The Rocketeer Festival in Augsburg once again highlights Bavaria’s growing importance as a hub for artificial intelligence and digital future technologies. With more than 1,700 participants in the previous year and as the highlight of the Future Week, the event brings together key players from research, startups, and industry.

AI between research and application

A central focus is how AI can be translated more rapidly into real-world applications. Bavaria is increasingly prioritizing the transfer of research into the SME sector and positioning itself as a dynamic AI and innovation hub in the European landscape. Rising investments in AI startups and a strong research base are key drivers of this development.

Digital Award

As part of the festival, the Bavarian Digital Award B.DiGiTAL 2026 was presented. The award recognizes individuals advancing the transfer of digital innovations—particularly in the AI domain—into small and medium-sized enterprises. A key initiative in this context is “MittelstandMacher,” which fosters collaboration between the innovation hubs of Munich and Augsburg and improves access to technologies such as AI for businesses.

Honorary award for a key AI infrastructure pioneer

The Honorary Award of the Bavarian Minister-President was presented to Prof. Dr. Dieter Kranzlmüller, Director of the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ). With SuperMUC-NG, the LRZ operates one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputing infrastructures—providing a critical foundation for data-intensive AI applications.

At the same time, the center is advancing future technologies such as the integration of quantum computing into high-performance computing systems and continues to expand its global leadership with new infrastructure developments. This positions Bavaria at the forefront of enabling technologies for AI worldwide.

Augsburg as an emerging AI hotspot

Alongside Munich, Augsburg is increasingly establishing itself as a key node for digital innovation. Formats like the Rocketeer Festival strengthen networking, knowledge transfer, and visibility—crucial factors for a thriving AI ecosystem.