Following its successful debut in 2024 with highlights such as diverse presentations, AI-supported industrial applications, and an ideas market at the Fraunhofer-inHaus-Zentrum, visitors can look forward to a varied program in 2025.

The keynotes and expert presentations will address the current challenges and opportunities for AI start-ups: Dr. Xenia Grote (WestAI) will talk about what young companies really need to successfully establish themselves in the market. Duisburg-based founder and start-up mentor Marco Peters will report on how AI empowers and supports founders today. Monika Löber (KI.NRW) will show how North Rhine-Westphalia is building a strong AI ecosystem. In addition, Dr. Manuel Bickel (Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, and Energy gGmbH) will highlight the contribution of AI to resource efficiency in companies.

In addition to exciting presentations, the festival offers networking formats such as speed dating, an exhibition of regional start-ups, and panel discussions with the speakers. The aim is to provide founders, companies, and interested parties with a platform to network, exchange ideas, and develop joint projects.

»With artificial intelligence, start-ups today can not only build innovative business models, but also make real contributions to a more sustainable economy. This is exactly the bridge we want to build with the festival,« says Wolfgang Gröting, head of the Fraunhofer-inHaus Center.

The festival is aimed at start-ups, founders, students, companies, and anyone interested in AI who would like to gain new inspiration for their work.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Location: Fraunhofer-inHaus Center, Duisburg

Further information and registration details are available here.