Easy game: Employers and skilled workers find each other in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region via app - Bavarian 'Heimatministerium' funds InnoHikes with 300,000 euros

State Secretary for Finance and Regional Affairs Martin Schöffel presented the funding decision to representatives from business and politics in the Nuremberg metropolitan region today. The funding will be used to further develop the app in terms of user-friendliness, among other things - with the aim of making access to career prospects in the region even more intuitive and attractive.

"With InnoHikes, the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region has created a successful digital scavenger hunt for exploring innovative highlights in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. The planned further development of the app with an interactive game concept makes this successful and innovative tool fit for the future. The app thus strengthens the entire metropolitan region, particularly in the area of STEM professions, and contributes to the important retention of young people in the region as the skilled workers of tomorrow. I am therefore very pleased that we as the Free State of Bavaria are able to support this special project with a further 300,000 euros," emphasized State Secretary of Finance and Home Affairs Martin Schöffel.

The InnoHikes app, which has been available in the Nuremberg metropolitan region for almost two years, has established itself as a modern employer branding and recruiting tool. Young, tech-savvy people explore the region on playful themed tours (“hikes”), discovering employers, universities or research institutions and being able to network with them directly. The app uses gamification elements, augmented reality and location-based content to make discovering career opportunities entertaining.

In “Next Level”, the concept is specifically extended to students and specialists in the STEM sector. The aim is to increase the visibility of regional employers, establish contact with the target group in a low-threshold and digital way - and thus actively contribute to securing skilled workers in the metropolitan region. In the new version of the app, a so-called 2D platformer, users move through different levels, discover real employers in the region and gain insights into companies, research and career options.

Companies reach out to young talent

The project is supported by numerous regional players from business development, science and companies. The app is an example of innovative digital solutions from the region - with clear added value for employers and young talent. Interested organizations can now register as partners and become part of the pioneering digital recruiting approach. Companies, universities and institutions that take part in InnoHikes | Next Level benefit from contemporary, digital visibility among their target group. They can present their projects, fields of work and corporate culture in an attractive way - embedded in interactive routes through the region.

The relaunch of the app is planned for fall 2025.

Voices on the project:

Patrick Schubert, Wirtschaftsförderung District of Fürth: "We support InnoHikes | Next Level because it offers our companies the opportunity to present themselves as attractive employers across the region. The project stands for modern employer branding and makes the hidden champions of our region visible."

Sandra Wagner, Wirtschaftsförderung City of Fürth: "The project enables an interactive company presentation as well as a more modern and innovative employer branding with added value in order to specifically address future skilled workers. Participation in InnoHikes is therefore a strategic opportunity to make our region more sustainable, innovative and attractive for skilled workers. The City of Fürth's economic development department sees this project as an important initiative to strengthen the regional economy, promote innovation and position the Nuremberg metropolitan region as a sustainable location."

Frank Richartz, Wirtschaftsförderung Nürnberger Land: "The shortage of jobs and skilled workers poses challenges for many companies both now and in the future. The Nuremberg Metropolitan Region's InnoHikes project is another piece of the mosaic that our companies can use for modern and innovative employer branding."