Artificial intelligence is the essential future and key technology and enables us to solve the challenges of the next decades. Only if the German economy creates a leading position in value creation in the field of AI can it maintain its competitiveness and actively shape sustainable and ethical values. By working together in the ecosystem, this transformation succeeds – by pooling resources.
Ipai aims to be that platform. On-site and virtually, we are advancing value creation in the field of artificial intelligence. By connecting application and transformation partners and creating common use cases. We are building the place where ideas can be rethought, tried and relearned in an inspiring environment. With the goal of developing new business ideas and business models through AI solutions.
The focal points of activity in Ipai unfold along the thematic clusters, which reflect the economic and scientific competencies of Baden-Württemberg in general and the Heilbronn-Franken region in particular, but at the same time offer a high degree of connectivity and openness to other thematic and innovation fields. Along the clusters, research, AI development and entrepreneurial use cases are brought together. The clusters are:
At the same time, we want to give all interested parties the opportunity to approach the topic of artificial intelligence and enable a discussion for everyone through various offers.
Back in 2018, the first idea for an AI Baden-Württemberg Innovation Park was born in the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labor and Tourism. A place where research, experimentation and information can take place on the topic of artificial intelligence.
A feasibility study by the Ministry of Economic Affairs involving stakeholders and the public then formed the basis for the competition to select a site for the AI Baden-Württemberg Innovation Park of the state of Baden-Württemberg. As a result of the site selection competition, the Council of Ministers approved the decision on July 27, 2021, to realize the KI Baden-Württemberg Innovation Park in Heilbronn with funding from the state.
As early as 2022, we will be able to lay the foundation for the establishment of a leading European innovation ecosystem consisting of business, science and intermediary players. The city of Heilbronn and the Stadtsiedlung Heilbronn are providing localities in the Wohlgelegen area. On this Ipai Campus, our community can grow and take advantage of the first offerings.
We’re stepping on the gas so that our Ipai Campus at Zukunftspark Wohlgelegen can grow from 2024. Through an expansion, we will create the opportunities for applied research and development, reallabs, data center and other spaces so that our community can continue to grow together.
On a total area of up to 23 hectares, the spatial, conceptual and IT infrastructures will be built on the Steinäcker in the final construct of the Ipai. At the same time, the Ipai will provide attractive non-profit offers to bring together the areas of living, learning, culture and working.
As an internationally visible center of innovation and value creation, the AI Innovation Park is intended to make an important contribution to ensuring that Baden-Württemberg plays a leading role worldwide in exploiting the enormous economic potential of ethically responsible AI. At the same time, it is intended to set standards for climate protection and sustainability as a major AI flagship project.
