History

An idea that connects

GENIA grew out of a promise and a shared conviction:
learning becomes especially effective when people meet.

GENIA originated from a promise made by its founder, Johanna Mihevc, to her Nigerian fellow student to find a mentor for her brother Marzuk, who had a strong interest in science and robotics.

As part of the European Forum Alpbach, Johanna founded and led the Alpbach Learning Programme – an educational initiative for children and young people – inviting individuals to share their personal journeys and professional expertise.

Over time, the idea emerged to make this network and its knowledge accessible to schools as well. The digital transformation of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic made it possible to implement the first prototypes within the framework of the Summer School organised by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, as well as at several schools in Vorarlberg and Vienna.

These early implementations showed that the programme enhances communication and motivation among both learners and teachers, leading to improved learning outcomes and increased self-confidence among students.