Hasso Plattner is a technology pioneer and philanthropist who has had a lasting impact on the global computer science industry. Originally from Germany, Plattner co-founded SAP SE, a European software giant, in 1972. SAP SE, which stands for Systemanalyse und Programmentwicklung (in English, System Analysis and Program Development) is a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and service company that provides business software solutions to manufacturing and service companies globally. Plattner has served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of SAP SE since 2003.
Plattner earned a degree in mathematics from the Free University of Berlin and a PhD in computer sciences from the University of Karlsruhe. In 1972, he co-founded SAP SE with four friends and began developing software used for business processes. This quickly caught on, and within two years the company was selling its software to businesses in the United States.
Plattner eventually became a billionaire and continued to develop SAP SE over four decades of business leadership. With the fortune Plattner made through his businesses successes, he has become both a technology and philanthropic leader, helping shape the world's leading technology and charitable organizations.
In 2008, Plattner established the nonprofit Hasso Plattner Foundation, a charitable venture that supports education and research into information tech topics. The foundation awards over 400 scholarships each year, endowing them to students and professors in the fields of computer sciences and info tech. He also founded the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University, which offers a two-year training program for designers interested in developing user-centered products, services, and experiences.
Plattner is also a generous donor to technological and charitable causes, having given more than $2 billion to organizations focused on improving healthcare outcomes and environmental protection, among other areas. He also regularly contributes to organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Red Cross, and UNICEF.
In addition to donating money, Plattner gives his time and expertise to a variety of efforts. In 2018, he was appointed as a special advisor to the international governing council of the World Health Organization (WHO). He is also a patron of Humanity in Action, a non-profit organization dedicated to building cross-cultural networks of emerging leaders who are devoted to human rights, diversity, and pluralism.
Plattner's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards. In 2015, he was inducted into the Computer History Museum Hall of Fellows for "developing innovative business models and technologies that champion user interface design best practices, resulting in better software experiences for organizations worldwide." In 2013, he received the Red Dot Design Award for his contributions to design and innovation, and was made a member of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities in 2015.
As a pioneer in the IT sector, Plattner has shaped the development of technology for generations to come. His contributions to technological advancement and advancements in the computer sciences are unparalleled. With his support, more people than ever before have access to the sophisticated tools, products, and services used by organizations worldwide. Through his philanthropy and example of social responsibility, Plattner has made an indelible mark on the industry and the world.
