That was the Colourful Night of Digitalization 2024
At this year’s Colourful Night of Digitalization, 65 partners and over 250 programme items offered exciting insights and interactive experiences around Karlsruhe’s digital scene.
On June 7, Karlsruhe once again presented itself as a vibrant center of digital innovation and creativity. The third Colourful Night of Digitalization attracted numerous visitors who were eager to explore the wide range of offers on the topic of digitalization. From 2 p.m. until late into the night, 65 partners offered an impressive range of activities and events with a total of over 250 program items that left nothing to be desired.
A brilliant start at TRIANGEL
The opening of the Colourful Night of Digitalization took place for the first time in the TRIANGEL Transfer I Kultur I Raum of the KIT on Kronenplatz. Stefan Krebs, the State Government Commissioner for Information Technology and CIO and CDO of the State of Baden-Württemberg, welcomed the guests with an inspiring address on the mega-topics of AI and digital sovereignty – and the pioneering role that Karlsruhe, which he likes to call the “heart chamber of digitalization” in the state, plays here. This was followed by an exciting talk format in which representatives from science, business and administration shed light on the latest developments and prospects for Karlsruhe as a digital location. The exchange between the three chairpersons of the karlsruhe.digital initiative – Gabriele Luczak-Schwarz, First Mayor of the City of Karlsruhe, Martin Hubschneider, Chairman of the CyberForum e.V., and Prof. Dr. Thomas Hirth, Vice President of KIT for Transfer and International Affairs – highlighted the opportunities and risks of current trends in the digital space and set the tone for the rest of the festival with its impulses.
A varied program for all age groups
From 3 pm, the 65 partners opened their doors and invited visitors to discover Karlsruhe’s digital world. At the city’s various hotspots, visitors were able to experience at first hand how diverse the possible applications of digital technologies are. Whether smart city exhibitions on the market square and in the town hall, coder workshops, start-up pitches, drone courses, career advice or guided tours through real laboratories and data centers – there was something for every taste and every age. The hands-on workshops and interactive exhibitions attracted a particularly large number of curious visitors who wanted to try out the digital tools for themselves.
One highlight was undoubtedly the extraordinary media arts installations that were shown around Kronenplatz. The impressive light installations and digital works of art captivated the visitors and left them in awe.
Experience digitization up close
The atmosphere throughout the event was characterized by curiosity and enthusiasm. The spirit of innovation that characterizes Karlsruhe as a digital stronghold could be felt everywhere. Many participants particularly appreciated the opportunity to talk directly to the developers and researchers and the “look behind the scenes”.
The open discussions and practical demonstrations offered a deep insight into the many facets of digitalization and left no questions unanswered.
A successful conclusion
At around 10 p.m., the participants returned to TRIANGEL on Kronenplatz to bring the Colourful Night of Digitalization to a fitting close. Over refreshing drinks and good conversation, we reflected on our experiences and made new contacts. The beats of the well-known Karlsruhe DJ duo “Frische Ernte” created an exuberant atmosphere and invited everyone to dance. House, melodic and techno echoed through the night and made the end of the day an unforgettable experience.
Background: The Colourful Night of Digitalization is organized by the CyberForum and the Science Office of the City of Karlsruhe on behalf of the karlsruhe.digital initiative. Special thanks go to our sponsors L-Bank, Sparkasse Karlsruhe, Stadtwerke Karlsruhe and TelemaxX, the mobility partner KVV, the technology partner Navigate and the Ministry of the Interior, Digitalization and Communities of Baden-Württemberg for their renewed patronage!