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What role does Europe play in the global AI economy? How does AI change our lives and learning? And what opportunities do science and politics have to harness the potential of AI for a sustainable future? On September 10 and 11, the 2nd Bavarian AI Conference was held. Under the label BAIOSPHERE x DLD Future Hub, international experts gathered at the Amerikahaus in Munich with the aim of discussing pressing future questions related to AI, education, ethics, and European competitiveness.
Dr. Markus Söder, Bavarian Minister President, opened the event.
"Bayern and AI are a perfect match! Today at the 2nd Bavarian AI Conference by DLD and BAIOSPHERE at the Amerikahaus in Munich. Digitalization brings endless opportunities and possibilities. The conference serves as a workshop for the future with new ideas and great inspiration. Bavaria has always been visionary. We have the explorer gene and are fully committed to innovation and research. With our high-tech agenda, we are investing around six billion euros in future technologies. AI is still in its early stages and will be a revolutionary step for humanity that will change everything. As a Free State, we want to be at the forefront: that's why we need a Bavarian KIGigafactory - an ideal connection to our core competencies in mechanical engineering, automotive, life sciences, and aerospace. This way, the colors of the future will continue to be white and blue! But Europe must not be timid and bureaucratic again. It needs a Freedom Act for AI - for more freedom in research."
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The conference brought together high-profile experts from technology, science, business, politics, and culture. In panels, presentations, and interactive formats, it became clear that innovations must have a societal impact. Both technical feasibility and social relevance were equally in focus.
Impulses for a shaping future
Impulses from politics, economy, and research included:
Eva Maydell (EU Parliament) and Douglas Rushkoff (Author) addressed Europe's international competitive situation and societal resilience in the digital age.
Fabian Theis (Helmholtz Munich), Chairman of the Bavarian AI Council, provided key impulses for AI in medicine and computer-aided research.
Björn Ommer (LMU) highlighted the transformative power of AI, especially for imaging and science.
Hermann Hauser (Amadeus Capital), Ann-Kristin Achleitner (TUM), and Alexander Glätzle (planqc) discussed the role of Europe in the AI market and the future viability of Deep Tech from Bavaria.
Ronit Levavi-Morad (Google Research), Alexander Pretschner (TUM/OneTutor), Erin Mote (InnovateEdu), and Alex Kotran (AiEdu) presented the changes brought by generative AI in the educational landscape.
Michael Förtsch (Q.ANT), together with representatives from Infineon and IBM Research, presented new approaches to data processing based on light.
Political Unity: "The Bavarian Approach"
Another central focus of the conference was the presentation of the Bavarian "Blue Swan" initiative for applying for an EU Gigafactory. This strategic European infrastructure measure for trustworthy AI is intended to create the necessary high-performance computing capacity for the development and operation of large AI models. In doing so, it underscores Europe's claim to technological sovereignty and to the leading position in the global innovation landscape.
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In the high-profile panel "Shaping the Future of AI: The Bavarian Approach"Moderated by Ann-Kristin Achleitner (TUM), four Bavarian state ministers - Minister of Science Markus Blume, Minister of Economy Hubert Aiwanger, Minister of Health Judith Gerlach, and Minister of Digital Affairs Dr. Fabian Mehring - discussed the future of Artificial Intelligence and the political framework for its responsible development and use.
Bavaria's Minister of Science Markus Blume:
"The DLD spirit is in the air again! AI thought leaders from around the world are coming together in Munich and Bavaria for the DLD and BAIOSPHERE Days. The fact is: Artificial Intelligence has come to stay. It is THE key technology of the future. In Bavaria, we have been involved from the beginning: Thanks to Markus Söder's Hightech Agenda Bayern, we have the talent, create the infrastructure, and: We shape AI! Our mission: to develop our own foundation model and AI based on our values. With over 130 AI professorships from the HTA, we have made the ground fertile throughout the country, in breadth and depth. Bavaria is the place to be for AI!"
State Minister Judith Gerlach (Health, Care, and Prevention) emphasized:
"AI is the engine for the medicine of tomorrow. Especially in the use of AI in diagnostics, personalized medicine, or in relieving medical and nursing staff, we can benefit enormously. We are currently supporting three AI projects in the field of women's health with a total of around nine million euros over the next three years. My goal is to make Bavaria a true 'start-up state' in the healthcare sector and a pioneer in Europe."
State Minister Dr. Fabian Mehring (Digital) added:
"Artificial intelligence is the key technology of the 21st century - and Bavaria is already the digital powerhouse of Europe today. With our program KI-Transfer Plus, we are leading medium-sized businesses directly into the AI age, while the KI Innovation Accelerator ensures that ideas can grow faster than new regulations. And we are also setting standards in administration: With AI, we are already developing in Bavaria the modern service state of tomorrow."
The fact that four ministries are jointly and collaboratively addressing future issues across departmental boundaries highlights the interdisciplinary approach and the importance of the topic for Bavaria.
A catalyst for innovation and networking
The BAIOSPHERE x DLD Future Hub is the central platform that specifically focuses on the societal impacts of the most important technology of our time - Artificial Intelligence. The event promotes an interdisciplinary dialogue at eye level, aiming to empower people to critically question technological developments and make informed decisions. The close partnership between BAIOSPHERE and DLD impressively demonstrates how the connection of science, business, and politics unleashes fruitful impulses and creates synergies. Bavaria positions itself as an internationally visible hub and driver of this dynamic movement.
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