ZENIT GmbH, founded in 1984, is a Public Private Partnership owned by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, a consortium of banks and an association comprising some 180 enterprises. On behalf of EU, national and regional bodies, ZENIT provides services for the benefit of companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as universities and research institutions.

In co-operation with the NRW.BANK and NRW.International ZENIT administers the Enterprise Europe Network for the whole of North Rhine-Westphalia. PROvendis uses this network to find relevant business or technology partners.