The EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act), in force since August 1, 2024, places new regulatory requirements on companies. Since February 2, 2025, the first binding rules apply, including the ban on AI systems with “unacceptable risk” and mandatory training for employees. With the AI Innovation Accelerator, Bavaria aims to pool the strengths of politics, research, and industry in order to specifically support SMEs in implementing the EU AI Act, foster innovation, and position Bavaria as a strong location for AI technologies in the European market.
Practical support for companies
Bavaria’s Minister for Digital Affairs, Dr. Fabian Mehring, sees the Free State on a clear path of success in the tech and start-up landscape and emphasized: “Over the past few years, Bavaria has become Germany’s number one tech hub – with a vibrant start-up scene, a top position in venture capital, and an innovation dynamic second to none. Now we are harnessing the AI revolution to continue this success story, strengthen our region sustainably, and attract new capital for fresh ideas for the future.”
The Bavarian AI Innovation Accelerator offers:
- Guidance on risk classification, documentation, and implementation of regulatory requirements.
- Workshops, training sessions, resources, and events to prepare employees for the new rules.
- Scientifically grounded approaches and a system for the automated verification of AI systems.
Kick-off at the DLD Future Hub
To mark the occasion, the signing ceremony and the official launch of cooperation between the project partners took place on 10 September at the Amerikahaus, as part of the DLD Future Hub. Representing fortiss were Dr. Holger Pfeifer (Managing Director), Prof. Dr. Alexander Pretschner (Scientific Director), and Dr. Wolfgang Köhler (Head of fortiss Mittelstand). As a community partner, fortiss contributes its expertise in applied AI research and technology transfer.
“Especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, the new requirements of the EU AI Act represent a major hurdle. With our transfer offerings, we provide practical support so that these companies do not fail because of regulation but instead can work with AI responsibly and innovatively. In this way, we make an important contribution to securing the competitiveness of Bavaria’s SME sector,” explains Dr. Holger Pfeifer.
The AI Innovation Accelerator is being implemented centrally by the appliedAI Institute for Europe. In addition to fortiss, other partners include LMU Munich, TU Munich, TU Nuremberg, baiosphere, Bayern Innovativ, the BIHK – Bavarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, German Mittelstand e.V., vbw – Bavarian Business Association, the Munich Innovation Ecosystem, and UnternehmerTUM.
