Heidelberg Future Forum: Where AI and innovation meet!

Heidelberg Future Forum: Where AI and innovation meet!

On May 8, 2025, an important event will take place at Heidelberg University that is entirely dedicated to future technologies. Nils Müller, managing director of a strategy and innovation consultancy, will kick things off with a keynote speech. He will shed light on the central role of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) for the future of research and industry. These technologies not only promise to simplify everyday life, for example through GPS navigation or autonomous parking, but also to improve the quality of life overall. The programmatic part of the event begins at 4 p.m. and promises exciting insights into the innovation landscape.

The event is moderated by Ira Stoll, a doctor and founder. She will discuss with experts such as Johannes Maurer, lawyer and software developer at the AI ​​company Aleph Alpha, and Dr. Ursula Kramer, digital health expert and entrepreneur, will lead. These experts will discuss the role of universities as drivers of innovation, providing the audience with valuable perspectives.

Innovation projects and networking

After the first lecture from 5 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to get to know innovation projects at Heidelberg University and startups from the Ruperto Carola region. These presentations are about networking and exchanging the latest ideas and projects. Particularly noteworthy are the thematic focuses of the evening program, which honors the winners of the hei_INNOVATION ideas competition. This competition focuses on health technologies, social innovations and sustainability.

The audience can look forward to the presentation of the three best ideas from which the winners will be determined. The ideas competition provides staggered prize money and an audience prize, which increases the incentive to develop creative and future-oriented solutions.

Another highlight of the evening is the short film “Heidelberg 2036 – A Journey into the Future”, presented by Nils Müller. The evening event will take place in the auditorium of the New University and begins at 6:30 p.m. Both the innovative strength of the region and the important role of universities in technical development become visible here.

Technological advances and social challenges

In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence has increased rapidly. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) sees AI as a key technology for innovation, growth and added value for society. Investments in AI are crucial in Germany: at least 2 billion euros are provided annually by the federal government to strengthen national competencies in this area. This funding will continue to intensify in the coming years in order to keep Germany in international competition.

In addition, the BMBF supports a variety of future technologies that are crucial for improving products and services. In addition to AI, this also includes biotechnology, digital networking, and research in the areas of climate models and biodiversity. The BMBF's support includes a wide range of initiatives to ensure the competitiveness and innovative strength of German industry.

These investments are not only a sign of the future potential of these technologies, but also a response to societal challenges such as decarbonization, digitalization and demographic change. The event at Heidelberg University on May 8th will exemplify the importance of such developments and at the same time serve as a platform for exchange between innovators and society.