Why Nuremberg?

The Nuremberg metropolitan region is developing dynamically alongside the Munich metropolitan region into an emerging hub for Artificial Intelligence - with a strong focus on application-oriented research, industrial implementation, and social responsibility. The close networking of science, economy, and public funding makes Nuremberg a significant hotspot in the German AI landscape. 

Strengths of the AI location: 

  • Practice-oriented cutting-edge research at excellent universities such as Germany's first AI university at the Technical University of Nuremberg (UTN), FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg, University of Bayreuth, and TH Nuremberg. 

  • Significant non-university research institutions (e.g. Fraunhofer IIS, Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg) 

  • Strong industrial base with world-leading companies and dynamic start-ups. 

  • Good quality of life, central location in Bavaria, and high level of internationality. 

Nuremberg combines medieval heritage with technological innovation power - an ideal environment for responsible AI development in the heart of Europe. 

Ein dunkelblauer Farbverlauf

Research & Science - Excellence meets Application

In the Nuremberg region, AI innovations with a direct practical relevance are emerging. The UTN, as a modern Technical University, is driving research, teaching, and innovation at the intersection of digitalization, sustainability, and application. In addition, the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) is one of the most research-intensive universities in Germany, particularly in the fields of computer science, medicine, and engineering. The Nuremberg Institute of Technology Georg Simon Ohm, Coburg University, and Ansbach University complement this with a strong practical focus at their own AI centers (KIZ, CRAI, AN[ki]T). The University of Bamberg also makes important contributions in the field of Artificial Intelligence, especially in the integration of AI with humanities, social sciences, and economics. On the other hand, the University of Bayreuth strengthens the regional AI ecosystem through interdisciplinary research on AI ethics, data science, and sustainable technologies.

To the metropolitan region of Munich

Economy & Business - AI in industrial applications

The Nuremberg metropolitan region is traditionally strong in manufacturing and industrial innovation - ideal conditions for the implementation of AI in the real economy. 

Here is a selection of companies based in the region: 

  • Global players such as Siemens, Bosch, Adidas, DATEV, and Diehl. 

  • Medium-sized hidden champions in areas such as automation, medical technology, and sensor technology. 

  • Innovative start-ups like VITAS.ai, Avoltra, or de Jonge GmbH. 

Nuremberg is a central location for AI "Made in Germany" - practical, scalable, and integrated into industrial processes. 

Numbers, Data, Facts - Nuremberg's AI Potential 

The region scores with clear strengths and growing dynamics in the field of AI: 

  • About 300 Companies in the metropolitan region with AI relevance 

  • Run Seventy AI-related start-ups and founding projects 

  • 500+ AI researchers at universities and institutes 

  • Several hundred million euros Public investments in AI, digitalization, and high-tech within the framework of the High-Tech Agenda. 

  • Strong research funding through the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the German Research Foundation, and EU programs. 

These facts prove: Nuremberg is on its way to assume a key role in the future of German AI - competent, cooperative, and economically relevant. 

Sources: startupdetector report 2024/25 - startupdetector, Press Material, Über BayStartUP, Nürnberg: Hotspot für Künstliche Intelligenz - Wirtschaftsblog Nürnberg, Forschung zu Künstlicher Intelligenz | FAU

Lebkuchenherz mit vernetztem Gehirn

Collaboration & Networks - AI needs community

The region actively promotes dialogue between research, business, and society. Platforms such as the AI Hub Nuremberg or the Medical Valley in Erlangen enable targeted technology transfer and foster innovation across industry boundaries. 

Exemplary events and networks: 

  • First German Robotics Conference in Nuremberg at the beginning of 2025. 

  • ZOLLHOF - Tech Incubator as a central platform for start-ups, research, and companies 

  • Network "AI-Transfer Plus" for medium-sized businesses 

Nuremberg creates spaces where marketable solutions emerge from research - interdisciplinary, agile, and sustainable. 

Ein dunkelblauer Farbverlauf

Vision & Future - Nuremberg shapes responsible AI

Die Metropolregion Nürnberg verfolgt eine klare Vision: Ein menschenzentriertes, wirtschaftsnahes KI-Ökosystem aufzubauen, das technologische Exzellenz mit gesellschaftlichem Mehrwert verbindet. Zukunftsinitiativen: AI HUB Nürnberg (NIK e.V.) – Zentrale Plattform für KI-Transfer, Vernetzung und praxisorientierte Innovation. Hier werden Unternehmen, Forschungseinrichtungen und Startups zusammengebracht, um konkrete KI-Anwendungen in Wirtschaft und Verwaltung voranzutreiben Smart-City-Initiativen in Nürnberg und Erlangen für nachhaltige urbane Digitalisierung Bildungsoffensive in KI-Kompetenz – von der Schule bis zur beruflichen Weiterbildung Forschung & Transfer – Mit dem ADA Lovelace Center (Fraunhofer IIS), dem Technologietransferzentrum Oberfranken – Digitale Intelligenz und Initiativen wie KI-Power an der TH Nürnberg entstehen starke Brücken zwischen Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft Startup- und Innovationsförderung – Über den ZOLLHOF Tech Incubator und den NKubator werden Gründungen im Bereich Digitalisierung, Energie und KI aktiv unterstützt – von der Idee bis zur Marktreife. Nürnberg steht für eine zukunftsfähige KI, die Verantwortung übernimmt – lokal verwurzelt, international vernetzt.

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