AI Challenge Karlsruhe: How artificial intelligence can revolutionize sustainable events

KI-Challenge Karlsruhe of the KI-Allianz Baden-Württemberg develops solutions for environmentally friendly events – kick-off on May 6 at Ettlingen Castle

Events can become real climate killers. Whether conferences, trade fairs or festivals – events can consume enormous amounts of energy and resources if the aspect of sustainability is neglected. Sustainable events are therefore an important part of a future-oriented society. But how can events be organized in a resource-saving, efficient and climate-friendly way? The answer could lie in artificial intelligence (AI). This is precisely the topic of the AI Challenge Karlsruhe – Smart Eco-Events, organized by the AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg, which will take place on May 6 and 7, 2025 takes place at Ettlingen Castle.

Leading representatives from science, business and administration will be present – including the Lord Mayors Dr. Frank Mentrup (Karlsruhe) and Johannes Arnold (Ettlingen). The proven methodology behind the AI Challenge – AI engineering – will be presented by project manager Thomas Usländer and a keynote speech and panel discussion will round off the program.

Karlsruhe as a central partner of the AI Alliance

The City of Karlsruhe is a co-initiator of the AI Alliance and a founding member of the associated cooperative. The Karlsruhe Economic Development Corporation and the karlsruhe.digital initiative play a central role in supporting and networking the local community management of the AI Alliance. We are continuing this close cooperation as an event partner of the AI Challenge – the first joint event of the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance. We are particularly pleased to be actively supporting the event together with the Ettlingen Economic Development Agency. This underlines Karlsruhe’s role as an innovation hub for artificial intelligence and sustainable technology applications.

“The sustainable design and targeted use of artificial intelligence are key factors in securing the future viability and competitive strength of our Karlsruhe region as an event location in the long term,” emphasizes Dr. Frank Mentrup, Lord Mayor of the City of Karlsruhe, co-initiator and member of the supervisory board of the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance.

The AI Challenge: Innovation meets sustainability

Baden-Württemberg AI Challenge: Driving innovation through artificial intelligence in a targeted manner

The AI Challenge is a project of the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg. The aim of the supra-regional project is to identify innovative areas of application for artificial intelligence (AI) in all six regions of the alliance and to develop new business models.

As part of the AI Challenge, experts from business, science and administration pool their specialist knowledge to develop practical AI applications for the respective regions. Possible applications for interdisciplinary key topics are analyzed and transferred into project roadmaps in a structured manner using proven AI engineering methods.

“AI projects should be designed in such a way that they meet specific technical requirements and offer companies and authorities sustainable economic benefits,” emphasizes Thomas Usländer, project manager of the AI Challenge.

Technology meets sustainability

The event is organized by the Community Management of the KI-Allianz Baden-Württemberg and the Fraunhofer IOSB together with karlsruhe.digital and the Ettlingen Economic Development Agency. It takes place over two days and focuses on an interactive, solution-oriented approach.

May 6 – Kick-off event with political decision-makers and experts

To launch the AI Challenge, the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance is inviting representatives from politics, business, science and the event industry to Ettlingen Castle. The kick-off event is aimed at political decision-makers, companies, event organizers and anyone interested in sustainable event concepts.

The program includes:

• Keynotes by leading experts highlighting the potential of AI for sustainable events.
• Keynote speeches and a panel discussion in which challenges and best practices will be discussed.
• Presentation of the AI engineering methodology to provide participants with a structured approach to identifying AI application fields.
• Networking opportunities to promote interdisciplinary cooperation and develop new ideas.

May 7 – Workshop day: Development of concrete solutions

The second day of the event is all about practical implementation. Experts from science, business and administration will work together on project roadmaps for AI-based solutions that help to make events more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The workshops focus on four key areas:

• Mobility – optimization of arrival and departure routes, intelligent traffic control, reduction of CO₂ emissions.
• Energy efficiency – sustainable use of electricity, smart lighting and cooling systems for event locations.
• Supply chain management – climate-friendly logistics, sustainable procurement and waste management.
• Digital event platforms – needs and solution ideas for an AI-based data and service platform for event organizers and visitors.

By applying the PAISE® AI engineering process model, participants learn to systematically develop innovative solutions that can then be implemented in real event projects.

Why is the AI Challenge important?

“The AI Challenge shows that we can use AI not only to discuss abstract visions of the future, but also to solve real problems that are relevant to everyday life. I am convinced that we will soon be able to implement more sustainable events in Karlsruhe thanks to innovative AI solutions,” explains Sandra Rohner, Managing Director of the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance.

Sustainable events are no longer a niche – they are a necessity. This is precisely where the Karlsruhe AI Challenge comes in, bringing experts together to create new standards for environmentally friendly events with the help of artificial intelligence.

The Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance

The Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance is a central initiative made up of the regions of Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, Neckar-Alb, Freiburg, Northern Black Forest and Ostalbkreis. Its aim is to build a bridge between business, science and politics in order to promote the application and development of AI technologies through targeted networking. The aim of the alliance is to secure and expand economic success in the region and to shape a practical and effective change in the use of AI technologies.

The KI-Allianz stands for a strong network of different players that makes the potential of AI technologies accessible through active knowledge transfer and transparent information. As a recognized point of contact and source of inspiration, the KI-Allianz Baden-Württemberg is actively committed to shaping a sustainable economic and social structure in Baden-Württemberg.