Network Role: Partner

Engineering Intelligence

Practicing the piano, researching the behavior of animals, developing sustainable building materials, analyzing political speeches, explaining emotions to chatbots, preventing operational failures or putting autonomous satellites into orbit: The "Engineering Intelligence – Cyber Valley at the University of Stuttgart" event demonstrated how artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics and intelligent systems permeate almost all areas of our society – and what the University of Stuttgart and its partners are accomplishing in these fields.
European hotspot for intelligent systems
"Our common goal is to become a European hotspot for intelligent systems and to attract the next generation of students and researchers from all over the world," explained Professor Wolfram Ressel, Rector at the University of Stuttgart, in his welcome address. On November 29 and 30, 2023, around 400 interested parties and experts from the fields of science, business, and politics and around 50 speakers came together to learn more about the diverse research projects being developed by the University of Stuttgart and its partners, and to discuss the opportunities and risks of AI and strengthen the Cyber Valley network.
The two clusters of excellence SimTech and IntCDC, as well as the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, the Center for Bionic Intelligence Tübingen Stuttgart (BITS), Cyber Valley GmbH and the University of Stuttgart's new Transfer Center (TRACES) were among the participants. The event was organized by the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science (ENI) in cooperation with the university's Office of the Rectorate.
Prof. Wolfram Ressel, Rector of the University of Stuttgart, at the opening speech of the event. Photo: Jan Potente / University of Stuttgart
Intelligent systems that benefit society
"Advances in AI will have an enormous impact on society," emphasized Professor Frank Allgöwer, Head of the Institute for Systems Theory and Automatic Control (IST) at the University of Stuttgart. As part of the Cyber Valley research alliance, the University of Stuttgart is focusing on intelligent robotics and embedding intelligent robots in physical systems. The aim is not only to anchor modern AI developments in the engineering sciences, but also to utilize the potential of intelligent systems for the benefit of society.
Among other topics, research is being conducted into intelligent robots for healthcare applications, human-machine interaction, the perceptual and cognitive capabilities of intelligent systems, hardware components, modeling, and simulation technologies as well as ethical issues and exploitation possibilities. Five new professorships, two independent junior research groups and six tenure-track professorships have now been created as part of Cyber Valley.
Leveraging opportunities and minimizing risk
The two-day congress once again made it clear that the development and application scenarios of intelligent robots and systems encompass much more than just technical challenges. The experts agreed that it is impossible to exploit the full potential of artificial intelligence without the involvement of all disciplines and joint research by the fields of humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. How can intelligent systems be developed in a people-centered way and how can we counteract prejudices during their development? What are the limits of AI applications, for example in autonomous vehicles or in diagnostics and medical treatments? What long-term effects will AI have on our society, for example with regard to future jobs? These questions were also on the agenda at "Engineering Intelligence". It is clear that AI should remain a tool to support people, not replace them.
Jun.-Prof. Amrei Bahr, expert in the philosophy of technology, during her keynote speech at the opening of the Transfer Center (TRACES). Photo: Jan Potente / University of Stuttgart
A transfer of knowledge that benefits society
Amrei Bahr, Junior Professor of Philosophy of Technology & Information at the University of Stuttgart, explained why not only AI, but also the transfer of knowledge and technologies need an "ethical foundation". The links being forged for the transfer of knowledge between university and industry are not one-way streets. Bahr emphasized that good scientific practice is needed to stabilize these new links, among other things, and also the responsible implementation of research findings.
Dr. Rubina Zern-Breuer, Head of the TRACES Transfer Centre with her team (from left to right: Eberhard Renz, Tamara Arutyunyants, Christine Kispert, Melanie Minderjahn, Kristina Winter and Dr. Jordi Mauri). Photo: Jan Potente / University of Stuttgart
Dr. Rubina Zern-Breuer, head of the TRACES Transfer Centre, which was launched as part of this event, knows that the start-up-oriented transfer that the University of Stuttgart is committed to is not a sure-fire success. In the spirit of the so-called 'third mission', universities are not only sources of knowledge and training centers, but also places where innovation and ideas come to life. It is important that transfer from the university to business, politics and society enable solutions that benefit society. Prof. Peter Middendorf, Vice Rector for Knowledge and Technology Transfer at the University of Stuttgart, also made it clear in his keynote speech at the launch of the TRACES center, how important it is that the University of Stuttgart supports the "third mission" in terms of its transfer strategy and the practical implementation by the new transfer center.

März 4, 2024
Cyber Valley joins forces with Seoul AI Hub and AIIS in historic MOU signing

(Tübingen, 15.02.24) – An official Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony took place on February 15th, 2024, at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Tübingen, Germany. This collaboration marks a historic achievement, as it signifies the first official partnership between Cyber Valley and two significant artificial intelligence institutes in Asia.

The ceremony was attended by Rebecca C. Reisch, Managing Director of Cyber Valley, who warmly welcomed the Chief of the Seoul AI Hub, Jong-min Ham, as well as the Director of Artificial Intelligence Institute Seoul National University (AIIS), Byoung-Tak Zhang, highlighting the significance of this unique event. The ceremony featured presentations by two start-ups from the Cyber Valley Community – NeurCG and Tabularis.AI – who underscored the benefits of being situated in Baden Württemberg. Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a tour of MPI-IS Tübingen, along with a special lab tour.

Strengthening partnership on a global scale

The MOU serves as a testament to the commitment of both organizations to foster innovation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence. It opens avenues for extensive networking opportunities in Asia and Europe, laying the foundation for future advancements and partnerships.

Rebecca C. Reisch elaborates, „The partnership with AI Hub Seoul and the Artificial Intelligence Institute of Seoul National University marks Cyber Valley’s first-ever collaboration between South Korea’s premier AI institutes. This collaboration is poised to transform the artificial intelligence landscape across Asia and Europe, making a lasting impact. The impact of #bettertogether is particularly evident here, where our goal is to advance the growth of start-ups through the collective use of our resources.”

Key highlights of the collaboration between the three parties include the sharing of resources, with a specific focus on establishing a funding network and investment avenues for start-ups. Joint research projects and start-up research residencies are also integral components of this partnership, providing a platform for shared exploration and development.

Innovation and Growth: Seoul AI Hub and AIIS

The Seoul AI Hub was established in December 2017 by the city of Seoul and has evolved significantly since then. Thus far, it has facilitated the growth of over 360+ AI start-ups, with particular note on the recent successful IPO of Crowdworks among its portfolio.

The Seoul AI Hub plays a role in supporting AI start-ups in Korea. Its assistance spans technical problem-solving, overseas expansion, and management support, among other areas. The strategic location near Gangnam, a pivotal hub in the IT industry with research facilities of major companies, further enhances seamless communication with industry members. The Seoul AI Hub has emerged as a vital stepping stone in the AI start-up realm.

Jongmin Ham, Chief of Seoul AI Hub, said, “We have great expectations for jointly fostering and supporting Korean AI start-ups through our collaboration with Cyber Valley and AIIS.” He added, “We hope that our global AI network has paved the way for Korean AI start-ups to thrive in the European market.“

Established in 2019, the AIIS is an interdisciplinary research institute committed to consolidating and promoting AI-related research. Positioned as a central hub for research in Core AI and X+AI domains, AIIS encourages collaboration among researchers from various disciplines. Their guiding principles include a commitment to AI for All Research, AI for All Industries, and AI for All People. Presently, AIIS boasts approximately 300 affiliated faculty members actively engaged in its initiatives.

Byoung-Tak Zhang, Director of the AIIS, said, “ Byoung-Tak Zhang, Director of the AIIS, said, “Since the beginning of the AIIS in 2019, we have always envisioned a global network of specialists in the AI field collaborating with one another to become more than the sum of our parts.” He added, “We are excited to partner with some of the brightest minds in the AI field here at Cyber Valley along with Seoul AI Hub and eagerly anticipate what the future holds for all of us.”

Cyber Valley, Seoul AI Hub, and Artificial Intelligence Institute of Seoul National University (AIIS) are excited about the prospects this collaboration brings and anticipate the positive impact it will have on the global AI community.

About Cyber Valley

Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. Its mission and public mandate are to advocate for research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in the field of intelligent systems. Cyber Valley encourages entrepreneurship by uniting scientific excellence with innovation and technology transfer. In addition, Cyber Valley facilitates critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI through public engagement. Cyber Valley envisions a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.

About Seoul AI Hub

Seoul AI Hub is a non-for-profit organization that was established in 2017 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in order to foster the AI industry. In this regard, Seoul AI Hub now cultivates AI human resources, provides accelerating programs to 250+ membership AI start-ups, and tries to form synergistic connections within the industry.

About Artificial Intelligence Institute of Seoul National University (AIIS)

Artificial Intelligence Institute of Seoul National University is an intercollegiate research institute established in 2019, committed to integrating and supporting AI-related research. As a hub of AI research both in Core AI and X+AI areas, Seoul National University’s 300+ professors and 2,000+ researchers of diverse disciplines collaborate through AIIS.

Februar 15, 2024
SimTech METEOR Wettbewerb 2024

The SimTech METEOR competition was launched by the Knowledge Transfer Committee headed by Professor and SimTech scientist Jörg Fehr from the Institute of Engineering and Computational Mechanics at the University of Stuttgart.
The competition stands out for its directness and efficiency by focusing on the rapid transfer of basic knowledge into the development of new technical products, materials and processes. A special feature is its rapid processing: in just three months after the submission deadline on February 23, 2024, the funding decisions will be announced in May 2024.
The selection committee will decide which research questions and challenges will be supported with up to €100,000 each. This targeted funding not only enables the implementation of innovative ideas, but also combines them with an efficient use of funds.
The SimTech METEOR competition is particularly relevant for companies and institutions, as it promotes the transfer and exchange between industry and research. The speed of knowledge transfer ensures that fundamental findings can flow directly into the development of new products, processes, and methods.
Companies and institutions based in Germany are eligible to participate, regardless of their size. Preference is given to small companies and institutions based on a list of criteria.
The SimTech METEOR competition focuses on the close integration of research and industry to tackle the challenges of the future together. The deadline for submissions is February 23, 2024. Join us and actively shape the future of technological innovation!

Februar 13, 2024

119 of the world’s most cited researchers are from Stuttgart

The latest update of a database published by Elsevier provides information on the most cited researchers in 2022 for each scientific field, including extensive figures on publications, citations, self-citation rates, and indices. The dataset contains more than 200,000 authors and takes into account the different publication cultures of the individual subject areas by including the top 2 percent of the world's most frequently cited researchers in their field in the list.

These include 119 academics from the University of Stuttgart, which are spread across a total of 12 departments and listed as follows.

Discipline	# of scientists at the University of Stuttgart in the top 2%
Physics & Astronomy	35
Engineering	21
Enabling & Strategic Technologies	16
Information & Communication Technologies	11
Biomedical Research	7
Mathematics & Statistics	7
Built Environment & Design	3
Clinical Medicine	3
Psychology & Cognitive Sciences	2
Economics & Business	1
Philosophy & Theology	1
Total number	119

Strong individual performances in a global comparison

Over 20 percent of the University of Stuttgart's current faculty members are accounted for.

The researchers from the University of Stuttgart, active in the year under review, are listed below as the most frequently cited in their respective fields (in alphabetical order):

Scientists	Occupies place # in the field of…
Allgöwer, Frank	605 of 106.863 in Industrial Engineering & Automation
Bárdossy, András	148 of 57.175 in Environmental Engineering
Birkmann, Joern	41 of 21.624 in Strategic, Defence & Security Studies
Brem, Alexander	209 of 52.318 in Business & Management
Brink, Stephan ten	310 of 197.500 in Networking & Telecommunications
Buchmeiser, Michael R.	345 of 108.979 in Polymers
Bulling, Andreas	60 of 14.370 in Human Factors
Bürkner, Paul Christian	26 of 21.194 in Statistics & Probability
Dressel, Martin	1595 of 295.432 in Applied Physics
Giessen, Harald	205 of 64.789 in Optics
Hauer, Bernhard	570 of 161.671 in Organic Chemistry
Hilfer, Rudolf	277 of 50.409 in Fluids & Plasmas
Jeltsch, Albert	334 of 204.091 in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaim, Wolfgang	70 of 72.729 in Inorganic & Nuclear Chemistry
Kästner, Johannes	271 of 100.804 in Chemical Physics
Kontermann, Roland E.	646 of 147.556 in Immunology
Liu, Na	474 of 117.692 in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lutz, Eric	191 of 73.580 in General Physics
Menges, Achim	2 of 1.681 in Architecture
Seifert, Udo	17 of 50.409 in Fluids & Plasmas
Speck, Thomas	253 of 50.409 in Fluids & Plasmas
Steinwart, Ingo	1578 of 356.955 in Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing
Weitkamp, Jens	127 of 38.735 in Physical Chemistry
Werner, Hans Joachim	97 of 100.804 in Chemical Physics
Wrachtrup, Jörg	371 of 295.432 in Applied Physics
Yang, Bin	335 of 197.500 in Networking & Telecommunications

More names of top-cited scientists can be found in the database.

Cyber Valley would like to congratulate these and all other researchers on their success!

Februar 12, 2024

ETH Zurich launches joint initiative for trustworthy AI
In spring 2024 the new Alps supercomputer goes live at the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS) of ETH Zurich in Lugano. Boasting the next generation of more than 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs), Alps is one of the world’s most powerful computers for applications in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This new computer gives Swiss scientists access to the sort of computing power only available to the world’s biggest tech companies.
Transparency and Open Source
The initiative aims to develop and train new large language models (LLM). These must be transparent, deliver comprehensible results, and ensure legal, ethical, and scientific criteria are met. “Unlike the large language models that are usually available in the public domain today, the Swiss AI Initiative strongly emphasized transparency and Open Source. Everyone must be able to understand how the models were trained, the sort of data used, and how results are recovered,” stresses Jan Hesthaven, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at EPFL.
To develop such models, the Swiss AI Initiative will use ten million GPU hours on the new Alps computer over the next 12 months, equivalent to the computing power of a single GPU running at full load for over 1,100 years. Switzerland is therefore the first country in the world to operate a research infrastructure on the next-generation NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchip.
Swiss AI Initiative is already up and running
This additional computing capacity will be used to develop new, industry-specific AI-based models for use in different areas such as robotics, medicine, climate sciences, or diagnostics. In addition, the Initiative will also explore fundamental questions in the development and use of LLM models, such as: What form will future interaction between humans and AI take? What is the appropriate ethical framework? How do we manage security and data privacy? What new approaches can be used to scale up models and make them more energy efficient?
AI for industry and public administration
The Swiss AI Initiative has set itself the goal of bringing together science, industry, and politics to collaborate in shaping and driving forward the development and use of artificial intelligence in Switzerland. Existing partnerships with companies, hospitals, and public-sector bodies will be expanded further. Swisscom’s CTO Gerd Niehage commented: “Here at Swisscom we welcome the Swiss AI Initiative, especially as we are convinced this will be an important building block in Switzerland’s digital future. It accelerates the digital transformation and creates new capabilities our country needs to play a dominant role in the area of generative artificial intelligence. For Swisscom, AI solutions like the Swiss AI Initiative are a key element of innovative digital solutions that our customers can trust.”
The software infrastructure, accumulated expertise and base models developed in Switzerland should be transferable as openly and directly as possible to society and industry. To remain competitive, SME’s will also have to rely increasingly on the use of AI in the future. Like public services, they will be able to directly benefit from the open Swiss AI Initiative. On top of that, the Swiss AI Initiative is developing a program for supporting start-ups in the area of artificial intelligence.
Networking researchers all over Switzerland
ETH Zurich and EPFL operate their own AI centers that will work closely together in the future, along with the Swiss Data Science Center, to conduct world-class, interdisciplinary AI research. This initiative aims to pool the specialist knowledge of around a dozen Swiss universities, technical universities, and research institutes. Over the past few months over 75 professors from all over Switzerland have signed up for the initiative. In addition, other international researchers have also been invited to work together on the development of multilingual, cross-border, open-source LLMs. ETH Zurich and EPFL are already members of ELLIS, the European network of AI excellence, which incudes some 40 AI hot spots in Europe.
Press contact
Markus Gross
- Phone: +41 44 632 41 41
- Email: markus.gross@hk.ethz.ch
ETH Zurich
Switzerland
Februar 9, 2024
KI-Forscher Philipp Hennig erhält ERC Consolidator Grant der Europäischen Union
Philipp Hennig is Professor of Machine Learning Methods in the Department of Informatics at the University of Tübingen, part of Cyber Valley, and a member of the board of the Tübingen AI Center and the cluster of excellence Machine Learning: New Perspectives for Science.
ANUBIS objectives
The ANUBIS project aims to manage the computing resources of scientific AI applications comprehensively and consistently. In climate models, geological and neuroscientific simulations, many inference problems occur in which information or a data set is used to indirectly deduce or “infer” the information that is actually being sought. "To solve such inference problems, we need large amounts of data and large computing resources," Hennig explains. "A single partial data set from climate research, for example, can be as large as 100 terabytes (i.e. 100,000 gigabytes)."
Data processing challenges
In the project, what a computer does – computing – is regarded as a source of information. This information relates to questions that cannot be answered definitively and perfectly (such as "What will the weather be like in 10 years' time?"). Such questions usually consist of an infinite number of sub-questions that are not fully answered by the calculation. Therefore, while the computer is answering these sub-questions, it should simultaneously keep a record of which parts of the question have already been answered and how well. This is not so easy, because the record-keeping itself is also a calculation. For the whole thing to remain feasible, the record-keeping must therefore be simpler than the calculation itself.
Innovative approaches to solutions
To do this, it will be necessary to extend modern machine learning methods so that their functionality harmonizes with the new concept. The advantages of the extended methodology are not only more economical algorithms, but also new functionality. "It will then be easier for researchers from the geosciences, climate sciences and neurosciences, for example, to flexibly incorporate very different types of data such as specific measurements, simulation data and expert knowledge into their code," says Hennig. "The uncertainty of the information from the different data sources must be quantified. Neither was possible with the previous methods."
Related Links
Media Contact
Claudia Brusdeylins
Tübingen AI Center / Universität Tübingen
Februar 7, 2024
Cyber Valley Start-up Fiasco expandiert ins Versicherungsgeschäft

Kernen, 6. Februar 2024 – Zu der anfänglichen Kern-Zielgruppe Kfz- und K&L-Werkstätten wurden bei der FIASCO GmbH aus Kernen im Remstal Ende 2023 auch verstärkt Kunden aus der Versicherungsbranche akquiriert.
Schnell wurde auf Anbieter- und Kundenseite deutlich, dass die FIASCO-Plattform für all jene Fälle Vorteile und Nutzen bringt, bei denen es um Schadenabwicklungen und schnelle Kalkulation bei Fahrzeugen geht. Aufgrund erhöhter Nachfrage von Versicherungsunternehmen sowie aus anderen Branchen wie Flotten- und Leasinggesellschaften, Glas- und Hagelschaden-Experten, Anwaltskanzleien und Gutachter arbeiten die IT-Spezialisten von FIASCO regelmäßig an weiteren Optimierungen und Modulen der Webanwendung (verfügbar über Browser, keine native App). Mit dem neuen Produkt FIASCOdirect werden ganz gezielt Sachbearbeiter:innen aus der Versicherungsbranche angesprochen und bestmöglich unterstützt. Diese können in wenigen Sekunden und im Zuge von maximal vier aufeinanderfolgenden Schritten für jeden erfassten Karosserie-Schaden die voraussichtlichen Reparaturkosten ermitteln. Dabei müssen keine Schäden extra fotografiert werden. Gleichzeitig können die Kund:innen den Wiederbeschaffungswert mit den Reparaturkosten in ein Verhältnis setzen.
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Mehr über Fiasco
Cyber Valley Start-up Network
Mit dem Start-up Network fördert Cyber Valley eine lebendige Community von KI-Entrepreneurs. Mitglieder erhalten exklusiven Zugang zu einem vielfältigen Netzwerk aus KI-Forschenden, Investor:innen, sowie weitere Start-up Gründer:innen. Voraussetzung für die Mitgliedschaft ist eine Verbindung zu Cyber Valley, wie beispielsweise Mitglieder oder Alumni der Cyber Valley Community oder durch einen Standort in Baden-Württemberg. Der Kern des Geschäftsmodells bilden intelligente Systeme. Das Start-up-Netzwerk wächst kontinuierlich. Weitere Informationen über die aktuelle Anzahl der Start-ups und das Bewerbungsverfahren: https://cyber-valley.de/start-up-network

Februar 6, 2024
Wissenschaftsministerin Olschowski besucht Cyber Valley in Tübingen

Tübingen, January 28, 2024 – What will our future look like with AI? Minister of Science and MdL Petra Olschowski, chairman of the State Parliamentary Group of the Greens in Baden-Württemberg Andreas Schwarz, and further guests were able to experience this future at Cyber Valley, Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. The special guests toured Cyber Valley at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Tübingen on Friday, January 26, gaining valuable insights into the cutting-edge research underway in the field of AI, modern robotics, and intelligent systems. Cyber Valley presented select projects led by eminent scientists from the Cyber Valley Community, which included the founding members MPI-IS and the University of Tübingen.
Rebecca C. Reisch, Cyber Valley Managing Director, provided an insightful overview underscoring the significance of the Cyber Valley Community. With the launch of ICAIN or the AI House Davos during the World Economic Forum, Cyber Valley is now leading the global conversation on AI. The Director of the Perceiving Systems Department at MPI-IS, Prof. Michael J. Black, emphasized: “Cyber Valley developed as a response to a changing world. With our excellence in AI, we have the opportunity to build a new economic foundation for the region. The strong partnership between the state government, industry, and academia has built this into one of the best locations for AI research worldwide.”
The Rector of the University of Tübingen, Prof. Dr. Karla Pollmann, commented on the overall visit: "I am impressed by the diversity of topics being researched in the Cyber Valley Community and at the University of Tübingen and the interdisciplinarity we showcased. We will further support Cyber Valley, so that we can grow even stronger together.
Measuring power and rethinking agriculture with AI
Prof. Michael J. Black provided an overview of the excellent research at MPI-IS as well as the current status of AI. "Of course, there are limits to current AI systems; for example, they may generate images of people with six fingers. But whenever you think that AI is not going to be able to do a specific task – forget that. It will. And the scale of investment in AI means that it will happen more quickly than people imagine." Furthermore, he emphasized the need for more German venture investment and lower costs for computing resources, so that start-ups can make the transfer from AI research to entrepreneurship.
By explaining that “AI in the real world is not about observation, but prediction”, Prof. Moritz Hardt, Director of Social Foundations of Computation Department at MPI-IS, elaborated on how to measure the power of social media platforms and the impact of their algorithms. Dr. Wieland Brendel, Research Group Leader for Robust Machine Learning, highlighted his research and technology transfer initiatives, with a focus on the integration of artificial intelligence into agriculture. More specifically, he showcased the Polybot farming robot and its contribution to more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
Better together – Interdepartmental initiatives at the University of Tübingen
The University of Tübingen shared detailed insights into their artificial intelligence research and programs, emphasizing their profound societal impact. The Cluster of Excellence, as described by Prof. Dr. Ulrike von Luxburg, is immersed in outstanding research, contributing to a wide variety of applications for AI in science. She further commented; “Simulation of data is currently a major area of application for AI in science. In the social and legal context, the explainability of AI is a major topic of research here in Tübingen, which was also spurred on by the AI Act.”
Prof. Dr. Philipp Berens, Director of the Hertie Institute for AI in Brain Health, stressed the significance of artificial intelligence in the medical domain and its crucial role in handling tasks in fields where there is a shortage of medical professionals. As an example, he elaborated on the use of AI in screening eyes for potential diabetes cases.
Furthermore, Prof, Dr. Matthias Bethge, Director of the Tübingen AI Center, emphasized the importance of excellent research for the future of technology: "Academia is a laboratory for the future. As researchers, we want to bring our ideas to life in order to make the world a better place. We need faster processes for the recruitment of excellent AI researchers and for spinning off start-ups and building up computing power."
Modern robotics in action – showcasing practical examples of the future
What does the future look like with AI? The visit continued with lab tours at the Tübingen site. Tsvetelina Alexiadis, who leads the Data Team of the Perceiving Systems Department, presented the Capture Hall. She demonstrated the advancement of computer vision research through the digitization of the human body. The equipment teaches computers to understand human poses and motion through images and videos. It can interpret how humans interact with each other and the environment by gathering data, including the motion, shape, and texture of the body, and much more. It offers computers a form of sight, to be used in various industries, including medicine, fashion, and entertainment.
A demonstration of the table tennis robot highlighted the dynamic essence of robotics movement and illustrated how a robot can acquire basic skills, such as playing table tennis. This demonstration left a lasting impression on the visitors. Dieter Büchler, Research Group Leader, and Ph.D. student Jan Schneider explained that through reinforcement learning, the robot has acquired successfully over time the ability to play table tennis, progressively refining its skills through the learning process.
Cyber Valley, the location for AI in Europe
Minister of Science and MdL Petra Olschowski expressed great satisfaction with her visit to Cyber Valley and the detailed overview of its associated projects, stating, "AI is shaping the world of tomorrow – impacting fields from manufacturing and engineering to medicine, along with our everyday lives. In Baden-Württemberg, we are leading the way. Excellent research and transfer into practice go hand in hand – that is the idea behind our Cyber Valley innovation campus. I am always impressed by what is created here. Today's visit for example showed the enormous potential in the field of intelligent robotics. At Cyber Valley, researchers together with industry partners are creating the future – which is not only important for our economy, but also for our prosperity and well-being. That is why the state government founded Cyber Valley in 2018 and why we are still supporting this innovation campus today as an investment in our future.”

About Cyber Valley
Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. Its mission and public mandate are to advocate for research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in the field of intelligent systems. Cyber Valley encourages entrepreneurship by uniting scientific excellence with innovation and technology transfer. In addition, Cyber Valley facilitates critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI through public engagement. Cyber Valley envisions a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.
Press Contact

Januar 23, 2024
Cyber Valley welcomes AZOWO and Vectis Finance to the Start-up Network

AZOWO is a unique platform offering integrated solutions in the mobility sector, including fleet management software, car and bike sharing, and real-time vehicle data. Their cloud software empowers companies, cities, and municipalities to efficiently implement innovative mobility services. AZOWO’s mission is to enable customers to build, transform, and manage critical processes in shared, connected, electric, and autonomous mobility. Leveraging artificial intelligence, the start-up incorporates advanced features like a unique booking algorithm and an AI document management system into their software platform. By doing so, they aim to facilitate the quick and effective realization of innovative solutions in the ever-changing field of mobility.

Vectis Finance is on a mission to revolutionize the mortgage advisory industry through a cutting-edge LLM-based platform, comparing financing offers of more than 800 banks. Essentially, the platform serves as a digital co-pilot that is available 24/7, empowering homebuyers to establish new benchmarks in both speed and transparency. This puts the customer at the center of the mortgage process, while saving time for both mortgage advisors and other partners like real estate agents.

By becoming part of the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, AZOWO and Vectis Finance have joined an AI community commited to advancing technology and fostering collaboration among start-ups, researchers, and industry partners.

Januar 23, 2024
Cerebri and Tabularis.AI join the Cyber Valley Start-Up Network

Cerebri is a pioneering medical diagnostic start-up dedicated to transforming EEG diagnostics and accessibility. The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a medical test used to measure the electrical activity of the brain. With a mission to democratize EEG technology, Cerebri seeks to make expert-grade evaluations universally available, transcending geographical boundaries. The start-up addresses challenges in routine and emergency medicine, offering an innovative platform that combines easy-to-use EEG hardware with expert-level evaluation as a service. By integrating artificial intelligence, Cerebri enhances EEG diagnostics, making it more accessible and comprehensible for individuals worldwide.
Tabularis.AI is a start-up specializing in generating synthetic data that allows for training machine learning algorithms while maintaining the quality of real data without compromising data privacy concerns. With Tabularis.AI, organizations can open up their data, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs. This is particularly beneficial for tasks like evaluating sensitive customer data, preparing development data, or generating AI training data. Tabularis.AI enables the sharing of data insights while protecting sensitive information, fostering collaboration across teams and companies.
By becoming part of the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, Cerebri and Tabularis.AI have joined a vibrant AI community dedicated to advancing technology and promoting collaboration among start-ups, researchers, and industry partners.

Januar 23, 2024