Data is omnipresent. It is generated every day in companies, public administrations and in research. However, its full potential often remains untapped - because it is isolated, not networked or lacks easy access.
This is precisely where the AI data platform of the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance comes in. The AI data platform is an intelligent link that connects different data sources in a structured way and thus creates real added value - especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Targeted and intuitive access - real economic benefits
"It's not the data itself, but its sensible use that determines progress and competitive advantage, especially in the age of AI," says project manager Thomas Usländer from Fraunhofer IOSB Karlsruhe.
Thomas Usländer and his 50-strong team from the project consortium are developing a user-friendly AI data platform for users and providers that makes it easier to create, manage and share data and AI models while complying with ethical and legal standards. It also enables access to computing resources for AI applications. As a joint initiative of the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance and the project partners Fraunhofer IOSB, KIT, FZI Research Center for Information Technology, the City of Freiburg, Freiburg University Hospital, Aalen University, Fraunhofer IPA and the HLRC of the University of Stuttgart, the data platform connects companies, public administrations and research institutions with relevant AI assets. This creates an essential bridge between technology developers and users as well as scalable AI solutions.
"The AI market is confusing for many companies. With the AI data platform, we enable targeted access to quality-assured training data and AI models from other institutions, which are necessary for a real economic benefit for your own AI application," explains Thomas Usländer.
Fraunhofer IOSB contributes its expertise in data-driven architectures and industrial AI applications. The Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance acts as a central interface by addressing the needs of business, science, politics and public administration and facilitating a targeted transfer into practical solutions.
Many challenges - one AI solution
Many companies - especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - are very interested in AI technologies, but the barriers to entry are high. There is often a lack of suitable training data, standardized access to existing AI solutions and a clear orientation in the AI market. This is precisely where the AI data platform comes in: It creates a uniform, standardized interface to proven and scalable AI assets. The aim is to make the use of AI simpler, more efficient and economically viable. "Our vision is for companies and institutions to no longer have to spend time searching for suitable AI solutions, but to find what they need directly via a knowledge platform - whether training data, AI models or best practice examples," emphasizes Sandra Rohner, Managing Director of the AI Alliance.
From single players to large companies
Whether you are a single player or a large corporation, the AI data platform offers suitable applications for everyone. SMEs and public authorities can optimize their processes and work cost-efficiently with minimal effort. They can act both in the role of AI asset user and in the role of AI asset provider. Start-ups also benefit from a flexible solution that supports rapid growth and facilitates the scaling of their business processes by giving them access to training data from a wide range of sectors, such as production, healthcare, smart city and mobility.
When it comes to larger companies, the AI data platform can also be used internally, helping in-house units to independently improve workflows and be used for coordination and transparency in project teams. Last but not least, self-employed people and freelancers can also benefit from the AI data platform by making their work processes more efficient and gaining more time for their core tasks.
"Expertise at your fingertips"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella puts it in a nutshell: simple and intuitive access to data is essential - an important approach of the AI data platform, which was designed to be used as an intuitive platform.
"We have designed the platform in such a way that users can research or contribute AI assets without any prior knowledge and thus optimize processes and work more efficiently," explains Thomas Usländer.
Other advantages of the AI data platform include individual customization options and openness thanks to its open source basis. It also offers scalability and growth opportunities, depending on user requirements, for integrating additional functions or teams. Thomas Usländer's highlight is clear: "What I find particularly exciting are the tools for internal data management as essential preparation for AI applications and their connection (onboarding) to the AI data platform on the basis of standards. This is because we provide tutorials, FAQs and best practice examples to enable users to manage their own diverse data. "So you can work independently and efficiently and still share with other AI assets."
Are there already test applications?
There is currently a user forum for the AI data platform. This was created as an additional service based on demand and on its own initiative. Ten companies from various sectors of the economy - such as production, IT, mobility, healthcare and the environment - and partners from the public sector are currently members of the user forum. "We also had exciting discussions at the Hannover Messe and other events, which resulted in promising potential," says Thomas Usländer. The AI challenges in the various regions also act as a multiplier and source of ideas for use cases, as the projects are closely interlinked. Sandra Rohner adds: "In the coming months, we will be inviting around 300 companies, municipalities and public institutions to become part of the AI data platform user forum in personal discussions."
Become an early adopter in the AI data platform user forum!
Would you like to play an active role in shaping the development of a future-oriented AI ecosystem? Then the AI data platform user forum is the right place for you!
A metadata-based catalog system will be created by the end of 2025 as the first stage of expansion. Operations are scheduled to start in 2026 in a public-private model - and you can be part of it right from the start.
Why take part?
As an early adopter in the user forum you will receive:
- Early access to developments and test phases
- Opportunities to help shape functions, standards and priorities
- Visibility on the platform with logo & statement
- Direct exchange with leading AI players from business, research and administration
Whether you want to provide data and models, develop an innovative application scenario or test the platform in practice: We look forward to your participation!
Your contact person
Do you have any questions or would you like to find out more about our AI solutions? Then feel free to send me an e-mail - I look forward to hearing from you!
- Business Developer AI Engineering, Fraunhofer IOSB
- Project manager of the AI data platform
- thomas.uslaender@iosb.fraunhofer.de
