A new joint center for applied artificial intelligence (AI) has been founded by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the University of Stuttgart, and the University of Tübingen to train talented young AI researchers and speed the transfer of research results to industry. Along with representatives of Baden-Württemberg’s government, they signed the agreement establishing “connAIx – Research School for Applied AI.” The center will be built in Heilbronn to promote the practical application of AI in fields such as robotics, chip design, and cybersecurity.
“We need highly trained experts in the technologies of tomorrow such as AI, robotics, chip design and cybersecurity,” said Winfried Kretschmann, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, noting that connAIx would connect cutting-edge research with practical applications. “It combines our excellent AI research with the engineering sciences and trains AI experts for academia and industry. And Baden Württemberg will benefit as a land of creators and thinkers and as one of Europe’s leading AI locations.”
Baden Württemberg to Fund connAIx with About EUR 30 Million Annually from 2029
Once the facility is completed in 2029, the state of Baden Württemberg will fund it with up to EUR 30 million per year. The plans call for ten professorships (four of which will be established by KIT), 60 international PhD students, and 20 post-doctoral researchers, all of whom will work together on applied artificial intelligence. The programs are intended for young researchers interested in developing AI for production, mobility, energy, or health applications. connAIx will offer networked PhD programs, access to modern infrastructure, and close cooperation with established businesses and startups.
“To hold our own against tough international competition and to react flexibly to the needs of industry, we need quick results in AI,” said Petra Olschowski, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Science, Research, and the Arts. Olschowski said the three state universities’ close cooperation with businesses and startups sends a strong message as the center will provide the best possible training for top AI talent with tailored career paths.
KIT will play a leading role in equipping the center and shaping its research and educational frameworks. “The three universities are contributing their expertise in various fields of research and systematically linking that expertise with applied AI. It’s crucial to support young scientists while also ensuring that research results get transferred to industry more quickly,” said Professor Oliver Kraft, Vice President Academic Affairs at KIT. By doing so, connAIx would play a key role in strengthening the region as an economic hub and bolstering Europe’s technological sovereignty, according to Kraft.
More information (in German)
In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 22,800 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT – Science for Impact.