AI Connect 2025: exchange meets application

On May 15, Karlsruhe will once again become a hub for AI innovation. The event organized by the KARL competence center will once again bring together companies, researchers and interested parties.

“KI-Connect is an initiative of the KARL competence center,” explains Sophia John, project and community manager at CyberForum and public relations officer for the BMBF-funded competence center. “The aim of the competence center is to support the introduction of AI and promote the transfer of knowledge. This idea is also reflected in our event format.”

Open to all – practical and accessible

Anyone who is interested in AI and its application in companies is invited – there are no special requirements. However, the expert knowledge of different speakers is particularly valuable for some: “Companies that are open to new technologies and are looking for an exchange on practical AI solutions can benefit in particular. The event offers an excellent opportunity to find potential cooperation partners – and maybe even make the right match,” says John.

What remains, what is new?

Once again this year, the tried-and-tested pitch and matchmaking section will form the heart of the event. Start-ups and young companies will present their current AI solutions – e.g. in the areas of smart production, knowledge and innovation management or supply chain management – in short, concise pitches.

Instead of workshops like last year, a new highlight awaits in 2025: an exciting panel discussion entitled “Ready for AI? Challenges & potentials”. Five experts from business, science and technology transfer will discuss the hurdles that still exist in the use of AI, how they can be overcome and what support is available in the Karlsruhe region and at state level. Among others, Dr. Thomas Usländer will contribute the perspective from the network of the KI-Allianz Baden-Württemberg – which will be represented with its own stand this year.

First successes: AI connections emerge

The impact of the event was already clear in 2024: “We have successfully cooperated with the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH-AICS) – we are continuing this partnership this year,” reports John. This time, the hub is contributing its expertise in the area of funding advice in particular – another component of the multifaceted program.

On-site funding advice – concrete support for companies

Many companies have good ideas for integrating AI – but often fail due to a lack of funding. This is exactly where the free funding advice at the event comes in. Experts from the Digital Innovation Center (DIZ) and the Steinbeis Europa Zentrum will provide on-site advice on national and European programs – individual, low-threshold and solution-oriented.

Keeping up with the times thanks to AI Connect

Sophia John is convinced: “AI has long since found its way into many industries and is fundamentally changing processes – but its potential is not yet being fully exploited in many places.” The focus is often on familiar applications such as language models, but there are numerous other possible applications. “The event aims to broaden the perspective, provide impetus for new application scenarios and promote an open exchange between practice, research and development.”

Make a note now: May 15, 2025
Location: SmartProductionPark, Rintheimer Str. 21-23 | 76131 Karlsruhe
Further information and registration at: https://www.cyberforum.de/ki-connect