In an inspiring move toward cultivating a more inclusive tech workforce, Delivery Hero, one of Germany’s most prominent technology-driven companies, has partnered with the Berlin-based non-profit Tech4Girls* to launch its very first summer coding camp for children. Designed to promote diversity and ignite early interest in computer science, the initiative targets a new generation of coders — especially girls — and aims to break down long-standing barriers in the technology industry.
The coding camp, hosted at Delivery Hero’s Berlin headquarters, spans six weeks during the summer and will welcome nearly 100 children aged 7 to 15, primarily the children of Delivery Hero employees. The immersive, hands-on program introduces participants to a wide spectrum of digital skills, from understanding computer fundamentals to building simple games using JavaScript, a cornerstone programming language in the modern web development landscape.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Tech
This initiative represents more than just a summer activity — it’s a strategic effort to address one of the tech industry’s most pressing challenges: the underrepresentation of women in IT. Despite growing demand for digital talent globally, women still occupy a disproportionately small percentage of technical roles, particularly at the leadership level. Delivery Hero, headquartered in one of Europe’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, is determined to change that.
Partnering with Tech4Girls* was a natural step. The organization works directly with schools across Berlin to integrate coding and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects into the classroom, with a specific focus on empowering young girls. Their mission is clear: equip girls with the confidence and skills to pursue and thrive in technical careers.
According to Katharina Wohlrab, Managing Director of Tech4Girls*, many girls begin to lose interest in STEM as early as elementary school. By the time they are 19, their engagement often hits a low point. Wohlrab attributes this to several key factors: enduring gender stereotypes, the scarcity of relatable female role models in tech, and a lack of encouragement from both educational institutions and families.
“At Tech4Girls, our mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of female innovators by making STEM education accessible, engaging, and fun,”* said Wohlrab. “Our partnership with Delivery Hero and this summer camp provides a vibrant platform where young girls can explore technology hands-on and build confidence in their abilities. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive future where every girl feels she belongs in STEM.”
A Vibrant Summer Learning Experience
The summer camp is divided into two streams to cater to different age groups and learning levels:
- Junior Stream (Ages 7–8): Focuses on computer literacy and foundational digital skills. Participants will engage with interactive, age-appropriate learning games designed to build comfort and curiosity with technology. Each class is limited to just 10 students to ensure focused, personalized attention.
- Senior Stream (Ages 9–15): Offers a more advanced curriculum centered on game development with JavaScript. Students will learn how to write basic code, develop their own playable games, and gain insights into the creative problem-solving that powers software development. Each participant walks away with a working game they can continue to improve even after the course concludes.
The program is taught in both German and English, reflecting Berlin’s diverse, international community and ensuring that language is not a barrier to participation.
Nurturing Curiosity and Confidence
Benjamin Mann, Delivery Hero’s Chief Technology Officer and a passionate advocate for early tech education, sees the camp as much more than a professional initiative — it’s a personal mission.
“Let’s be real: the stars are the kids. We’ve teamed up with Tech4Girls to run a coding camp that’s all energy, discovery, and enthusiasm for tech, just how we like it,”* Mann said. “As a parent, I think nothing’s cooler than seeing a kid light up when they realize they can build something real. It’s all about confidence, creativity, and giving them the space to run wild with their ideas.”
Mann emphasized that while the path to gender parity in tech is long, programs like this are essential for making meaningful progress.
“We’re not going to close the gender gap in tech overnight,” he noted. “But at Delivery Hero, we’re not sitting still either. What gets us excited? Watching kids take their first steps into tech and showing them it’s not some exclusive club. Our summer camp is about lighting that first spark early. We’re here to help kids get curious, get creative, and have a blast doing it.”
Parents See the Impact Firsthand
For many Delivery Hero employees, the opportunity to involve their children in the program was a welcome surprise and a meaningful extension of the company’s values. Pascal H, an IT Asset Strategist, expressed enthusiasm for the chance his daughter now has to explore technology in a way that wasn’t available to him at her age.
My daughter’s not yet old enough to take part in our annual Girls’ & Boys’ Day events, so this is a great way for her to get started,” said Pascal. “She’s getting the chance to do a computer course for one week — at my place of work! It’s really unique and a great way to introduce children to working with computer technology.”
Building a Brighter, More Inclusive Future
By embedding STEM learning into a fun and supportive environment, the Delivery Hero x Tech4Girls summer coding camp* aims to cultivate lifelong interest in technology and innovation. It goes beyond mere skill-building to foster a mindset of possibility, where children — especially girls — can see themselves as future engineers, developers, and digital creators.
At the conclusion of each one-week session, every child receives a certificate of completion, a symbolic but important acknowledgment of their hard work and curiosity. The hope is that this early exposure will plant the seeds for continued exploration and confidence in the years ahead.
