AI for SMEs 2025
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a futuristic promise into a defining technology of the present. Especially through the rapid advancement of generative AI—such as language models like ChatGPT, DALL·E, Microsoft’s Copilot, or Google’s Gemini—the topic has gained enormous attention in both business and society. Today, AI systems are capable of performing complex tasks such as text generation, coding, image creation, data analysis, and even decision support in impressive ways.
The applications span nearly every industry: whether in manufacturing, healthcare, finance, or the creative sector, AI helps automate processes, personalize products, increase productivity, and open up entirely new value chains. At the same time, companies are strategically repositioning themselves to fully leverage the potential of this technology and remain competitive.
At our conference “AI for SMEs,” discover the region’s vibrant startup scene through numerous pitches and learn where AI is already being successfully applied and how your organization can benefit from the technology. Dr. Holger Pfeifer, CEO of fortiss, will demonstrate in his talk how generative AI and smart agents can foster innovation and competitiveness, clearly explaining the opportunities, potential, and limitations of these technologies.
In multiple workshops, participants will also have the chance to dive deeper into various AI topics—including integrating the technology into their own companies and using AI agents (Agentic AI). Additionally, Dr. Martin Gottwald, research associate in the Machine Learning competence field at fortiss, will present case studies of AI implementations in SMEs and answer related questions. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss additional potential applications from their own organizations. In the networking area, attendees can connect with the event’s experts as well as with each other, exchange ideas, and explore synergies.
This event is presented by fortiss GmbH, the appliedAI Institute for Europe gGmbH, and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria.
Small-to-medium enterprise decision-makers
This event is brought to you by fortiss GmbH, appliedAI Institute for Europe GmbH and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria.
For more information and the detailed program for 2025 click here.
Franziska Neuberger, Head of Digitalization and ICT, Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria
Artificial intelligence is currently shaping the discussion about innovation and competitiveness like no other technology. Generative AI and smart agents in particular are opening up new opportunities to make processes more efficient, make knowledge accessible, and implement innovative business ideas.
The presentation provides a clear overview of current developments and shows how companies can exploit the potential, where the real opportunities lie, and what limitations need to be taken into account.
Participants will gain an understanding of how the technology can be used effectively in their businesses, what pitfalls to avoid, and how small and medium-sized enterprises can benefit from AI step by step.
Dr. Holger Pfeifer studied computer science at the University of Ulm, where he completed his doctorate on the verification of fault tolerance properties of distributed algorithms. He then worked in Ulm as a postdoctoral researcher and research assistant before moving to the Technical University of Munich in 2011 to join the Software & Systems Engineering Chair (Prof. Broy).
At the Technical University of Munich, Holger Pfeifer was program manager for cyber-physical systems in the EU innovation network EIT Digital.
After heading the Software Dependability research field at fortiss GmbH, he has been managing director of the institute since 2023.
The Bavarian AI Innovation Accelerator is accelerating the implementation of the EU AI Act while promoting innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.
The aim is to link research and practice in order to systematically identify the greatest challenges for companies and public institutions in implementing the legal requirements and to address them through new or existing offerings.
Dr. Till Klein is Head of AI Regulation at the non-profit appliedAI Institute for Europe gGmbH, which aims to accelerate trustworthy AI on a large scale. At appliedAI and in his role as an expert at
OECD.AI and GPAI, he drives the joint development of training, methodologies, and tools to make emerging AI regulations, standards, and principles from Europe and beyond actionable.
Till has several years of experience in industry, particularly in regulatory affairs for medical devices, as a lead auditor for quality management systems, and as head of quality management at a drone company. This practical experience and perspective are invaluable for the application of trustworthy AI.
Dr. Till Klein holds a PhD in Business Administration from the Centre for Transformative Innovation at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, and a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. In addition to AI, his research interests include economic geography, social networks, and innovation management
My name is Dr. Wolfgang Fischer, and as Director of Operations, Projects, and Policy at the appliedAI Institute for Europe, I work as part of a strong team to generate and communicate high-quality knowledge about trustworthy artificial intelligence, shape AI responsibly and effectively in Europe, and thus contribute to a livable future.
Previously, as head of the Start-up and Business Succession Division at the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, I was intensively involved in shaping the start-up ecosystem in Baden-Württemberg from 2024 onwards. From 2011 to 2024, I was part of the management team at e-mobil BW GmbH, the state agency for new mobility solutions and automotive, as an authorized signatory and division manager, where I played a key role in shaping and strategically and operationally developing the company over many years. I have worked intensively on the complex transformation of mobility and the mobility and energy system, initiating, coordinating, and supporting numerous projects, networks, and cluster initiatives. My focus was on the technological, infrastructural, economic, political, legal, ethical, and social aspects of this complex transformation. At the same time, I have been a lecturer at the Graduate Campus Hochschule Aalen since 2017, teaching on topics such as electric mobility systems, mobility concepts, and charging infrastructure. I am also the author of several specialist books and publications.
As a manager, coach, lecturer, and author, I am driven by my great curiosity and desire to explore new topics together with inspiring people in my team and network and to contribute to the great change that is needed. I have strong skills in the areas of leadership, transformation, innovation, moderation, and communication. I am always open to new challenges, ideas, and collaborations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers enormous potential for efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness—even for small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, many SMEs are faced with the question of how to strategically, technically, and organizationally structure their entry into AI use. In this presentation, participants will gain practical insights into the opportunities, challenges, and success factors of AI implementation in SMEs.
A central component of the session is an interview with an SME that has already embarked on the path of AI transformation. Concrete experiences, practical examples, and lessons learned will be shared firsthand.
Hannah Oldorf is an AI strategist and heads up SME business at appliedAI Initiative, whose mission is to promote the trustworthy use of AI in Europe. As an expert in digital business models and AI applications, she supports small and medium-sized enterprises in remaining competitive and leveraging innovation.
Previously, she founded and managed a software startup and guided companies through large-scale technology and transformation projects as a consultant at the international strategy consulting firm BCG.
Participants will gain insight into the best practices of ten AI startups. Learn what is possible with AI and in which areas the technologies are being used.
Four workshops, each lasting 25 minutes, will be held simultaneously. Participants will then have 5 minutes to change workshop rooms. The workshops are freely selectable.
Many people still use ChatGPT & Co. the way they learned to in 2022 – but the world of AI assistance has evolved rapidly since then. In this workshop, you will learn how to use AI tools much more effectively. We will show you how to configure LLMs individually, make optimal use of the latest features such as Web Search, Deep Research, and Custom GPTs, and thus transform yourself from a casual user into a true power user. The workshop provides practical examples, best practices, and immediately applicable strategies that will enable you to exploit the full potential of ChatGPT in your everyday work.
Recommendation: If you have little or no experience with generative AI, it makes sense to attend this workshop before the AI Agent Workshop.
Elena Hernández Martínez is an AI researcher in the TransferLab team at the appliedAI Institute for Europe, where she focuses on developing and disseminating knowledge about trustworthy AI systems. She holds a PhD in computational astrophysics from Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) in Munich, where she specialized in high-performance computing and machine learning used in simulations of galaxy formation and the evolution of the cosmos.
This workshop will present use cases for AI implementation in SMEs and answer questions on the topic. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss other potential use cases from their own organizations.
Dr. Martin Gottwald focuses on the implementation of AI prototypes in a wide range of application areas and the transfer of methods and knowledge to small and medium-sized enterprises.
He completed his doctorate at the Technical University of Munich at the Chair of Data Processing with a focus on neurodynamic programming and non-convex optimization.
Mr. Gottwald is currently researching decision-making in computers using neural networks and analyzing the behavior of the necessary optimization algorithms.
AI agents are more than just chatbots—they can independently plan tasks, make decisions, and actively take action with the help of tools. In this 30-minute workshop, you will learn what modern AI agents are, how they work, what potential they offer for companies, but also what risks are associated with them. We will highlight two forms of autonomy: internal autonomy (e.g., complex workflows in which LLMs plan and execute steps independently) and external autonomy (e.g., processing tasks without human supervision by using external tools). The workshop provides practical examples and shows how these technologies will change work processes in the future.
Recommendation: If you have little or no experience with generative AI, it makes sense to participate in “Workshop I: ChatGPT like a pro” before the AI Agent Workshop.
Maternus Herold is an AI researcher with a background in mathematics and computer science. Since 2017, he has been designing and implementing AI solutions for industry. His current research focuses on agentic AI, with a particular emphasis on robust software architectures and the quantification of uncertainties in autonomous agentic systems.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a key technology for business, science, and society—and Germany is one of the most important locations in Europe in this field. The German AI ecosystem is multifaceted: it encompasses industrial applications in strong economic sectors as well as a vibrant start-up scene, excellent research institutions, extensive networks, and diverse educational initiatives.
AI is finding its way into processes, products, and business models, particularly in key economic sectors such as the automotive industry, industrial production, and healthcare. This demonstrates how data-driven systems can already contribute to increasing efficiency, ensuring quality, and boosting customer loyalty. At the same time, numerous innovators from start-ups, research, and established companies are actively driving technological development forward.
Another key component is the dense network of AI initiatives, clusters, and centers of excellence that has emerged in recent years. These structures connect science, industry, and civil society, create spaces for cooperation, and accelerate the transfer of research results into practical applications. They thus form the backbone for the sustainable development of AI “Made in Germany.”
Last but not least, education plays a crucial role: building AI skills is essential to meet the growing demand for skilled workers and ensure innovation in the long term. From school education to university programs to continuing professional development, opportunities are emerging throughout Germany that aim to enable people not only to understand AI, but also to help shape it responsibly.
This workshop gives the audience a comprehensive overview of the German AI ecosystem – and highlights the opportunities, dynamics, and challenges it presents for SMEs.
Dr. Christian Burkhart is Principal Project Manager at appliedAI Institute for Europe gGmbH. In this role, he leads the development of the appliedAI Studio in Heilbronn, which offers local education, inspiration, and exchange opportunities on the topic of trustworthy AI for people in the Heilbronn ecosystem. Before joining appliedAI, he earned his doctorate in educational sciences at the University of Freiburg. As an experienced teaching and learning researcher and instructional designer, he has played a key role in the development of various AI education products. Among other things, he has developed simulation games on the topic, online courses, and training programs lasting several months.
