2025 has impressively demonstrated how much can be achieved when needs are identified in a qualified manner, perspectives are linked, and knowledge is made accessible. For the AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg, it was a year in which central structures grew, partnerships were strengthened, and regional access was expanded.
Our guiding principle "Connecting visions. Shaping change." was visibly put into practice – in projects, collaborations, and encounters throughout the state. The message is clear: an effective AI ecosystem needs guidance, trust, and reliable structures.
We create a structure in which needs are identified in a qualified manner, evaluated jointly, and translated into effective solutions.
Cooperative opening: Greater impact through shared responsibility
With the launch of the cooperative, we have reached a milestone in 2025. Companies, municipalities, and research institutions are looking for neutral, quality-assured structures that provide guidance in the complex AI market and enable sustainable decisions. Our AI Alliance Cooperative offers exactly this framework:
- Make needs visible
- Combining expertise
- Enable collaborations
- developing viable AI applications together
We are opening the cooperative because AI should not arise by chance in the country.
In addition to our 18 founding members from six regions of Baden-Württemberg, the first four new members are now part of the structure—a strong signal of our role in the state and the growing trust in us. A further 19 partnerships, such as with THE AI LÄND, the Gründerallianz, K3, and CyberForum, also demonstrate how science, municipal needs, and economic application intertwine. In addition, several cooperation agreements, including with CyberValley, Handwerk BW, and Allianz Industrie 4.0 BW, are providing additional impetus for small and medium-sized enterprises and accelerating transfer and implementation.
Future-proof AI infrastructure as a foundation
2025 was dominated by strategic infrastructure development. Among other things, the AI data platform was further expanded—a central component for scalable, interoperable, and responsible AI applications in Baden-Württemberg.
It combines data rooms, AI models, and high-performance computing in a quality-assured framework while also taking ethical and legal requirements into account.
The open source release at the end of the year will open up new opportunities to involve partners from business and administration even more closely and to further develop interfaces.
We sense that there is a genuine willingness in the country to use AI—but only if the foundation, i.e., a viable infrastructure, is in place. Organizations are looking for guidance and quality. That is exactly what we stand for as a cooperative that pools existing AI expertise and creates synergies.
Regional proximity: Acting where needs arise
Impact is created when people come together – and that's exactly where our community management comes in. In 2025, needs were identified, questions clarified, and use cases further developed in all six founding regions. Formats such as the AI Workshop for SMEs, SmartEco Events, workshops with CyberForum, and Digital Hub Karlsruhe have shown how important local orientation is, especially for organizations taking their first steps in the AI environment.
Strengthening exchange, making knowledge accessible
As the AI Alliance, we were present at numerous regional, national, and international events in 2025—always with the aim of providing guidance and making quality-assured AI knowledge accessible.
A highlight this year: the Hannover Messe 2025, where "AI made in BW" received consistently positive feedback. Participation in 2026 has already been confirmed, and we are looking forward to a strong overall presence under the umbrella of the state, as co-exhibitors alongside Allianz Industrie 4.0, Baden-Württemberg International, the University of Stuttgart, Fraunhofer IOSB, and other partners.
Formats such as Futuromundo, XR EXPO, the AI Summit, AI Connect, Quantum Effects and AI & Automation Day 2025 have not only provided impetus, but also identified specific needs and opened up new opportunities for cooperation.
We see membership as an invitation to actively shape the future of AI in the country. This requires a structure that brings together perspectives and expertise and enables informed decisions to be made.
Innovation formats that generate solutions
A very special format that we were extremely proud of in 2025 is the so-called "AI Challenges". In Stuttgart, Neckar-Alb, Ostalbkreis, Karlsruhe, and Freiburg , we showcased the innovative strength of Baden-Württemberg. Interdisciplinary teams developed practical solutions for real challenges – strong proof of how relevant needs-oriented AI projects are.
The Käpsele Innovation Festival complemented this with an open space for new ideas and experimental approaches. Both formats contribute directly to translating challenges into concrete AI applications.
2026: Orientation, impact, further development
In 2026, we will continue to work consistently on the structures that already provide guidance to companies, local authorities, multipliers, and researchers today. Some of our plans include:
- Admission of additional members to the cooperative
- Continuation and scaling of impact-oriented projects and offerings
- Further development of the AI data platform and ask-bw.io
Demand in the country is high—and the AI Alliance is creating the structures to enable solutions that will be sustainable in the long term.
Only by connecting data, knowledge, and people can we create a sustainable AI ecosystem for Baden-Württemberg.
Change happens together
In 2025, Baden-Württemberg took important steps toward a responsible, accessible AI ecosystem. This progress was made possible because organizations openly communicated their needs, shared responsibility, and acted together. And because we, as the AI Alliance, were there regionally to drive change across the region. And that will remain the case in 2026 and beyond.
Does that sound interesting?
Become a member—and actively contribute to the success of 2026.