Cem Özdemir visits Cyber Valley

Insights into AI research and political discussions 

The visit began with a round of introductions in the MPI-IS building in Tübingen. In addition to keynote speeches by Prof. Matthias Bethge (Tübingen AI Center) and Prof. Bernhard Schölkopf (MPI-IS & ELLIS Tübingen), Cyber Valley, SPRIND and several AI start-ups also introduced themselves. Among them were the start-ups Maddox AI, Meshcapade and the Polybot project, which are part of the Cyber Valley Start-up Network. In short presentations, they gave an insight into their work before the participants exchanged views on various topics in a closed discussion. The focus was on discussing which specific measures are particularly important for Germany to keep up with the global competition for AI supremacy. 

Lab tour and start-up presentations 

A guided tour of the MPI-IS laboratories followed, giving participants exclusive insights into innovative projects and start-ups. Polybot presented its AI-supported robotics to transform agriculture. Educational initiatives were also discussed: “KI macht Schule” and the “Bundeswettbewerb KI” are committed to promoting AI skills and inspiring young talent. Black Forest Labs and Maddox AI gave further presentations on how they are developing AI for a wide range of applications. 

The Federal Research Minister, Cem Özdemir, in the Polybot lab. Image: Wolfram Scheible

During the visit, Federal Minister Özdemir gave a statement on the importance of AI development and the political measures to promote the innovation landscape in Germany. The press was also present to report on the progress and developments in AI research. In conclusion, the Federal Minister was impressed: “Together with the partners in Cyber Valley, an outstanding AI ecosystem has developed here. We must continue to invest in such regional ecosystems in key technologies,” said Özdemir, summarizing his impressions. 

Minister Petra Olschowski further states: “Today we have once again seen that the collaboration between Cyber Valley, universities, the Max Planck Institute, and the Tübingen AI Center in the field of AI is extremely important for the region. The initiatives not only remain in the area of academic basic research but also lead to successful spin-offs that collaborate with the industry.” 

Cyber Valley & Tübingen AI Center: A perfect match 

Cyber Valley connects cutting-edge research with industry, promoting technology transfer and the launch of innovative AI start-ups. The Tübingen AI Center is not only a central part of the Cyber Valley Community but is also active in the European ELLIS network and part of the newly founded ELIAS Alliance, which promotes socially valuable AI technologies from Europe. The visit underlined the political and economic importance of artificial intelligence for Germany and Europe. 

We would like to thank everyone involved for the inspiring exchange! Further impressions and reports on the visit can be found on our social media channels.