Artificial intelligence in Aachen
Artificial intelligence (AI) still sounds like science fiction to many - but it has long been part of our everyday lives: when your smartphone automatically recognizes faces in photos, your streaming service suggests the next series with pinpoint accuracy or supply chains run more smoothly thanks to data analysis, this is AI in action. It's not about machines that replace us, but about technologies that think for themselves, recognize patterns and help us make faster and better decisions. For our business and innovation location, this means that AI is the key to developing future-proof solutions, opening up new markets and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of companies and research. AI is not a distant vision - it is the engine for the next stage of our progress.
The European business location has long since set out to make its own technological sovereignty a reality. Aachen can be a pioneer here. Local scientific institutions, research-related companies and innovative start-ups are pioneering the development of new AI solutions. They create innovative approaches that have an impact far beyond the region and create new business areas and high-quality jobs. Close networking between science, start-ups and established companies is essential in order to exploit synergies and accelerate the transfer of AI innovations into practice.
The Economic Development Agency is working closely with Aachen's AI experts to strengthen and develop the innovation location.
The NeuroSys Future Cluster
Aachen as the world's leading location for high-performance microchips modeled on the human brain, which can be used to make artificial intelligence applications or autonomous driving many times more energy-efficient and powerful? The NeuroSys Future Cluster is researching and working towards this goal as part of the Clusters4Future initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
One particularly noteworthy aspect is that the cluster combines cutting-edge research from physics, materials science, neuroscience, engineering and computer science with economists. Ethics and sociology experts ensure that technological advances are integrated in a socially responsible way.
RWTH Aachen University works closely with Forschungszentrum Jülich and AMO GmbH. Companies and institutions from the greater Aachen area facilitate the direct transfer of science to industry.
As part of the advisory board, the Economic Development Agency of the City of Aachen is supporting the pioneering process for the development of highly innovative AI hardware "Made in Europe - Made in Aachen".
Digital Hardware Hub Aachen
For the energy transition to succeed, autonomous mobility to become a reality and the digital transformation to progress, highly innovative solutions in the field of micro and nanotechnology need to be developed. With the establishment of the Digital Hardware Hub Aachen by AMO GmbH, a research institute based in Aachen, a suitable infrastructure is being created in which such innovative hardware solutions can be created for future-proof applications in areas such as artificial intelligence or quantum technology. In this hub, experts in the field of hardware technology have the opportunity to exchange ideas, hold discussions and work together on research projects to develop the technological solutions of tomorrow. The aim is to ensure the transfer of knowledge to companies and promote the creation of highly innovative start-ups.
Jupiter AI Factory
A central pillar of the European AI infrastructure is being created with the Jupiter AI Factory in Jülich. In cooperation with the Center for Artificial Intelligence at RWTH Aachen University, Fraunhofer Institutes and the Hessian Center for Artificial Intelligence, access to Europe's first exascale-class supercomputer is being created. As one of the world's most powerful supercomputers for AI, Jupiter can be used for the computationally intensive training of next-generation AI models. In particular, start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises can be supported in the development, testing and scaling of powerful, secure and data protection-compliant AI applications. The Jupiter AI Factory offers user training, personal consultations and data curation services, thus making a valuable contribution to strengthening Aachen's AI industry and AI research.
AI focus group in the digitalHUB
If you are looking for a community that passionately discusses possible application scenarios, innovative AI solutions and the limits of AI, we recommend the digitalHUB Aachen 's AI focus group. This group brings together people interested in AI, AI enthusiasts and AI experts from Aachen. At regular meetings, joint projects are launched, experiences and insights are shared and networks are established.
EDIH Rhineland
Entrepreneurs are usually aware of the potential offered by the integration of artificial intelligence in their company. However, the hurdles for the use of AI are sometimes high: a shortage of skilled workers, a lack of expertise and legal hurdles make the use of AI difficult. The European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Rhineland addresses precisely these challenges and supports companies in the region with their digital transformation. This is also done with a special focus on the integration of artificial intelligence. By providing access to state-of-the-art technologies, training and a network of proven specialists, the EDIH promotes the competitiveness and innovative strength of the location.
As a project partner of EDIH Rheinland, the Aachen Economic Development Agency will be happy to advise you on company-specific questions relating to artificial intelligence or the digitalization of your company - free of charge.
Smart City
On its way to becoming a smart city, Aachen is using intelligent and digital solutions to make life easier, safer and more sustainable for its citizens. The focus here is on the intelligent networking of infrastructure, services and data. The aim is to improve the local quality of life, use resources more efficiently and make the city fit for the future.
We take on a central role as a mediator, networker, promoter of impulses and actors as well as in the planning and implementation of smart solutions for Aachen. Together with universities, committed students, companies, start-ups and the city administration, we develop and pilot smart ideas for our Aachen of the future.
Smart City ideas competition
The Smart City ideas competition promotes the development of innovative solutions for challenges in Aachen in order to support the city on its way to becoming a smart city and climate neutrality. The aim is also to strengthen Aachen's position as a science and business location and to create sustainable added value. Individuals, initiatives, start-ups or companies with digital or sustainable ideas can take part.
An idea phase and a work phase are followed by the grand finale, in which the best projects are awarded prize money by a jury. Furthermore, the winners are supported by mentors, cooperation partners and the city of Aachen in the implementation of their project ideas.
Smart City Hackerthon
The Smart City Hackathon offers a unique platform where technological innovations are combined with economic, ecological and social sustainability. Developers, designers, visionaries and creative minds work together in interdisciplinary teams to develop AI-based solutions for the "Sustainable and Smart City Aachen of the Future". During the event, participants will receive continuous support through workshops, coaching and valuable tips. In just two and a half days, prototypes will be created on forward-looking topics such as climate-neutral districts, digital education and the revitalization of city centers. The hackathon offers an excellent opportunity to actively shape Aachen's future and make valuable contacts. The best projects are awarded prize money by a jury and receive support from the network and the city of Aachen during implementation.
Smart City focus group in the digitalHUB
The Smart City focus group is an interdisciplinary network of experts working on the sustainable, digital and future-proof development of Aachen. Experts from areas such as the digital economy, architecture, mobility, the environment and social innovation are developing concepts to make Aachen more liveable, inclusive and resource-efficient. The focus is on topics such as promoting innovation, urban mobility and citizen engagement. The group examines how cities can meet the needs of their society while remaining sustainable - taking a holistic view of social, ecological and economic aspects. The Smart City focus group thus offers a space for the exchange of ideas and best practices and attempts to jointly implement solutions for a smarter Aachen.
Further information can be found on the Smart City Management website at smart.aachen.digital.