How SMEs and local governments can use AI: The AI Alliance will showcase AI applications from April 20 to 24 at the Hannover Messe
Stuttgart / Hanover, April 2026 – AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg eG will be exhibiting at the Hannover Messe from April 20 to 24, 2026. In Hall 14, Booth J140, the cooperative platform will demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be implemented in a structured manner within companies and local governments.
The trade show presentation demonstrates how SMEs and local governments can implement artificial intelligence in a practical way—even without their own AI department—while adhering to regulatory frameworks. The focus is on project outcomes and use cases that bridge specific needs from the business sector and public administration with relevant expertise from academia and industry. Together with members and project partners, existing solutions from the cooperative’s AI ecosystem will be presented—including the open-source modules of the AI data platform. These represent a decisive step toward data sovereignty and the data economy, particularly for SMEs and local governments. In addition, best practices will be presented to facilitate the transition to AI usage. The goal is also to initiate projects, foster collaborations, and attract new members to the community-driven structure.
The 2026 Hannover Messe will be held under the theme “Connected in Purpose. United in Progress.” Baden-Württemberg will be represented by two THE-LÄND pavilions. The focus on industrial software will be in Hall 14, Booth J40, organized by Baden-Württemberg International in collaboration with the Industry 4.0 Alliance Baden-Württemberg. The AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg will be present there with its own booth (J140).
Provide guidance – Enable implementation
Many small and medium-sized enterprises and local governments recognize the potential of AI but face practical challenges: a lack of internal resources, regulatory uncertainties, and a complex market. The AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg sees itself as a neutral orientation and transfer platform. It does not act as a provider or a traditional consulting firm, but rather pools expertise and coordinates needs-based implementation by connecting relevant stakeholders and networks across regions and internationally.
At the trade show, the AI Alliance is showcasing its structured approach:
- Matching and Transfer Formats for SMEs and Local Governments
- AI Infrastructure for Data Sovereignty and the Data Economy
- Networking among business, research, politics, and government
Together with CyberForum e.V., the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Processing IOSB, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and other members and partners from Baden-Württemberg’s AI ecosystem, the cooperative will showcase training programs, software solutions, and a demo of the planned AI matchmaking platform ask-bw.io at its booth. These will be presented in live sessions using concrete application examples.
Interested companies, local governments, and research institutions are invited to visit Booth J140 in Hall 14 to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
About the AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg eG
The AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg eG is the state’s neutral information and knowledge-sharing platform for artificial intelligence. It brings together regional expertise from business, academia, politics, and government, and establishes reliable frameworks for the application of AI in businesses and local governments. As a cooperative organization, the AI Alliance operates independently of vendor interests and without adhering to traditional consulting practices.
Its focus is on needs-based coordination, scaling up initiatives, and sustainable implementation. The AI Alliance is part of Baden-Württemberg’s strategic AI ecosystem and helps strengthen the state’s capacity for action and competitive edge in the field of AI.
Note for your reporting:
- You can download the press release using the button below.
- When using, please indicate the copyright "KI-Allianz Baden-Württemberg eG"
Would you like to find out more or do you need material for reporting? Visit ki-allianz.de or get in touch with us: presse@ki-allianz.de
