KonKIS 24 was a complete success

On 18 and 19 September, KISSKI hosted the first conference of the German AI service centres in Göttingen. The event was aimed at researchers and interested parties from science and industry, especially from small and medium-sized enterprises with an interest in and need for computing power and AI expertise. Over 200 participants took the opportunity to learn about and discuss current topics in the field of AI. The focus was on AI in sensitive and critical infrastructures, particularly in the energy and healthcare sectors.

The two-day event took place in the historic premises of the Alte Mensa in Göttingen’s city centre. Over 200 participants were able to gain an insight into the topics of ‘AI and society’, ‘AI and energy’ and ‘AI and medicine’ during keynote speeches. Three panel discussions presented the perspectives of representatives from politics, business and science. Scientific sessions, hands-on workshops and guided tours of the Göttingen Computer Centre were very popular.

Find more impressions of the KonKIS in the gallery

On the afternoon of the second day, the focus was on a networking event that invited participants to exchange ideas with AI service centres, multipliers and start-ups. After a panel on the topic of ‘AI made in Germany - How do AI service centres accelerate the transfer of AI applications to companies?’, participants were able to network with organisations and companies in the field of AI. The various AI service centres were also on hand to provide information about their research, educational offerings and available resources.

Prof Dr Julian Kunkel, coordinator of KISSKI, is satisfied with the event: ‘The KonKIS was a complete success. The sense of community and willingness to cooperate within the AI service centres and the KonKIS was omnipresent and shows that joint efforts lead to innovative solutions. It is also necessary to be proactive, because the future of AI is coming at us like a raging river. Only if we work together we can shape the course of the river and create a future that we can all support and help to shape.’ Dr Tina Klüwer from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF): ‘The BMBF’s funding of the service centres is an important addition to the German AI ecosystem. The centres ensure access to computing infrastructure and AI expertise and facilitate the transfer of AI through low-threshold services. At the same time, the service centres are intended to firmly establish ‘AI Made in Germany’ and create a brand with international appeal. An important key is the joint exchange with users. KonKIS offers a wonderful platform for this.’

The conference has laid an important foundation on which KISSKI, together with the other AI service centres hessian.AI, WestAI and Berlin Brandenburg, can shape the future of German AI service centres.

A big thank you goes to the speakers and panelists, the exhibitors and all participants who made KonKIS 24 an inspiring event.

A survey among the participants after the conference resulted in consistently positive feedback.

Find Impressions of the KonKIS in the picture gallery.

You are looking for more information on the programme and individual contributions? Visit the conference site.