Discover great research opportunities in THE AI LÄND

In Germany and Europe, Baden-Württemberg is on the way to securing a leading role in artificial intelligence (AI). Institutes such as Cyber Valley, the FZI and DKFZ are researching groundbreaking AI solutions in the fields of mobility, robotics, energy and medical technology, offering researchers from all over the world the best career opportunities.

FZI – where innovative AI solutions are developed for industry, business, science, and society

The FZI Research Center for Information Technology in Karlsruhe is reaching for the stars: it has already won the ESA-ESRIC Space Resources Challenge, and another FZI team is currently in the second phase of the international space robotics competition – with the chance to take part in a future mission to the moon. The research institute has benefited from the AI expertise it has built up since it was founded more than 40 years ago.

FZI develops practical AI solutions for its clients across a wide range of application areas such as mobility, robotics, energy, healthcare, logistics, and production. The FZI also looks at the security, ethical, and legal aspects of AI across all sectors. In its AI projects, the FZI always pays particular attention to the criteria of comprehensibility, security, and transparency. In this way, the FZI's work results in customised AI solutions that are transferred precisely into practical applications at partner companies. In addition, the FZI is regionally involved in the de:hub Karlsruhe for Applied Artificial Intelligence and the DIZ | Digital Innovation Centre as well as active in national and international initiatives, associations, committees, and networks for active knowledge and technology transfer in the field of applied artificial intelligence.

If researchers want to be optimally prepared for an academic career, the research institute offers the perfect opportunity. It trains interdisciplinary specialists and managers so that business and society can shape the digital transformation.

Here you find more good reasons for a research career at the FZI!

Cyber Valley – shaping the future in Europe's leading AI and robotics center

Cyber Valley GmbH is Europe's largest research consortium in the field of artificial intelligence and offers leading international research at respected institutes (e. g. Max Planck Institutes) in the areas of AI, machine learning, computer vision and robotics. Among these institutes is the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, whose expansion is being financially supported by the state government. The Cyber Valley enables a rapid exchange of knowledge between partners from science, industry, and society. Its success is based on the fact that both university locations of Tübingen and Stuttgart are places where business and science work hand in hand to translate AI innovations from research into practice quickly.

In addition, Cyber Valley and its partner companies have a strong international focus. As an AI hotspot, the consortium attracts researchers and students from all over the world and actively supports the integration of international scientists and entrepreneurs.

Find out more about what makes Cyber Valley attractive to foreign scientists.

DKFZ – where AI is advancing cancer research and leading to improved patient outcomes

A life without cancer - this is the vision of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg, one of the world's leading institutions in the field of health-related AI. In over 100 departments, research groups and clinical cooperation units, state-of-the-art technology is being used to ensure that fewer people develop cancer and that they can be treated and cured more effectively. One example: the world's first AI-Dermatoscope, which can significantly improve the accuracy and availability of skin cancer screening and is therefore expected to help save millions of lives.

Besides, there are plenty opportunities for international experts to work at the DKFZ in the fields of AI and cancer research. As part of the Helmholtz Association and with its participation in international networks such as ELLIS, the DKFZ offers an attractive environment for researchers from all over the world. The interdisciplinary orientation of the centre, especially in the field of digital oncology, opens up opportunities for experts from various disciplines such as bioinformatics, imaging and clinical data analysis.

Get a better impression of the DKFZ and learn more about why the institution is the best place for cancer and AI research in Europe.

IPAI – built to empower organizations to transform

It's the next big thing: IPAI (Artificial Intelligence Innovation Park) in Heilbronn in THE LÄND will be Europe's largest artificial intelligence ecosystem, built on a 23-hectare circular site covering the entire AI value added chain – from training skilled staff to research and development, application and commercialization of ethically responsible AI. The cluster, which is seen as an ambitious AI project in Europe, will forge the link between applied sciences and companies of all sizes – from global market leaders to SMEs and start-ups – and create the perfect environment for AI solutions with relevance for the future.

The AI innovation platform IPAI in Heilbronn, active since 2022, has over 60 members and partners, and continues to develop. Interested parties can already interact with AI experts in a visitor centre – the IPAI Living Room – and experience the technology firsthand. Construction of the IPAI CAMPUS is scheduled to begin at the end of 2025. There will be up to 5,000 jobs in and around the IPAI in medium term as well as space for AI start-ups, real-world laboratories, a communications centre, and attractive leisure facilities.

Follow the link for more information on IPAI.

At Boehringer Ingelheim, AI advances healthcare

In addition to excellent research institutes, THE LÄND offers numerous companies where researchers can tinker and invent, including Boehringer Ingelheim. As one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Boehringer Ingelheim is constantly working on the therapies of tomorrow. Its largest research and development centre for new medicines is located at the Biberach site in THE LÄND.

There, the most modern biopharmaceutical methods are combined with AI-based approaches for the discovery and development of new bioactive substances. As such, Biberach plays a key role in the global innovation network and provides momentum for digital research solutions that are applied worldwide. An example is the use of AI in the development of small therapeutic molecules, where the virtual co-pilot ADAM is used. It helps to prioritise molecules in the early stages of drug research and predicts their properties, thereby accelerating the development of new medicines.

International talents are very welcome at Boehringer Ingelheim. The company has a comprehensive onboarding program, offers relocation services, and actively promotes an open and intercultural corporate culture. In addition, the company offers support for cultural challenges or questions and an International Club on campus where expats can connect ⁠– providing international specialists with an attractive working and living environment.

Convince yourself and find out more here.

NEURA’s robots shall serve humanity

NEURA Robotics, based in Metzingen in THE LÄND, is helping by equipping robots with advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence so they can hear, see, and feel. NEURA's robots are already relieving mankind of monotonous work in manufacturing, and in the future, they will also support us in our homes. The motto of this revolution: "We serve humanity."

Why NEURA is a great place for scientists? The company develops all key components in-house. This includes the AI, the control software, the innovative sensor technology, and the mechanical design. Integrated development enables the robots to have cognitive abilities such as seeing, hearing, and feeling to achieve the most natural human-machine interaction possible ⁠– a unique selling point compared to conventional automation solutions.

International talent is a key success factor for NEURA, as it brings diverse perspectives and specialised expertise to the development of complex AI solutions. More than 380 employees from over 40 nations work in the company. This global expertise promotes innovation and helps the company to develop products that are competitive in international markets. MAiRA, Europe's first cognitive robot, is already being used across various industries worldwide to solve tasks that require both precision and adaptability.

Click here to see NEURA’s robots in action.

• If you would like to help shape AI research in THE LÄND, you can find helpful tips for international researchers here.

Source: State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg, LÄNDINGPAGE AI LÄND