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AI Roadshow Brandenburg
The "Brandenburger KI-Landpartie" (AI roadshow) is a new series of events initiated by the Cluster ICT Media and Creative Industries of the Wirtschaftsförderung Brandenburg (WFBB), the economic development agency of the federal state. Organized together with Net4AI at the TH Wildau and the TMB (regional tourism board), the Brandenburg ‘AI Landpartie’ aims to become an integral part of Brandenburg's rural AI ecosystem.
Challenges and potential
While AI applications are already widespread in urban areas, their use in rural areas is still in its infancy. But this is where the potential is huge: using AI can make more efficient use of resources, fill skills gaps, and improve healthcare. However, the hurdles are significant: a lack of digital infrastructure, a shortage of IT specialists, time-consuming training processes, and low awareness of AI's potential.
The road show format was chosen to overcome these hurdles. The aim is to demonstrate the economic benefits of AI applications and to allay the fears of small businesses in adopting new technologies. Hands-on demonstrations and direct interaction with experts will lower the barriers to entry.
The 2023 pilot: A look back
The successful pilot in 2023 marked the beginning of a promising future. Further application areas such as energy supply, healthcare, and transportation and mobility solutions offer immense potential. AI algorithms can support diagnostics, improve telemedicine, and make transportation more efficient. Continuous updates and new use cases are set to expand the applications of AI in Brandenburg.
On May 13, at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Zeuthen, a demonstration was held showcasing how artificial intelligence can sustainably operate the newly introduced autonomous ferry using renewable energy. Additionally, on May 17, the PCK Raffinerie GmbH presented a case study on how AI can assist in the digitalization of industrial processes and the predictive maintenance of pump systems.
Application examples
Forest management: Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) has developed an AI application that records storm damage and assists in the removal of damaged timber. This optimizes the use of scarce resources and supports reforestation.
Agriculture: Drones and AI-based image analysis improve irrigation, fertilizer use, and crop yields. This allows farmers to make more accurate decisions and use resources more efficiently.
Education and lifelong learning: At Kreativwerk R6 in an old high school, visitors can experience AI in virtual learning arenas, control cleaning robots and experiment with the latest 3D printing technology. Online learning platforms and personalized learning programs also expand educational opportunities and support individual learning needs.
Intelligent art and design: The Vulkanfiberfabrik showed how AI and robotics in 3D printing can meet individual needs economically and locally. An art and design project demonstrated the economic benefits of such applications.
Tourism: In Königs Wusterhausen, the AI Landpartie showed how AI is changing the tourism industry. Application examples in text, image and video work were vividly presented.
Business: Digitalwerk Werder demonstrated how companies can integrate AI into their business models to improve the customer experience despite physical distance.
Future perspectives
The successful pilot in 2023 was just the beginning. Further application areas such as energy supply, healthcare, and transportation and mobility solutions offer enormous potential. AI algorithms can support diagnostics, improve telemedicine, and make transportation more efficient. Continuous updates and new use cases are set to expand the applications of AI in Brandenburg.
Recently, on May 13, at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Zeuthen, it was demonstrated how artificial intelligence can sustainably operate the newly introduced autonomous ferry using renewable energy. Additionally, on May 17, the PCK Raffinerie GmbH showcased how AI can assist in the digitalization of industrial processes and the predictive maintenance of pump systems.
The ICT sector in the Berlin Brandenburg airport region
The Airport Region Berlin Brandenburg has established itself as an important center for information and communication technology (ICT). The region benefits from a first-class infrastructure, numerous research and educational institutions and a dynamic start-up ecosystem that promotes innovative ideas and technologies.
Support and networking
The Brandenburg Economic Development Board (WFBB) plays a central role in supporting companies in the region. Targeted funding programs and networking initiatives help companies implement new technologies and digitize their processes. The Digital Hub in Potsdam and the Innovation Center in Wildau are important points of contact that serve as hubs for networking and knowledge exchange. These centers provide a platform for start-ups and established companies to implement joint projects and benefit from synergies.
Education and Research
The region's universities, such as the University of Applied Sciences Wildau and the University of Potsdam, offer specialized courses of study and are involved in groundbreaking research projects in the fields of ICT and artificial intelligence (AI). These educational institutions work closely with industry to promote practical research and prepare students for the demands of the job market. Innovative solutions that strengthen the region's competitiveness are developed in collaboration with companies.
Transportation Infrastructure
The proximity to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and excellent connections to the international transportation network make the region an attractive location for global companies. This strategic location facilitates access to international markets and promotes the exchange of knowledge and technology on a global scale. The Brandenburg Economic Development Board (WFBB) plays a central role in supporting companies in the region. Targeted funding programs and networking initiatives help companies implement new technologies and digitize their processes. The Digital Hub in Potsdam and the Innovation Center in Wildau are important points of contact that serve as hubs for networking and knowledge exchange. These centers provide a platform for start-ups and established companies to implement joint projects and benefit from synergies.
Education and Research
The region's universities, such as the University of Applied Sciences Wildau and the University of Potsdam, offer specialized courses of study and are involved in groundbreaking research projects in the fields of ICT and artificial intelligence (AI). These educational institutions work closely with industry to promote practical research and prepare students for the demands of the job market. Innovative solutions that strengthen the region's competitiveness are developed in collaboration with companies.
Transportation Infrastructure
The proximity to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and excellent connections to the international transportation network make the region an attractive location for global companies. This strategic location facilitates access to international markets and promotes the exchange of knowledge and technology on a global scale In addition, the digital infrastructure is continuously being expanded to meet the growing demands of the ICT sector.
Prospects for the future
The ICT sector in the Berlin Brandenburg region has a promising future. With the ongoing development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G networks, the region will continue to play a central role in the digital transformation. Initiatives such as the Brandenburg KI Landpartie are helping to raise awareness of the potential of digitalization and further strengthen the region as a location for innovation.
By providing targeted support and creating a networked and innovation-friendly environment, Berlin-Brandenburg will continue to play a key role in the ICT sector in the coming years. Continuous cooperation between educational institutions, research institutes and companies will help to develop new technologies and promote their application in various sectors of the economy.
For further information on the ICT sector in the Berlin Brandenburg Airport Region, the activities of the sector cluster, on the economic development of other growth sectors in the region and on business and technology development for companies, investors and scientific institutions, please contact
Source: Cluster ICT, Media and Creative Industries Berlin-Brandenburg, https://www.digital-bb.de/erfolgsgeschichten/brandenburger-ki-landpartie, https://innovatives-brandenburg.de/de/kalender/brandenburger-ki-landpartie-2024; Status: 16.05.2024