The fan-shaped city of Karlsruhe was in the spotlight when the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance hosted its kick-off event in March 2024. In front of around 150 guests from business, science and politics, it became clear that the region is an important player in the further development of artificial intelligence (AI) - with strong regional roots and international aspirations at the same time.
Karlsruhe as an AI innovation center
"The event shows the importance of Karlsruhe as an engine for innovation and networking," said Andrea Scholz from the Karlsruhe Economic Development Agency. "The close cooperation with science and the exchange between industries open up completely new opportunities for the city to use AI profitably."
Karlsruhe, with its strong tech scene and excellent research institutions, offers the ideal basis for promoting the use of AI in companies. The city benefits from a strong infrastructure and a lively start-up scene, which the AI alliance aims to strengthen in a targeted manner.
Kick-off with vision
The kick-off event in March was more than just a networking event - it was a milestone. In addition to introducing the AI Alliance and its goals, the first projects were presented that show what AI solutions can look like in practice. The 11.5 million euros in funding provided by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Tourism form the foundation for implementing the ambitious plans. "The AI Alliance is creating a platform that promotes trust and transparency and enables companies to integrate AI ethically and sustainably," explained David Hermanns, CEO of the AI Alliance.
Impetus for the future
Karlsruhe will continue to occupy a strong position in the AI Alliance network in the future. From the development of practical AI solutions to the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises: The city shows how pioneering technologies can highlight regional strengths.
The AI Alliance answers: Community Manager Lennart Schleifer in a short interview
1. what is your focus as a community manager in the Karlsruhe region?
The big advantage in our region is that there are already a large number of different AI offerings and networks. Whether it's the Cyberforum, KIT, Digital Innovation Center (DIZ), FZI or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, they all already offer a wealth of knowledge and great services. Our focus as an AI alliance in the region is therefore primarily on sifting through the AI areas in the organizations and knowing the interfaces and contact persons. Our main goal is to make existing networks even more visible and to supplement them where there are gaps. In this way, we ensure that all existing, excellent offers are easily and quickly accessible.
2. how do local companies benefit from the alliance?
Definitely from our idea of excellence. Behind this is the aspiration to create tangible added value by collecting and multiplying high-quality AI offerings from our comrades and partners. These include curated events and speakers for companies and municipalities, AI knowledge transfer, industry-specific use cases and white papers. We also have our own offerings at the AI Alliance and are happy to arrange suitable services from our comrades. The Investors Plugin or Innovation Lab from Cyberforum are two good examples. With the Investors Plug in, start-ups in the AI sector are prepared in the best possible way for investors from Europe so that suitable matches can be made. The Innovation Lab supports SMEs with the introduction of AI by analyzing their needs in order to examine possible applications and drawing up a catalog of requirements. It finds suitable AI providers and offers advice on funding in order to optimize the use of AI.
3. what is on the agenda for the coming months?
Of course, we want to continue to strengthen our partner networks and the AI ecosystem in the Karlsruhe region in 2025. An important building block will be the conception and implementation of AI workshops to complement existing offerings in the region. One major event that we are already preparing for and looking forward to is the AI Challenge on the topic of "Smart Eco Events" in May 2025. Over the course of three days, we will work with stakeholders to develop a roadmap for sustainable event concepts with the help of AI. We are also planning cooperation events in the AI context with our partner Allianz Industrie 4.0 BW. Exciting!
4th bonus question: What did you particularly like or impress about the kick-off event?
The great interest in the AI Alliance! This was my third day at work and to see how quickly the guest list filled up - including the waiting list! - was very impressive and a great start.
