KI-CONNECT 3.0
Shaping AI. Connecting People.
Successfully applying AI and connecting people—that is the goal of the third edition of the KI-Connect on November 12 at the CyberLab #SmartProductionPark in Karlsruhe.
This is where decision-makers, professionals, academics, startups, and technology providers come together to shape the future of Artificial Intelligence in business. Look forward to inspiring ideas, practical insights, interactive workshops, and valuable new connections within the region’s AI ecosystem.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the economy, the workplace, and society. Many companies are asking themselves the same questions:
- What is our current position with regard to AI?
- Which applications are already creating measurable added value today?
- What skills do employees and managers need?
- How can a company successfully implement AI?
The KI-Connect offers answers, guidance, and direct interaction with experts. The focus is on real-world experiences, successful implementation examples, and the development of new partnerships.
FZI AI Experts at the KI-Connect 3.0
The experts at the FZI Research Center for Information Technology—Martin Dukek, Marius Take, and department head Maria Rill—play a key role in the scientific perspective of three AI Deep Dives.
The AI Deep Dive Sessions offer the opportunity to examine selected AI topics from different perspectives and delve deeper into current issues. Brief presentations from the worlds of research and practice serve as a starting point for discussions, the exchange of experiences, and new ideas.
Morning, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.:
"Wenn KI eigenständig handelt – Risiken erkennen, Schäden begrenzen" with Maximilian Stauß | aramido and Martin Dukek | FZI
AI agents are increasingly taking on tasks independently within enterprise systems, such as writing code and editing documents. While this offers the prospect of greater efficiency, it also introduces new security risks. What would happen if an agent were to integrate insecure software, disclose confidential information or accidentally delete important data?
As AI systems become more autonomous, this question becomes increasingly important: How can companies maintain control? And how can they prevent errors and attacks, and limit their impact? Many of the security principles required for this have long been established in traditional IT security.
In this in-depth session, Martin Dukek (FZI) and Maximilian Stauß (aramido) will demonstrate how agent-based software development can go wrong. They will then explain which proven security principles can help to reduce risks and limit the impact of potential security incidents.
"Mehr als ein Chatfenster: Was erfolgreiche KI-Chatbots ausmacht" with Julian Ament | Hochschule Karlsruhe, Dr. Raphael Morisco | AppSphere AG and Marius Take | FZI
Chatbots are among the most visible applications of AI in business. However, numerous technical, organizational, and strategic challenges arise between pilot projects and full-scale deployment. So, how do you create a chatbot that offers real added value? What design decisions need to be made? How can you automate requests that the chatbot cannot answer independently?
This AI Deep Dive brings together research, development, and business practice: The FZI Research Center for Information Technology and Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences will provide insights into the approaches and methods used to develop the AI-based chatbot in the Next_KARL project. AppSphere AG’s practical experience complements this scientific perspective, offering field-tested solutions for integrating such systems into the Microsoft ecosystem and connecting AI service agents.
Afternoon, 3:15–4:15 p.m.:
"Responsible AI: Zwischen Innovation, Regulierung und Realität" with Bernd Vermaaten | solute GmbH and Maria Rill | FZI
How can AI be integrated into operations in a secure, scalable, and value-adding way? In this deep-dive session, we’ll combine practical experience with regulatory considerations: Bernd will show how companies are working to implement AI in a robust operational manner (use-case prioritization and process integration). Maria will shed light on the regulatory framework—the EU AI Act, data protection, and compliance—and what these specifically mean for projects. Together, we aim to develop a practical understanding: Where is AI worthwhile right now? Which risks are manageable? And how do you build Responsible AI in a way that works in everyday practice—not just on paper?
Registration
Participation in the KI-Connect 3.0 is free of charge, but advance registration is required. All spots are currently filled, but there is a waiting list.
Agenda
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.:
Check-in, Breakfast
9:30–9:45 a.m.:
Opening Remarks and Welcome Speeches
Mayor Gabriele Luczak-Schwarz | David Hermanns (CyberForum e.V.) | Steffen Kinkel (HKA & KARL)
9:45–10:45 a.m.:
Keynote “Die Jahrhundert-Chance”
Bilal Zafar
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.:
AI Deep Dives (4 concurrent sessions at Smart Production Park, feco, FischerOffice, and Church)
FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY
Guided Tour of the FZI House of Living Labs, Haid- and Neu-Str. 5a, 76131 Karlsruhe
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.:
Lunch Break
1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.:
Pitch Presentations by Startups
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.:
Keynote “KI und der Faktor Mensch”
Katharina Aguilar
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.:
AI Deep Dives (4 concurrent sessions at Smart Production Park, feco, FischerOffice, and Church)
FOCUS ON PEOPLE
Guided Tour of the FZI House of Living Labs, Haid- and Neu-Str. 5a, 76131 Karlsruhe
4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.:
Coffee Break
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.:
TBA
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.:
Networking and Wrap-Up
Alongside the stage program, an exhibition area at the Hoepfner Schalander will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing a space for discussion and networking.
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