The Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region Foundation was founded in 1999, marking the 10th anniversary of Rhein-Neckar-Dreieck e.V. (now called the Zukunft Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar e.V.), as a tangible sign of the successful work carried out by the society.
The purpose of the foundation is to support art and culture, science and research, sport, as well as local history and the preservation of regional traditions, in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. This is achieved in particular by means of measures undertaken on behalf of the region's population which at the same time serve to enhance the image of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. In pursuit of this aim, the MRN Innovation Prize and the Citizen's Prize from the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region Foundation are awarded annually in rotation.
The MRN Innovation Prize is currently valued at a total of 35,000 euros. A personal endowment by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. h. c. Manfred Lautenschläger, the award comprises one main prize and two special prizes. It is intended to highlight the excellent standard of research and science in the MRN and boost the innovative climate.
The Citizen's Prize (Bürgerpreis) is awarded to project concepts which consolidate and promote regional collaboration, initiate co-operation within the MRN, gather knowledge and experience in the region and jointly tackle regional challenges.
