ERFURT
It's currently on everyone's lips, and many attributes are ascribed to it: "panacea," growth driver, future technology, black box, radical transformer of the working world – all this and more is thrown around when artificial intelligence (AI) is discussed. How can entrepreneurs and researchers in Thuringia best utilize AI, what networking opportunities exist to leverage its potential, and how future-proof are new applications in this field? – These are some of the questions addressed by the 7th Thuringian AI Forum, which will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the COMCENTER Brühl (Erfurt). The event is organized by LEG Thüringen and the Thuringian Center for Learning Systems and Robotics (TZLR).
“AI is a cross-cutting technology that will increasingly influence the nature and success of our economy in the coming years,” says Minister of Economic Affairs Colette Boos-John, who will open the event with a welcoming address. Thuringia recognized this development early on and therefore anchored the topic in its innovation strategy; moreover, the state offers its companies extensive support for the introduction and use of AI technologies through funding programs as well as research and consulting institutions. “Furthermore, it is also important to maintain a regular exchange about the advantages and disadvantages of such a technology. The AI Forum is an excellent platform for this.”
The AI Forum offers a wide range of benefits to all participants, whether as a decision-making tool for management, as inspiration for employees, or as a catalyst for new business models. With practical workshops, informative presentations, and an exhibition of innovative companies, it makes AI tangible. "As LEG, we support our Thuringian companies and research institutions in achieving leading positions in their market segments," says LEG Managing Director Andreas Krey. "The path to success leads only through greater innovation, the effective use of new technologies such as AI, and close networking among all stakeholders – our AI Forum makes a significant contribution to ensuring this."
A key focus of the event is five workshops where all participants will work hands-on on solutions using AI tools. Topics range from the use of chatbots in everyday work and AI applications in skilled trades to applications in automated production processes in industry. Best-practice presentations are also closely linked to the practical work of companies and research institutions; these address topics such as AI as an innovation driver for smart inspection solutions in the electronics industry, AI support in surgery, and the improvement of weather forecasts. Further inspiration is provided by the accompanying demonstrator exhibition, which brings various aspects of AI and robotics to life: The range includes robots for communication and assistance tasks, logistics applications, and healthcare rehabilitation, as well as the PMOVER self-driving bus, techniques for supporting surgical procedures, AI systems for assessing biodiversity and machine conditions, and AI software for sign language recognition.
“This year’s AI Forum, with its workshops and demonstrators, has become even more interactive and practical, allowing more time for discussions and inspiring exchanges of experience,” says Prof. Horst-Michael Groß from TZLR. “Furthermore, this time we also want to put the spotlight on the next generation, the AI and robotics experts of the future.”
Following the official welcoming remarks by Minister Colette Boos-John and LEG Managing Director Andreas Krey this morning, Professor Groß will open the AI Forum by moderating the award ceremony for the "Best Bachelor's Thesis in AI and Robotics" competition, which recognizes students from Thuringian universities. He will also present special prizes to students from selected Thuringian "Jugend forscht" (Young Researchers) regional competitions. The AI Forum will conclude with a keynote address by Martin Talmeier, an expert in digital transformation for businesses. The lead coach of the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Berlin advises companies on the use of AI and advocates for its intensive application, but not without remembering humanity's most important tools: our own thinking and human creativity. Accordingly, the title of his keynote address is: "Why We Need Our Own Brains More Than Ever Before in the Age of AI.".
Information about the event can be found at:
https://www.cluster-thueringen.de/aktuelles/veranstaltungen/innolog-7-thueringer-ki-forum
