The state of Baden-Württemberg is a high-tech region with a high level of innovation. In this region, companies and knowledge institutions work intensively on new products and processes, with a major focus on artificial intelligence. This trip was organized by the German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DNHK) in cooperation with the Dutch AI Coalition (Technical Industry Working Group) and FME. We look back with Nina Krommedijk (Business Development Manager Data Scientist, Datacation).
Waarom is er specifiek voor Baden-Württemberg gekozen als locatie voor dit evenement?
Baden-Württemberg is strongly committed to artificial intelligence (AI) with initiatives such as Cyber Valley and the AI Innovation Park Heilbronn for startups. Digital hubs and grants help startups, while universities such as the University of Stuttgart and KIT promote AI education and research. In the process, they are building heavily on a new initiative called IPAI, a whole eco-system with a focus on AI. In short, it is one of Europe’s leading regions in the field of AI that still has plenty of room for new initiatives. For almost every company, though, it was interesting to see the growth opportunities in this region.
Can you take us during this weekend? What interesting take outs did you come back with?
Together with the Dutch delegation, we visited Baden-Württemberg June 11 and 12. With a diverse and interesting group of Dutch companies, we visited three leading sites in technological innovation and research in the field of AI:
- Amazon RD in Tübingen, incubator for innovation in artificial intelligence with a focus on computer vision. We found out more about current developments at the Internet giant and how package delivery and online shopping, among other things, are going to change significantly in the near future.
- IPAI sees itself as a leading platform for applied AI, acting as an innovation accelerator and promoter of AI co-creation. Big names like AUDI AG, Porsche AG and the Schwarz Gruppe have now secured office space here to stay ahead in this rapidly changing world.
- NEURA Robotics is working to revolutionize robotics by developing intelligent robots that work safely and efficiently with humans. Their vision of the future of robotics and breakthrough technological solutions inspires and promises to take over boring, physical, repetitive tasks forever.
In addition to the take outs from these visits, overall it was very interesting to see how actively people in this region are working on AI. Especially the new innovation hub being built clearly shows the ambition.
How did the topic of Artificial Intelligence manifest itself during this weekend?
Each visit revolved around AI. Not only the advanced technologies, but also the use and mainly the application was discussed. It gave good insight to see where they are in terms of developments, as well as what they are up against in society.
What kind of parties came to it?
The Dutch delegation was very diverse in this, which we felt was positive. Members were not selected for their size, but for their interest and interface with travel. For example, another start-up/scale-up was present alongside us. The combination with large manufacturing/making companies made for a fun dynamic. Finally, the corporate ASR was also represented.
What social challenges could be solved with this weekend’s take outs?
The main conclusion of the AI delegation trip to Germany is perhaps obvious, but no less significant: the AI revolution will reduce boring, repetitive tasks. By automating repetitive tasks, we can reallocate valuable human resources to areas that require a more strategic and empathetic approach, such as education, health care and social services.
The journey has shown that while the acceptance of AI takes time, the opportunities to use this technology for societal benefit are immense. Once broader awareness of this potential emerges, we can begin to deploy AI solutions to improve quality of life.
To be repeated, and why?
We made good connections and were once again inspired in the field of AI. Because of this, we are certainly open to participating in such a trip again, however the focus is first on expansion in the Netherlands. When we are ready for a move abroad, we certainly keep coming forward.
