Strengthening the AI Ecosystem in Berlin
At the invitation of the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, key players from business, academia, and digitalization gathered for a cross-departmental AI roundtable. The meeting took place under the theme "Strengthening the AI Ecosystem." The aim of the roundtable is to support research institutions, startups, and companies active in the field of artificial intelligence in Berlin and to improve networking among them.
In addition to the Governing Mayor, participants included the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the BIFOLD Directors, Prof. Dr. Volker Markl and Prof. Dr. Klaus-Robert Müller, the Chief Executive Officer Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Prof. Dr. Heyo K. Kroemer, BIFOLD Managing Director Dr. Jack Thoms, the Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneurship Center (K.I.E.Z.), Berlin Partner for Business and Technology GmbH, Merantix AG, and GovTech Campus Deutschland e.V. The meeting was also attended by Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economics, Energy and Businesses; Dr. Ina Czyborra, Senator for Science, Health and Care; and CDO Martina Klement, whose departments are significantly responsible for shaping the framework conditions.
The roundtable focused on how Berlin, as a dynamic hub for artificial intelligence (AI), can be further strengthened in international competition. "AI research in Berlin can hold its own against other international research hotspots like MIT, Stanford, and Berkeley. We are highly competitive here", said Klaus-Robert Müller. "BIFOLD is well-positioned to advance AI research and innovation. By combining big data management and machine learning, we can develop AI systems that set new standards in terms of quality, efficiency, and explainability", added Volker Markl. The participants jointly emphasized the immense importance of AI for the future economic, technological, and social development of the city and the entire region. The significance of AI for BIFOLD’s institutional partner, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, was particularly emphasized by Heyo Kroemer: "The future of Charité is unthinkable without AI. AI not only elevates diagnosis, therapy, and prevention to a new level but also revolutionizes overall hospital management and alleviates the workload of our professionals at all levels."
All participants stressed that developing a strong AI ecosystem is crucial for future-proofing Berlin and attracting innovative companies. Academia and research play a particularly important role here as a driving force for technological development, in contextualizing the underlying aspects and societal impacts, and as a magnet for young talent and professionals from around the world.
Read the full press release from the Berlin Senatskanzlei here. (in German)