Network Role: Partner

  • AI researcher Philipp Hennig receives ERC Consolidator Grant

    AI researcher Philipp Hennig receives ERC Consolidator Grant

    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

  • Cyber Valley Start-up Fiasco expands into insurance

    Cyber Valley Start-up Fiasco expands into insurance

    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.

    Erklär Video

    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

  • Cyber Valley welcomes AZOWO and Vectis Finance to the Start-up Network

    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. 

  • Cerebri and Tabularis.AI join the Cyber Valley Start-Up Network

    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. 

  • Expanding the Cyber Valley Start-up Network: Welcoming mine&make and nuvus

    Expanding the Cyber Valley Start-up Network: Welcoming mine&make and nuvus

    Mine&make GmbH has successfully crafted an AI-based business development platform tailored to individual requirements. The company provides customized insights into business opportunities, empowering each customer to expand across diverse industries. Mine&make not only identifies these opportunities but also undertakes the responsibility of carrying out and implementing them. Leveraging artificial intelligence, the platform analyzes individual products and technical competencies to to unveil prospects such as new applications, adjacent functionalities, new technologies, expansion into untapped market fields, and the formulation of high-potential product strategies.

    The platform, powered by a AI-based Insights Engine, serves multifunctional purposes in research and development (R&D), marketing, and sales. Mine&make is dedicated to maximizing the business potential of its clients, offering avenues for opportunity development through workshops, insights, and projects. 

    Image: mine&make GmbH

    Nuvus GmbH specializes in guiding clients through the seamless implementation and integration of cutting-edge technologies, leveraging AI software testing. Their core expertise lies in testing, integration, and security, complemented by proficiency in software development and automotive engineering.

    As a premier testing service provider, nuvus offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, encompassing verification and validation services, defect management and configuration, error analysis, and traceability. Additionally, they excel in planning and executing test drives. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, nuvus provides invaluable support in bug prediction, resource optimization, process automation, and machine learning. 

    Image: nuvus GmbH

    By becoming part of the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, nuvus and mine&make have joined a vibrant AI community dedicated to advancing technology and promoting collaboration among start-ups, researchers, and industry partners. 

  • Cyber Valley welcomes vialytics to its Start-up Network

    Cyber Valley welcomes vialytics to its Start-up Network

    With already over 300 municipalities across seven countries using their system, vialytics is setting the standard for AI-based road management systems. The company's cloud software has proven instrumental in streamlining processes for municipal administrations, providing actionable insights that contribute to more efficient road maintenance strategies.

    One of their contributions to the field is its artificial intelligence system designed for objective, rapid, and accurate analysis of asphalt surfaces. This innovation addresses the significant cost and time associated with traditional road condition assessments. By leveraging AI algorithms, the start-up ensures precise evaluation of asphalt conditions to be able to make informed decisions for optimal road maintenance planning.

    "In the dynamic landscape of road management, vialytics is proud to lead the way with cutting-edge AI solutions that revolutionize the industry," says Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist Danilo Jovicic-Albrecht at vialytics. "Our commitment to innovation through AI and sustainability aligns perfectly with the values of the Cyber Valley Start-up Network. We are excited to collaborate within this growing AI ecosystem in Southern Germany."

    Through joining the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, vialytics is now part of a dynamic AI community that is focused on driving technological advancements and fostering collaboration between start-ups, researchers, and industry leaders.

  • Cyber Valley Research Fund Event

    Cyber Valley Research Fund Event

    Experts from industry and academia came together to discuss scientific advancement and to brainstorm future research paths. “The Cyber Valley Ecosystem continues to grow as a hotspot for innovation and research in AI and robotics”, Cyber Valley Scientific Coordinator Janell Lia-Breitmayer emphasized in her opening speech. This event lies at the heart of Cyber Valley, which originated from a collaboration between industry and academia to bring scientific excellence for the benefit of society. 

    Cyber Valley Research Fund Initiatives 

    The first cornerstone of the symposium was the presentation of five independent research initiatives that have thrived under the support of the Cyber Valley Research Fund. Prof. Dr. Jörg-Dieter Stückler, who heads the Embodied Vision Research Group, showed how the use of an adaptive dynamics model can improve the trajectory estimation and prediction of a robot. By optimizing its parameters in a self-supervised manner, the robot can adapt to variations in system dynamics and plan a more efficient path through unknown terrain. 

    In a second research project supervised by Stückler under the Cyber Valley iniative, the group combined extended Kalman filtering with a differentiable physics simulator to estimate trajectories of 3D objects. In addition to reconstructing an object’s shape and pose, the model is able to infer physical properties, such as velocity and friction, from RGB-D images. This information can be used to simulate physically plausible trajectories of sliding and colliding objects.

    Subsequently, two projects of the Physics for Inference and Optimization Research Group led by Caterina De Bacco were presented. PhD student Martina Contisciani discussed advancements in network reconstruction from data. By relaxing assumptions about the conditional independence of edges, she enhances the detection of communities and clusters. In addition, her probabilistic model is able to infer the reliability of nodes, which is particularly valuable in reconstructing networks from social sciences data, where conflicting reports from multiple individuals are common.

    Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Hadiseh Safdari continued the discourse by looking at anomaly detection within networks. To identify parts of the network that deviate from the norm, she and her colleagues use a probabilistic generative model that compares the observed network with synthetic data, generated based on assumptions about community membership and reciprocity. Safdari highlighted applications such as uncovering fake users on social media platforms and detecting fraudulent activities in financial transactions. 

    Prof. Dr. Georg Martius, leader of the Autonomous Learning Research Group, explored the fusion of combinatorial algorithms and machine learning. He presented a method that implements a backward pass for combinatorial solvers with linear objective functions, allowing them to be used as building blocks in deep learning pipelines. This novel approach exploits both the reliability and efficiency of discrete optimization and the flexibility of deep learning, resulting in architectures that can solve tasks beyond the capabilities of conventional neural networks.

    After the lunch break, Rebecca Beiter's presentation on public engagement for the industry resonated as a powerful call for a modern communication paradigm. Engaging with the public entails more than just information dissemination, she emphasized — it requires active and ongoing interaction with all relevant knowledge actors, including politicians, journalists, NGOs, start-ups, and educational institutions. Beiter underlined the evolution of public engagement, defining it as a field, a practice, and above all, an attitude: "It will change the culture in which you work!”.

    Cyber Valley Founding Partner Industry Research 

    In the final round of presentations, representatives from Porsche, Amazon, and Fraunhofer shared insights into industry research. Dr.-Ing Bruno Kistner, Head of Data-Driven Development at Porsche AG, highlighted Porsche's use of AI in customer-centric applications, exemplified by intelligent climate control among its smart products and services. He outlined Porsche's AI-driven optimization of production processes, ensuring quality and support to employees throughout the design and production phases.

    Amazon Applied Principal Scientist, Dr. Betty Mohler-Tesch, demonstrated how Amazon aims to enhance customer experience with innovation, such as virtual avatars and AI-powered personal shoppers. Stressing the importance of inclusivity, she remarked: “Fashion is for everyone – you can’t avoid putting clothes on in the morning”. Her research group aims to improve the generation of realistic three-dimensional human avatars. Their goal is to enable customers to digitally try on clothes and order custom-fit garments, thereby reducing stress and lowering return rates. 

    Fraunhofer IAO researcher Ravi Kanth Kosuru spoke about Fraunhofer’s research in applied neurocognitive systems. Aiming to promote human-machine partnership, the group employs neuro-technology, such as EEG systems, to measure cognitive and emotional states of users. Their work involves refining brain-computer interfaces to enable the interpretation of brain signals, data classification, and automatic error detection.

    In the final presentation, Fraunhofer IPA Researcher Tim Nickel presented model-free 3D bin packing as an innovative solution for the growing need for warehouse automation. Physically demanding yet mentally unstimulating, packaging is prone to error, making it ideal for automation. Nickel presented a robot system capable of densely packing arbitrarily shaped objects with ad hoc planning. Unlike static approaches, this method enables unexpected circumstance, such as rolling or shifting of objects, without collision.

    The evening was rounded off by a lively networking session, which included discussions on open research questions and potential future collaborations.

    For any questions regarding the Cyber Valley Research Fund, please contact: 

  • MATVIS joins the Cyber Valley Start-up Network

    MATVIS joins the Cyber Valley Start-up Network

    MATVIS provides expert guidance to customers seeking to integrate AI into their business to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and enhance transparency. The start-up focuses on providing technology solutions for businesses developing regulatory-compliant AI. The company’s academic background in machine learning, computer science, electrical engineering, and economics means that MATVIS can work on implementing compliance processes such as AI risk management and certification systems in high-risk applications. 

    Established in 2023, MATVIS was driven by a growing demand for future-proof AI solutions that adhere to continuously evolving standards in the field of AI development. In response, MATVIS offers a platform solution to address the potential problems that AI companies may encounter in the future.

    “We all felt that some sort of regulation for AI must be coming at some point but we couldn’t imagine what the future of AI will be like”, says Wolfgang Glatz, MATVIS’s co-founder. “From a present perspective, regulatory-compliant AI will be a chance to establish the trademark of trustworthy AI, made in Europe.”

     

    About Cyber Valley

    Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading research consortium in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern robotics. Cyber Valley has a mission and a public mandate to advocate for entrepreneurship, research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in the field of intelligent systems. The company envisions a future where the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.

    The Cyber Valley Community brings together partners from science, industry, and society, along with AI researchers and entrepreneurs. The Cyber Valley GmbH is funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg and acts as the central organizer, service provider, and host for the community. While the GmbH operates from Stuttgart and Tübingen, Cyber Valley has a larger scope: As a national and European driving force, it attracts the best people from all over the world to create the future with AI.

    About the Cyber Valley Start-up Network   

    Cyber Valley's Start-up Network builds and fosters a community of AI entrepreneurs. Members enjoy exclusive access to a wide-ranging network, connecting them with AI researchers, investors, corporations, and fellow start-ups. Members are required to have a connection to Cyber Valley, either by being located in Baden-Württemberg, or by being members or alumni of Cyber Valley partner institutions. The core of their business model must be centered around intelligent systems. The Start-up Network is growing continuously. More information about the current number of start-ups and the application process: cyber-valley.de/start-up-network. 

    About MATVIS

    MATVIS is the reliable partner for transferring future technologies into efficient and reliable solutions for the present so that companies and organizations can achieve their ecological, economic, and social goals in the best possible way. MATVIS’s know-how empowers their partners with the implementation of regulatory-compliant AI. We advise on potentials with Al-based optimization of processes and create sustained compliance concepts that increase efficiency, enhance transparency, and enable the achievement of sustainability goals.

  • Voiceagenten grows the digital voice assistant market 

    Voiceagenten grows the digital voice assistant market 

    As a service provider, Voiceagenten was founded to demonstrate the capabilities and potential of digital voice assistants. The company creates digital interaction opportunities for various industries with the help of Amazon Alexa. Voiceagenten’s tools combine their voice technology expertise with the latest developments in artificial intelligence (AI). 

    The emergence of large language models (LLMs) represents a game-changer in the voice technology field. Voiceagenten recognizes the potential of these models in enhancing the efficacy and precision of voice assistants. Rooted in sophisticated AI algorithms, LLMs empower digital assistants to comprehend and respond with an almost human-like understanding, bridging the gap between machine and natural conversation. The start-up integrates LLMs to elevate the user experience, ensuring seamless interactions and more intuitive responses. It's not just about voice commands anymore; it's about engaging in meaningful dialogues with technology.

    Image: Voiceagenten

    Voiceagenten ensures that each project and application is flexible and tailored to the requirements of the client. They have already offered several services to their customers, including a time tracking service where employees can record their working time and create a time stamp with a simple voice command. For another client, they developed a high-quality forest bathing experience at home by generating an audio experience with forest meditating sounds to ensure complete tranquility.  

    The company also offers a professional audio transcription service that can transcribe text in 57 languages. This can be used for creating and publishing podcasts, interviews, videos, and more. The advancement of digital voice assistant capabilities through artificial intelligence offers distinct advantages that can be customized to suit individual requirements.

    CEO of Voiceagenten, Paulos Mesghina, additionally remarks, "At Voiceagenten, we're revolutionizing digital interactions through AI-driven voice solutions. Every command shapes a more conversational future."  

     

    About Cyber Valley  

    Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading research consortium in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern robotics. It has a mission and a public mandate to advocate for entrepreneurship, research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in the field of intelligent systems. The company envisions a future where the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.  

    The Cyber Valley Community brings together partners from science, industry, and society, along with AI researchers and entrepreneurs. The Cyber Valley GmbH is funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg and acts as the central organizer, service provider, and host for the community. While the GmbH operates from Stuttgart and Tübingen, Cyber Valley has a larger scope: As a national and European driving force, it attracts the best people from all over the world to create the future with AI. 

    About the Cyber Valley Start-up Network   

    With the Cyber Valley Start-up Network, Cyber Valley is building and fostering a community of AI entrepreneurs. Members enjoy exclusive access to a wide-ranging network, connecting them with AI researchers, investors, corporations, and fellow start-ups. Members are required to have a connection to Cyber Valley, either by being located in Baden-Württemberg, or by being members or alumni of Cyber Valley partner institutions. The core of their business model must be centered around intelligent systems. The Start-up Network is growing continuously. More information about the current number of start-ups and the application process: cyber-valley.de/start-up-network. 

    About Voiceagenten 

    Voiceagenten is at the forefront of voice technology. As experts in Large Language Models and Prompt Engineering, we offer AI-driven speech solutions that will propel your business into the future.