rebernik and Thomas Funke
Accreditation	ACQUIN,FIBAA,HMWK
Students	over 1,000
Location	Frankfurt , Germany
Campus	Remote
Website	www.tomorrow.university

The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs delivered entirely online through a challenge-based learning approach.^[3] In 2022, it received state recognition from the Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and the Arts, following evaluation by the Wissenschaftsrat and accreditation via the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA).^[4]

As of 2025, Tomorrow University reports more than 1,000 students from over 60 countries enrolled in programs taught in English and German.^[5]

History

Tomorrow University was established in 2021 as a private, remote-first institution.^[6] It was co-founded by Christian Rebernik, former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at N26, and Thomas Funke, innovation researcher and co-founder of the TechQuartier startup hub in Frankfurt. The initiative evolved from an educational technology (edtech) startup, becoming one of the first accredited European universities to operate entirely online.

In 2023, Tomorrow University secured €9.3 million in Series A funding, bringing total investment to €13.8 million, to expand its learning platform and curriculum.^[7]

In 2024, the university ranked first in Germany and 25th globally in the Leadership category of the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings.^[8] That same year, ToU launched a Master of Science in Sustainability, Innovation, and Technology, developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer AHEAD (the startup incubator of the Fraunhofer Society)^[9] and the Technical University of Darmstadt.^[10]

In 2025, ToU was included in the WURI Industrial Application Ranking (rank 94) and Culture & Values Ranking (rank 32), appearing alongside institutions such as LMU Munich, ETH Zurich, and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Learning model

ToU's pedagogy combines active learning, digital collaboration, and flexible pacing through a proprietary online platform.^[9]

The curriculum is structured around three key principles^[11]:

1. Purpose-driven learning. Students connect personal values with academic goals.^[12]
2. Community-powered learning. A global network of mentors and peers supports collaborative progress.
3. Hands-on challenges. Applied projects replace traditional exams.

Industry professionals for from companies such as Apple, Google, Tier Mobility, and Delivery Hero have participated as mentors.

Although primarily online, Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences maintains “Action Hubs” in cities including Berlin, Frankfurt, and Vienna for regional networking and workshops.^[10]

Academic programs

Tomorrow University offers undergraduate degrees in Responsible Entrepreneurship & Management and AI & Sustainable Technologies.^[7]

Graduate programs include Master of Business Administration programs and a Sustainability, Innovation & Technology Master of Science program developed with Fraunhofer AHEAD and TU Darmstadt.^[9]

Joint programs include an MBA with OMR Education^[13] and an M.Sc. with Le Wagon.^[14]

Impact Certificates and Micro-Credentials

ToU also offers short programs (usually 9 weeks, 15 ECTS) in fields such as ESG, innovation, and climate leadership.^[2]

Partnerships

Academic partnerships include the WU Executive Academy (Vienna University of Economics and Business)^[10], Technical University of Darmstadt, Fraunhofer AHEAD, Le Wagon, and OMR.

Industry partnerships include Plan A, Kelp Blue, Eintracht Tech, Deutsche Bank, SAP, IBM, Microsoft, and Tesla ^[15] in project-based programs.

Organization and governance

The university is co-led by founders Christian Rebernik and Thomas Funke, who serve as co-CEOs. A University council oversees academic administration.

Research

Research at ToU focuses on applied, interdisciplinary topics:

• Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability. Exploring human–AI collaboration.
• Sustainable Product Design. Investigating eco-design and responsible innovation.
• Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Sustainability. Analyzing sustainable business and ethical management models.

Notable alumni

• Marcel Engelhardt – footballer.