Program Details 2024

October 16, 2024: Conference Day

09:00 - Arrival and Networking

10:00 - Welcome Speech & Political Greetings from Berlin & Paris

Welcome Speech via Video Message by Dr. Robert HabeckFederal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action,  and Gaël de Maisonneuve, Consul Général & Directeur de l’Institut Français de Stuttgart.

10:30 - Keynote "Imagine: The Deep-Tech Dream Comes True" by Dr. Thomas Lange, Managing Director A-KAP Ventures GmbH, Achleitner Ventures

Europe stands at the brink of a transformative era: the age of deep tech. This new frontier encompasses AI and other cutting-edge technologies poised to revolutionize industries and societies. To reclaim its status as a global innovation leader, we must act swiftly to develop and scale these technologies. The Franco-German alliance can spearhead this renaissance. The journey begins now—and the grand vision endures.

11:00 - Panel Discussion "European AI Way – Deep Talk: Franco-German Paths in Europe"

The panel discussion "European AI Way – Deep Talk: Franco-German Paths in Europe" offers a comprehensive exploration of the strategies and initiatives driving AI development in the European context, with a particular focus on collaboration between France and Germany. Participants will delve into the unique perspectives, challenges, and opportunities that arise from the Franco-German partnership, aiming to pave the way for a cohesive European approach to AI innovation. Expect insightful discussions on policy frameworks, research initiatives, and industry collaborations that are shaping the European AI landscape.

Participants:
•  Luisa Bomke, AI reporter and editor,  Handelsblatt
•  Giulia Carsaniga, Policy Officer | DG CNECT - AI and chips, Europen Commission
•  Prof. Dr. Tobias Kämpf, Researcher, ISF Institute for Social Science Research Munich
•  Olga Mordvinova, CEO, incontext.technology GmbH (INCTEC)
•  Gennadi Schermann, CEO, DIZ | Digitales Innovationszentrum GmbH
•  Dr. Daniel Vonderau, Vice Department Manager Cybersecurity and Law und Data Protection Officer, FZI Research Center for Information Technology

12:00 - Coffee Break

12:30 - Breakout Sessions

Navigating the EU AI Act:  From Regulation to Application               


Diving into the complexities of AI regulation, the session "Navigating the EU AI Act: From Regulation to Application" explores the delicate balance between innovation and risk management. Focusing on diversity, trustworthiness, and beyond, the discussion delves into how European perspectives are reshaping AI governance. By addressing key questions such as how to implement innovations amidst regulatory frameworks and the importance of diversity in data and perspective inclusion, the session offers insights into the evolving landscape of AI governance in the European Union.                                                     





Speakers

- Michael Denzler, Lead AI & Data Consultant, Zühlke 
& Richard Skalt, Cybersecurity Advocacy Manager, TÜV Süd

- Alireza Zamanian, Research Engineer, Fraunhofer IKS 
  

Exploring Edge AI and Robotics Integration to improve industrial processes


The session "Exploring Edge AI and Robotics Integration to Improve Industrial Processes" delves into the dynamic intersection of edge AI and robotics to enhance efficiency in industrial settings. Through showcasing diverse use cases ranging from optimizing material flows to streamlining packaging logistics, participants will gain valuable insights into the transformative potential of these technologies. This technical session offers a platform for exploring innovative approaches to integrating edge AI and robotics, paving the way for more agile and responsive industrial processes.                        





Speakers

- Saskia Bluhm, IT Project Manager, dmTECH GmbH
& Jonas Reiling, CEO and Co-Founder, Ubica Robotics GmbH

- Florian Sphor, Head of Sales Centre-East France, aprex solutions


Resource Efficiency through AI: practical applications to save time, money and energy


The session "Resource Efficiency through AI: Practical Applications to Save Time, Money, and Energy" dives into the technical intricacies of leveraging AI to optimize resource consumption. Through practical demonstrations, participants will explore how energy can be conserved during AI training, offering insights into sustainable practices at a technical level. Additionally, the session presents specific fields of application and use cases, showcasing real-world examples of how AI can enhance resource efficiency in various contexts, from continuous operation to AI training. Attendees will gain valuable insights into harnessing AI to drive tangible savings in time, money, and energy across diverse industries.  






Speakers

- Dr.-Ing Thomas Freudenmann, CEO and CVO, StableFlame GmbH

- Helen Landhäußer, Managing Director Mader GmbH & Co. KG



13:30 - Lunch

15:00 - Breakout Sessions

Value Generating with AI: Strategies for Successful Deployment


In the session "Value Generating with AI: Strategies for Successful Deployment," attendees will explore methods for implementing AI to achieve long-term operational success and return on investment (ROI). This session addresses key questions about the practical application of AI and its ability to generate tangible benefits. Through examining use cases of small and large companies, participants will uncover insights into identifying AI's utility and starting points for implementation. The session serves as guideline for navigating the complexities of AI deployment and increasing its value across business landscapes.





Speakers

- Franck Linck, Head of Business Development, De Dietrich Process Systems
& Philippe Robin, CEO and Co-Founder, Alysophil

- Florian Leser, Head of Data Analytics and AI, KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse

GenAI@work from hype to “how is it going practically in my company” 


The session "GenAI @ work: From Hype to Practical Implementation" addresses the transition from AI hype to real-world application within companies. It focuses on implementing AI in a manner that is conducive to employee engagement and productivity, considering various factors for successful integration. Through the presentation of use cases, participants will explore strategies for deploying AI in ways that resonate with employees and meet their needs effectively. Additionally, the session examines the challenges behind the limited effective use of AI in companies, shedding light on potential barriers and solutions to drive broader adoption and success. Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating the practical realities of AI implementation within their organizations.




Speakers

- Matthieu Chailloux, AI Engineer, Hager Group

- Tilmann Münch,Executive Management, Schulz FLEXGROUP GmbH



AI as User Interface and User Interface for AI: do’s & don’ts             


In the session "AI as User Interface and User Interface for AI: Do's & Don'ts," the focus is on exploring the impact of AI on human-machine interaction. Participants will delve into the nuances of when AI serves as the user interface itself and when it functions as the interface for AI systems. Through discussing best practices and potential pitfalls, attendees will gain insights into optimizing user experiences in AI-driven environments. This session offers valuable guidance on navigating the evolving landscape of human-AI interaction.









Speakers

- Vivien Silvert, Project Manager, ARTE

- Bernd Vermaaten, CEO, solute GmbH/billiger.de





16:00 - Coffee Break

16:45 - Political Greetings from Grand Est and Baden-Württemberg

Political Greetings by Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the State of Baden-Württemberg and from Grand Est Vice-President for Economic Development, Research, and Innovation, Claude Sturni

17:15 - Panel Discussion "Data – Cloud - AI: Crafting a Synergistic Future for Germany, France & Europe"

The panel discussion "Data – Cloud - AI: Crafting a Synergistic Future for Germany, France & Europe" delves into the interplay between data, cloud technology, and AI to shape the future landscape of Europe. With a focus on data management and the evolution of data centers, participants will explore the pivotal role these elements play in driving innovation and economic growth. Moreover, the discussion will highlight the challenges posed by the EU AI Act and cybersecurity regulations, featuring insights from industry leaders. Attendees can expect a deep dive into the complexities of navigating regulatory frameworks while fostering collaboration and synergy across borders in the pursuit of a technologically advanced future for Europe.

Participants:


•  Jan Frömberg, Technical Business Development Manager, Cloud&Heat Technologies GmbH
•   Dr.-Ing. Philip Michael Haspel, Product Owner GenAI Techstack, EnBW AG
•   Yann Lechelle, Co-founder, probabl.
•   Lisa Oder, Editor, Tagesspiegel Background
•   Dr. Till Riedel, Lab Lead TECO/SDIL, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)  
•   Philippe Valoggia, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology

18:00 - Startup Pitches: AI Ideas of the future

  • Casablanca
  • Aimino
  • whitemacs
  • Ethiqais
  • Curiousquad

18:30 - Networking

October 17, 2024: Workshop Day

Dive into one of our hands-on workshops on day 2 of AIxIA to receive insights on various AI topics.  

The workshops will take place at our partners' venues all near and reachable by foot or public transport to the Smart Production Park. 

All workshops take place in parallel

Workshop #1 AI Systems Engineering - How to Proceed in the Light of the EU AI Act?

by Fraunhofer IOSB; Hochschule Karlsruhe - HKA

The legislative process of the European AI Act was accompanied by a controversial discussion about its effect on innovation and acceptance of AI systems. Now, meanwhile adopted, the question is how to deal with it in a constructive way, also in the context of the related EU Data Act and the Data Governance Act. In this workshop the AI Act will be discussed with respect to its consequences on AI Systems Engineering. Which are the guidelines to follow by AI System engineers, providers and users?

Workshop #2: Automated Intelligence for Safe and Resilient Energy Systems: AI Tools for Reinforcement Learning and Auto-ML in Practice

by KIT- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology; Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Wuerttemberg (ZSW)

Explore the practical application of reinforcement learning and AutoML! In this workshop, the KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) and the ZSW (Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg) will present how the IT framework FRAMESS and tool KI-Lab.EE can be used to solve problems directly from practice with automated AI. Both tools were developed in-house at the institutes. KI-Lab.EE is freely available, while FRAMESS is not freely accessible but can be adapted to specific system requirements in customer projects. You will first receive an introduction to the respective tools and then solve typical problems independently with our support.

Workshop #3: Future Mobility: Harnessing Innovation for Intelligent and Secure Mobility Solutions - an Immersive Workshop in Future Mobility

by FZI Research Center for Information Technology

In this dynamic session, we'll showcase cutting-edge innovations in mobility, autonomous driving, and logistics, driven by advancements in AI and cybersecurity technologies. Participants will do an immersive tour in the FZI House of Living Labs, getting to know sustainable and inclusive demonstrators and will engage in lively discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions using participatory formats to explore emerging trends and co-create ideas to shape the future of mobility. This workshop is an opportunity to be at the forefront of transformative change in the mobility landscape.

Agenda (09:00-13:30)

09:00 –09:30

Arrival and welcome coffee


09:30 – 09:45

Welcome and Introduction

European Digital Innovation Hub 

Applied Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity

Iuliana Nichersu

09:45 – 10:00

Keynote speaker

Interdisciplinary Research enabling Future Mobility

Miriam Ruf

10:00 – 10:15

Fit for autonomy: 

Designing adaptive transportation systems

Katharina Glock

10:15 – 10:30

The role of intelligent transportation systems

Alexander Viehl

10:30 – 11:30

Lab tours

11:30 – 11:45

Coffee Break

11:45 – 12:45

World Café

Shaping the Future of Mobility:

Co-creating Innovation for Emerging Trends

Moderators:

Alexander Viehl

Iuliana Nichersu

12:45 – 13:00

Discussions on the results of the Interactive session

13:00 – 13:15

Take home messages

Workshop #4: Navigating opportunities and challenges of AI Assistants - Transforming Business Processes and Building Trust

by CyberForum e.V.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing every industry, fundamentally altering how businesses function and compete. While AI Assistants are on everyone's lips, and have proven their ability to answer complex questions about data and documents, how can they help you in your business, and what pitfalls should you avoid at all costs? And in this context, can you put trust in AI for your business? - This event brings together experts and practitioners to explore the transformative potential of AI of modern enterprises. It will begin with a workshop focused on AI specialized systems like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), held by Stefan Suwelack and Daniel Klitzke from Renumics. The event will continue with a discussion session moderated by Jens Beyer from LAVRIO.solutions and Robin Weitemeyer from Hochschule Karlsruhe (HKA), providing a deep dive into the critical issue of trust in AI based on a use case from the Kompetenzzentrum KARL, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas on ensuring the reliability and credibility of AI systems.

Agenda (09:00-13:30)

From 9am

Admission

9.30 – 9.35am

Welcome

9.35 – 10.50am

Workshop

10.50 – 11am

Break (10 min)

11am – 12.30pm

Roundtable

12.30 - 12.45pm

Break (15 min)

12.45 - 13.30pm

Tour of the SmartProductionPark

13.30 - Open End

Informal end of AIxIA Conference

– Get Together with all AIxIA workshop participants 

with food and drinks

Workshop #5: Transforming Governance: The Impact of AI on Public Sector  (IN GERMAN)

by TechnologieRegion Karlsruhe GmbH (TRK), CAS Software AG

How can Artificial Intelligence transform the public sector and make it future-proof? In our workshop "Transforming Governance: AI Trends in the Public Sector," we explore the latest trends and solutions in AI and their applications in public administration. This workshop offers a unique platform to discuss innovative approaches and learn from each other. This workshop is designed for professionals and leaders not only in the public sector who want to understand and leverage the potential of AI technologies for their organizations. Join us and actively shape the future of public administration or your organization!

Agenda (09:30-13:15)

09:00 – 09:30

     Arrive

09:30 – 09:40

     Welcome by Jochen Ehlgötz from TechnologieRegion Karlsruhe GmbH

09:40 – 09:50

     AI Trends for the Public Sector presented by Richard Wacker from CAS Software AG

09:50 – 10:20

Intermunicipal Cooperation with Andreas Kraut from re@di (Stadt Ettlingen)

10:20 – 10:30

     Coffee & Networking

10:30 – 11:00

     AI Recruiting presented by Julia Berner from Fraunhofer IAO

11:00 – 

11: 30

     Smart Insights from Geodata presented by YellowMap 

11:30 – 11:40

     Coffee & Networking

11:40 – 12:20

     World Café moderated by CAS & TRK: A chance to engage in small group discussions and 

     delve into practical approaches.

12:20 – 12:30

     Summary & Closing Remarks by Richard Wacker from CAS Software AG


What to expect:

  • Deep Dives: In-depth insights into AI Recruiting and geographic analysis and interaction, crucial for modern public administration.
  • Current Overview: A comprehensive review of the current use of AI in the public sector.
  • Interactive Discussion: What challenges and opportunities do you see in AI? Which of the currently existing solutions may help your organization to improve and grow? Take advantage of this opportunity to share your perspectives and experiences with other participants and experts.


This workshop is designed for professionals and leaders not only in the public sector who want to understand and leverage the potential of AI technologies for their organizations. Join us and actively shape the future of public administration or your organization!

Workshop #6: How to Establish European Innovation and Business Collaborations: Successful Partnering in Practice

by Steinbeis Europa Zentrum (SEZ)

This workshop will take place in hybrid. You can either participate on-site or online. During this workshop, we will jointly explore what the benefits of international, especially European research, technology and innovation (RTDI) collaboration are, how pitfalls can be circumvented and how successful collaborations can be initiated in practice. The workshop will be very interactive and we are looking forward to investigating which cultural similarities and differences the participants have observed already during past collaborations and which concrete collaboration ideas they are eager to further explore in the future. The workshop is open to and will benefit from participation of companies, both small and large ones, as well as public organisations and other stakeholders.

Agenda (09:30-13:30)

9.30

Welcome and introduction

9.45

Intercultural aspects for successful international collaborations

10.00

Case study presentation of international collaboration

10.10

Benefits and pitfalls of international collaboration: interactive activity by all participants

11.00

Coffee break

11.15

Funding opportunities and support for European collaboration

11.30

Participatory activity

11.40

Speed dating of collaboration ideas among participants

12.10

Q&A

12.15

Closing

12.45

Complimentary tour of CyberForum and Smart Production Park (meeting point: CyberForum)

13.30

- open 

end

Informal end of AIxIA Conference – Get Together with all AIxIA workshop participants

with food and drinks (Location: CyberForum)

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