hessian.AI

EDITH Innovation Day #2
2025-09-03 10:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Berlin)
Join us on 3 September at TechQuartier Frankfurt for the second edition of EDITH Innovation Day.
We’re back with a full day of learning, exchange, and hands-on digital tools for SMEs and the public sector.
Discover how AI, Cyber Security, High Performance Computing and Advanced Digital Tools can empower your organization — with real examples, expert input, and space to connect.
Don’t miss out — get your ticket now:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edith-innovation-day-2-tickets-1354991047699?aff=oddtdtcreator

🌟𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:
House of Digital Transformation, ATHENE Center, Fraunhofer Institute for Secure Information Technology, TU Darmstadt, Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Darmstadt, GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, SKAD AG

How to (AI) Act: Seize the Opportunities of the AI Regulation
2025-09-03 14:00 - 18:00 | IHK Frankfurt am Main, Börsenplatz 4, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, 60313, Germany
In August 2024, the European AI Regulation was adopted. Its provisions are now gradually coming into effect. The AI Regulation imposes obligations on companies, but it also presents an opportunity to shape Artificial Intelligence in a responsible and future-oriented manner.
How well is your company prepared for the next steps of the AI Regulation? Would you like to find out what opportunities it offers and what impact it will have on your business? Exchange ideas with experts and other companies, and receive valuable insights on how to strategically align your company with the upcoming requirements. For this purpose, the Hessian Ministry for Digitalization and Innovation (HMD) and IHK Hessen innovativ are organizing this informational event.
The event is free of charge and is specifically aimed at representatives of Hessian companies—especially management, IT (CIO/CTO), those responsible for digitalization, and legal departments—who are affected by the AI Regulation.
Registration deadline: August 25, 2025

Darmstadt Science & Technology Day
2025-09-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Schader-Campus, Goethestraße 1-2, Darmstadt, 64285, Germany
Darmstadt is a city of science and research, where numerous public research institutions meet companies with significant research departments. The first Science & Technology Day aims to bring together leading players in science and technology based in Darmstadt.

Exchange of key players
This informal gathering is designed to foster exchange on existing research areas and available technologies, with the goal of identifying potential opportunities for collaboration. Synergies will be created, and valuable connections established. The gathering of key players in science and technology helps to enhance the visibility of Darmstadt‘s research landscape and regional value chains. It connects people and institutions, facilitates the exchange of expertise, and enables the shared use of technology. The Science & Technology Day can thus serve as a catalyst for initiating joint research projects.
This platform for exchange will be enriched by inspiring keynote speeches, engaging discussions, and interactive round-table sessions on topics such as collaboration, open innovation, responsible research and sustainable development. Presentations of science and technology projects with high collaboration potential will provide a solid foundation for exploring concrete forms of cooperation.
The event is addressed to scientists and engineers from public research institutions, established corporations with significant R&D activities, and the start-up scene in Darmstadt and the surrounding areas. Guests from ministries, city administration and business associations are also very welcome.
Meet hessian.AI Researcher Prof. Marcus Rohrbach and listen to his talk: Reasonable and reliable artificial intelligence.

Cooperation
This conference is a joint event organised by the Schader Foundation, Future Insight e.V. and Merck KGaA.
Registration is required to attend the event.
Your contact: Dr. Gösta Gantner

Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Market Regulation
2025-09-09 13:00 - 2025-09-10 13:30 | Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Adickesallee 32-34, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, 60322, Germany
The Frankfurt Competence Center for German and Global Regulation (FCCR) and Universität Göttingen are hosting this conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and market regulation. Day one is dedicated to the technical development and regulatory reaction. Day two is about two specific challenges of protecting competition. One is the potential conflict between competition and industrial-policy interests, the other one the need to keep markets open despite the concentrated control of key inputs and risks that incumbents entrench or extend their existing power. The second panel on day one is organized in cooperation with Vereinigung für das gesamte Regulierungsrecht, the second day is the annual on-site event of the German ASCOLA Chapter.
The conference takes place at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management and is sponsored by hessian.AI as part of the “Transfer- und Community-building” program.

AI Landscapes: RISING Startups in Hesse
2025-09-15 16:30 - 22:30 | SPARK, Junghofstraße 16, Frakfurt am Main, Hesse, 60311, Germany
The event “AI Landscapes – RISING Startups in Hesse” is held under the patronage of Hesse’s Minister for Digital Affairs, Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus. Hosted by hessian.AI – AI Startup Rising, in collaboration with our partner appliedAI Institute for Europe, the event will showcase the latest insights into the dynamic AI startup ecosystems of Germany and Hesse.
We want to highlight Hesse’s innovative strength in artificial intelligence – and show how diverse and interconnected the AI ecosystem already is. Experience outstanding Hessian startups in the spotlight, engaging discussions, and a carefully curated, high-quality network – connecting the region with the world.

Program
🕒 Get Together: Arrive at your convenience and use the opportunity for early networking while enjoying a cold summer-ish drink
🎤 Welcome & introduction: Join your host, AI Startup Rising | hessian.AI, as we start the evening together
🌟 Top 3 Startup-Pitches: Experience some of the top startups from all applications for the AI Startup Landscape Hessen 2025 live
💡 Keynote: “AI made in Hessen: From the region to the world”
💬 Panel: A distinguished roundtable will delve into the newly released “AI Landscape Hesse 2025” and discuss what lies ahead for the AI startup scene.
🤝 Networking evening: Connect over inspiring conversations and local delicacies

Highlights

Premiere of the AI Startup Landscape 2025 in cooperation with our partner appliedAI

Spotlight on leading startups from Hesse

A high-quality, curated network fostering genuine dialogue

GamificAItion Corner: Use the game corner to connect in a laid-back atmosphere

Speakers and panelists

Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus – Hesse’s Minister for Digital Affairs

Mali Baum – CEO WLOUNGE, Magda group, ICBF VC, Board Member Innovation Council (EIC) at the European Commission

Prof. Dr. Marcus Rohrbach – Professor for Multimodal Reliable Artificial Intelligence, hessian.AI

Holger Follmann – Hessian Startup Commissioner | WERTE – Foundation

Dr. Frauke Goll – Managing Director, appliedAI Institute for Europe

Official Sponsors

Register now!
Be part of shaping the future of artificial intelligence in Hesse!

As space is limited, we kindly ask you to register in advance. Should you be unable to attend, please cancel your registration so we can offer your spot to another participant. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Information: The event will primarily be held in German, with some parts also in English.

ATHENE Future Forum "AI and Cybersecurity"
2025-09-23 11:00 - 17:00 | Jügelhaus, Mertonstraße 17, Frankfurt, 60325, Germany
The digital revolution is transforming our way of life as fundamentally as the industrial revolution once did. In a very short time, AI has evolved from a niche technology in computer science to the central key technology of digitalization. Cybersecurity, in turn, is one of the essential prerequisites for responsible digitalization. Both technologies – AI and cybersecurity – are closely interconnected. AI creates new security risks, ranging from automated attacks and fraud to deepfakes, but it also offers new opportunities in the fight against cybercrime, cognitive attacks, and disinformation.
How can we design AI to be both responsible and secure? What political and technological frameworks are needed for a resilient digital society? What roles should politics, industry, and research take on to make AI safe and practical for all of us? These questions are at the heart of our Future Forum.
Experts from politics, industry, and research will engage in an interdisciplinary dialogue on AI and cybersecurity – join us!
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
The event is organized by ATHENE, supported by hessian.AI and DFKI.

foundersXchange – Inspire. Connect. Kickstart
2025-10-01 17:00 | Hochschule Darmstadt – C23 Foyer, Schöfferstraße 3, Darmstadt, 64295, Germany
The next foundersXchange will take place on October 1 at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences!This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with founders from the Rhine-Main region, share experiences, learn from each other – and maybe even find future co-founders.
What challenges arise when founding a start-up, and how have others overcome them? What opportunities and rewards motivate entrepreneurs the most? And how can we support each other along the way?In an open and relaxed atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to share insights, get inspired, and build valuable connections.
There will be plenty of opportunities for networking over drinks and snacks. You can also look forward to our popular Open Mic Session, where you’ll have a few minutes to pitch your business ideas, receive direct feedback, and connect with potential co-founders.
Join us, share your ideas, and grow your network!

Workshop hessian.AI.literacy
2025-09-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Frankfurt School of Applied Sciences, Hungenerstraße 6, Frankfurt am Main, 60389, Germany
The EU AI Act requires providers and deployers of AI systems to ensure that their employees and contracted third parties have a sufficient level of AI Literacy (Art. 4 AI Act). In doing so, EU legislators are not only formulating a regulatory requirement, but also a socio-political mandate to promote AI literacy. The hessian.AI.literacy project is investigating the specific implications this has for the organizational context and how the legal requirements can be implemented effectively and efficiently. The findings will serve as practical guidance and will be made available to the general public. Through this initiative, hessian.AI is making an essential contribution to the legally compliant implementation of the AI Regulation and to the sustainable strengthening of AI competence in business and public institutions.
The initial results will be presented and discussed at a workshop in Frankfurt am Main on September 25, 2025 (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). In addition to a keynote speech by Kai Zenner (Head of Office & Digital Policy Adviser, Axel Voss, MEP European Parliament), you can expect insights from academia and practice.
Program:
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.: Arrival & registration
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.: Welcome address
Prof. Dr. Nils Urbach – Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.: Keynote speech
Kai Zenner – Head of Office and Digital Policy Adviser, MEP Axel Voss (EPP group), European Parliament
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: AI competence from a legal perspective
Prof. Dr. Janine Wendt – Technical University of Darmstadt
Prof. Dr. Domenik Wendt – Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: AI competence in practical implementation
Research Associate Valentin Mayer – University of Bayreuth
Prof. Dr. Nils Urbach – Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Open discussion
Open exchange/experience reports from practice
From 1:00 p.m.: Joint lunch & conclusion

The Price of AI: Data Centers, Clickworkers, and Global Digital Exploitation
2025-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt, Römerberg 9, Frankfurt am Main, 60311, Germany
On October 14, 2025 the Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt will host the event “The Price of AI: Data Centers, Clickworkers, and Global Digital Exploitation”, which will also be available via livestream. Experts from academia, business, and civil society will discuss who benefits from digital progress – and who pays the price. The focus will be on the global power dynamics of digitalization, particularly in the Global South.
Speakers:

Ingo Dachwitz, Co-Author Digital Colonialism & netzpolitik.org

Prof. Dr. Stefan Peters, Justus Liebig University Giessen

Asena Soydaş, Bertelsmann Foundation

Florian Schlichting, Inheaden

Moderation:

Dr. Helge Bezold (Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt)
Lukas Spahlinger (Center for Social Responsibility of EKHN)

InnoDay 2025
2025-10-30 13:00 - 20:30 | darmstadtium – Wissenschafts- und Kongresszentrum, Schlossgraben 1, Darmstadt, Hessen, 64283, Germany
On October 30, 2025, the Darmstadtium will become the meeting point for start-up enthusiasts, investors, and innovation lovers. At INNODAY25 – Start-up & Innovation Day, entrepreneurial spirit meets scientific excellence. Together with the innovation and start-up center HIGHEST, TU Darmstadt will bring together more than 100 start-ups, deep-tech teams, and stakeholders from science, business, and politics.
Under the motto “Innovation Pulse RheinMain”, the event will highlight the strategic importance of the region for Europe’s innovative strength. It will demonstrate how closely scientific excellence, entrepreneurial drive, and capital must interact to create the technologies of tomorrow.
Program Highlights

Keynote by Dr. Mariana Bozesan, Co-Founder of AQAL Capital, on the interplay of science, entrepreneurship, and investment as drivers of societal progress.

Final of the TU Idea Competition, showcasing groundbreaking start-up ideas and inventions from students and researchers.

Hands-on workshops, compact start-up pitches, and the HIGHEST Live Podcast.

Closing keynote by Dr. Jacob Beautemps (Breaking Lab), science journalist and YouTuber, offering a forward-looking perspective on technological trends already shaping tomorrow’s world.

Co-Founder Wanted 7.0 | Frankfurt School x Technical Universities
2025-11-06 18:00 - 2025-11-07 16:30 | FS Entrepreneurship Centre, 4th Floor, Tower A Adickesallee 32-34, Frankfurt am Main, 60322
The 7th Edition of the Co-founder wanted event by Frankfurt School Entrepreneurship Centre!
This event is your opportunity to find your perfect match. Are you looking for a business mind to join your team? Or are you in search of a talented coder to develop the back-end for an App? This event is for you!

Date: 6 – 7 November 2025
Location: Entrepreneurship Centre, Frankfurt School
Agenda: two days event
November 6th:
18:00 – open end
x Idea pitching (1min. Open Microphone to anyone).
x Getting to know each other over light food and beer
x Voting for top ideas
x Picking the teams

November 7th:
9:00 – 16:30
x Executive presentation
x Teambuilding Action
x Coaching sessions
x Workphase
x Reflection
x Pitch Final and Winner

More information about all partner universities will be provided soon!

Networking x ideas matching x drinks!
Questions left? Entrepreneurship@fs.de

foundersXchange Xmas Edition
2025-12-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Café 221qm, Alexanderstraße 2, Darmstadt, 64293, Germany
Every year again! 🎄
It has almost become a cherished tradition that the Xmas Edition of foundersXchange Darmstadt is all about Start-up F:CK UPS! Founders talk openly about their biggest missteps on their startup journey, their craziest decisions, and most expensive lessons—and why exactly these moments have helped them move forward.
Also included: drinks, Christmas snacks, and cheerful networking. 🧑‍🎄
📅 When: 1. December 2025
📍 Where: Café 221qm, Alexanderstr. 2, Darmstadt
⏰ Start: 5.00 p.m.
🎟️Free ticket: https://www.eventbrite.de/e/1906098685479
Come by and learn from the biggest mistakes of others before you make them yourself. 😉

foundersXchange is a joint event series organized by the HIGHEST Innovation and Start-up Center at TU Darmstadt, the ATHENE Digital Hub Cybersecurity start-up incubator, the Hessian Research Center for Artificial Intelligence hessian.AI, the Center for Satellite Navigation Hessen cesah, the HUB31 Technology and Start-up Center, and YUBIZZ, the start-up initiative of h_da.
We are all here to provide you and your idea with the best possible support. 🚀

AI@HPI Conference | meet hessian.AISC
2025-12-02 - 2025-12-04 | Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH, Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3, Potsdam, 14482, Germany
The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) is bringing together international expertise from December 2–4, 2025, to help shape Europe’s technological independence in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
On December 2 and 3, the AI@HPI Conference 2025 will focus on the theme “Shaping AI Sovereignty,” highlighting questions around infrastructure, regulation, and responsible innovation. Expected speakers include Federal Minister for Digital Affairs Dr. Karsten Wildberger, EU Parliament member Dr. Christian Ehler, Jonas Andrulis (Aleph Alpha), and many other speakers.On December 3 and 4, as part of the AI@HPI Conference 2025, the Conference of the German AI Service Centers (KonKIS) will take place. This event will present and discuss current project results and practical support offerings for academia, public administration, and businesses.
Why participate?

Three days of keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking, all centered on sovereign, value-driven AI
Exchange with leading representatives from academia, industry, and politics
Practice-oriented deep-dive sessions on data infrastructure, machine learning, and responsible AI

Tickets & Registration
Participation packages are available starting at €190 (ticket for December 2 & 3 or December 3 & 4) or €300 (ticket for all three days). Places are limited—secure your ticket now!

AI in Cinema: Between Science and Storytelling
2026-01-20 18:00 - 21:30 | programmkino rex, Wilhelminenstraße 9, Darmstadt, Hesse, 64283, Germany
Before new technologies transform our world, they often appear first in fiction. Films allow us to imagine futures, test ideas and ask questions long before real systems exist. The new film series “AI in Cinema – Between Fiction and Research” at Programmkino Rex in Darmstadt invites us to look at artificial intelligence through this cultural lens.
Across six screenings, the series pairs iconic science-fiction films with current scientific perspectives. How do these films shape our expectations of intelligent machines? What fears do they reflect? And where does the research actually stand today?

A Space for Shared Understanding
Every third Tuesday of the month at 6 PM, the Rex will show a film in which AI plays a central role.
After each screening, a 30-minute discussion will follow. Researchers from fields such as computer science, psychology and cultural studies will offer insights into how plausible the film’s depiction of AI is, what ethical questions are raised and how these ideas resonate with current technological developments. Audience participation is encouraged.

Program
20 January – Blade Runner (1982)
Discussion with Ben Lohmann (Computer Science, Large Language Models)
17 February – Minority Report (2002)
Discussion with Tobias Kehl (Project Lead, AI Startup Rising)
17 March – Ex Machina (2014)
Discussion with Karin Gessler (Literature and Film Studies)
21 April – Mars Express (2023)
Discussion with Dr. Severine Rupp (Quantum Chemistry, hessian.AI)
This series is organized in cooperation with hessian.AI and the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Darmstadt.
Together, we aim to encourage open dialogue between science, industry and the public – accessible, thoughtful and grounded in real-world questions.
More info: KI im Kino – Zwischen Fiktion und Forschung – programmkino rex

CTO meets Researcher – where research meets technology
2026-01-22 16:30 - 19:00
How do innovations happen? When researchers and tech leaders connect.CTO meets Researcher brings together CTOs, startups, and AI researchers from the AI Startup Rising and hessian.AI ecosystems to share insights, research developments, and technical challenges.
A short startup talk kicks things off, followed by open discussions and networking. The format adapts flexibly to the group size – ensuring the focus remains on meaningful exchange and new connections.
The goals:

Foster collaboration between industry and academia
Create synergies between industry and science
Explore challenges and opportunities in AI
Strengthen the network between startups and researchers

👉 If you’re interested in participating, please contact aisr@hessian.ai via email.

AI changes everything: humans, machines, ethics
2026-02-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt, Römerberg 9, Frankfurt am Main, 60311, Germany
An event organized by the Protestant Academy Frankfurt in cooperation with hessian.AI

Lecture and discussion
Language models such as ChatGPT, learning AI systems, and highly developed robots make many things seem possible today. However, less attention is paid to the fact that the AI boom raises fundamental questions about our view of humanity and the interaction between humans and machines: How does artificial intelligence expand our scope of action? What responsibility do we bear when we develop and apply technologies in this area? These questions are particularly relevant in Hesse, where both AI research projects and companies that use or promote AI are flourishing. Some even refer to it as the “Silicon Valley of Europe.” In our event, we will contrast this promising view with perspectives from the philosophy of technology and ethics. Researchers from the “hessian.AI” network will provide insights into the current state of AI research, and a regional start-up will present specific fields of application. Together, we will engage in an open and critical discussion about the debates that should accompany technological innovations in our region.
Register here (Link: KI verändert alles: Mensch, Maschine, Ethik – Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt)

Further event on this topic on February 16, 2026:
(Link: KI und die Zukunft der Arbeitswelt – Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt)

foundersXchange: „Funding: Founders just wanna have Funds“
2026-02-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Frauenhofer SIT, Rheinstraße 75, Darmstadt, Hesse, 64295, Germany
Don’t miss the first edition of foundersXchange in 2026 on the topic of ‘Funding: Founders just wanna have funds’.
💡 What to expect:
🔹 An overview of the funding jungle & presentation of various funding programmes from the foundersXchange network (including EXIST and StartUpSecure)
🔹 Open mic session for your ideas and questions
🔹 Exchange with other start-up enthusiasts and experts on the topic of funding
📅 When? 4 February 2026 from 5 p.m.
📍 Where? Fraunhofer SIT, Rheinstraße 75, 64295 Darmstadt
👉 Registration: https://www.athene-center.de/aktuelles/veranstaltungen/foundersxchange-februar-2026-1910
Join us and find the right support for your start-up idea 🙌
foundersXchange is organised by HIGHEST, ATHENE Digital Hub Cybersecurity, hessian.AI, HUB31 – Technology and Start-up Centre Darmstadt, cesah GmbH Centre for Satellite Navigation Hesse and YUBIZZ! – Start-up Initiative of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences – working together for a strong start-up ecosystem in Darmstadt.
Thanks to StartHub Hessen for their support!

Opening: AI-Worlding – Artistic Research on AI-Generated World Models
2026-02-12 19:00 - 2026-04-26 18:00 | Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Schaumainkai 17, Frankfurt am Main, Hessen, 60594, Germany
A collaboration between Museum Angewandte Kunst and saasfeepavillon
Press conference: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 11 a.m.
Opening at Museum Angewandte Kunst: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 7 p.m.
**Opening at saasfeepavillon:** Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7 p.m.

Grafik/Graphic: Farzam Mehdizadeh

Generative AI systems have become deeply embedded in our everyday lives and increasingly shape how we perceive society, the world, and ourselves. Generated images, texts, or videos create new worlds—based on selective data, often non-representative perspectives, and economic interests. Worlding refers to the ongoing performative process through which worlds and worldviews are produced. It is therefore never complete and always subject to negotiation. Art, in particular, offers a means to simulate and critically reflect on new worldings.
This continuous process of worlding—particularly through AI technologies—is at the heart of the thematic group exhibition jointly developed by the Museum Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt and saasfee*pavillon. An interdisciplinary team from the HfG Offenbach University of Art and Design, led by Alex Oppermann (Professor of Electronic Media), Mattis Kuhn and Leon-Etienne Kühr (Heads of the AI Lab), and Natalie Wilke (Department of Electronic Media), collaborates with students to interweave artistic research and societal reflection in this project.
The focus lies on artistic experimentation as a tool of inquiry—both to make the boundaries of supposedly limitless generative models tangible and to explore the evolving relationship between artists and AI systems. When are they merely tools, when co-creators, and when does their agency become a determining factor in social and artistic processes? How do AI systems influence worldings, and conversely, can worldings transform our interaction with these systems?
The exhibition presents a wide range of contemporary artistic positions created specifically for this context at the Museum Angewandte Kunst: performances, generated images and texts, paintings, video works, immersive environments, as well as interactive sound and spatial installations.
Participating artists:
allapopp, Anton Andrienko, Elisa Deutloff, Egor Dmitriev, Xiangyu Fu, Chelsea Hartmann, Marlon Hesse, Ava Leandra Kleber, Mattis Kuhn, Leon-Etienne Kühr, Max Kreis, Seongsin Lee, Ting-Chun Liu, June Pauli, saasfee* (Alex Oppermann & Al Dhanab), Evgeny Tverdokhlebov, and Natalie Wilke.
The exhibition is supported by the Connectom Networking and Innovation Fund of hessian.AI & saasfee*pavillon.
The solo exhibition when body is not enough by allapopp at saasfee*pavillon opens on February 19 at 7 p.m. with the live performance how to bury your digital twin at 8 p.m. The exhibition will also be on view there until April 26.

AI and the future of the world of work Job security, meaning, participation
2026-02-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt, Römerberg 9, Frankfurt am Main, 60311, Germany
An event organized by the Protestant Academy Frankfurt in cooperation with hessian.AI

Lecture and discussion
Artificial intelligence is changing the world of work. Lufthansa alone is cutting around 4,000 jobs to be replaced by AI systems. Will entire professions soon disappear? Will new jobs also be created? And how can politics, business and society shape the transformation in such a way that work continues to provide security, meaning and participation in the future? As an important AI location, Hessen plays a central role here. At this event, researchers from the “hessian.AI” network will provide an insight into the current state of research, a startup will give a live presentation of possible applications of AI and, together with guests from business, trade unions and politics, we will discuss the question of how the use of AI will shape the future of the labor market.
Register here (Link: KI und die Zukunft der Arbeitswelt – Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt)

Further event on this topic on February 02, 2026:
(Link: KI verändert alles: Mensch, Maschine, Ethik – Evangelische Akademie Frankfurt)

AI in Cinema: Between Science and Storytelling
2026-02-17 18:00 - 21:30 | programmkino rex, Wilhelminenstraße 9, Darmstadt, Hesse, 64283, Germany
Before new technologies transform our world, they often appear first in fiction. Films allow us to imagine futures, test ideas and ask questions long before real systems exist. The new film series “AI in Cinema – Between Fiction and Research” at Programmkino Rex in Darmstadt invites us to look at artificial intelligence through this cultural lens.
Across six screenings, the series pairs iconic science-fiction films with current scientific perspectives. How do these films shape our expectations of intelligent machines? What fears do they reflect? And where does the research actually stand today?

A Space for Shared Understanding
Every third Tuesday of the month at 6 PM, the Rex will show a film in which AI plays a central role.
After each screening, a 30-minute discussion will follow. Researchers from fields such as computer science, psychology and cultural studies will offer insights into how plausible the film’s depiction of AI is, what ethical questions are raised and how these ideas resonate with current technological developments. Audience participation is encouraged.

Program
17 February – Minority Report (2002)
Discussion with Tobias Kehl (Project Lead, AI Startup Rising)
17 March – Ex Machina (2014)
Discussion with Karin Gessler (Literature and Film Studies)
21 April – Mars Express (2023)
Discussion with Dr. Severine Rupp (Quantum Chemistry, hessian.AI)
This series is organized in cooperation with hessian.AI and the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Darmstadt.
Together, we aim to encourage open dialogue between science, industry and the public – accessible, thoughtful and grounded in real-world questions.
More info: KI im Kino – Zwischen Fiktion und Forschung – programmkino rex

AI in Cinema: Between Science and Storytelling
2026-03-17 18:00 - 21:30 | programmkino rex, Wilhelminenstraße 9, Darmstadt, Hesse, 64283, Germany
Before new technologies transform our world, they often appear first in fiction. Films allow us to imagine futures, test ideas and ask questions long before real systems exist. The new film series “AI in Cinema – Between Fiction and Research” at Programmkino Rex in Darmstadt invites us to look at artificial intelligence through this cultural lens.
Across six screenings, the series pairs iconic science-fiction films with current scientific perspectives. How do these films shape our expectations of intelligent machines? What fears do they reflect? And where does the research actually stand today?

A Space for Shared Understanding
Every third Tuesday of the month at 6 PM, the Rex will show a film in which AI plays a central role.
After each screening, a 30-minute discussion will follow. Researchers from fields such as computer science, psychology and cultural studies will offer insights into how plausible the film’s depiction of AI is, what ethical questions are raised and how these ideas resonate with current technological developments. Audience participation is encouraged.

Program
17 March – Ex Machina (2014)
Discussion with Karin Gessler (Literature and Film Studies)
21 April – Mars Express (2023)
Discussion with Dr. Severine Rupp (Quantum Chemistry, hessian.AI)
This series is organized in cooperation with hessian.AI and the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Darmstadt.
Together, we aim to encourage open dialogue between science, industry and the public – accessible, thoughtful and grounded in real-world questions.
More info: KI im Kino – Zwischen Fiktion und Forschung – programmkino rex

“Does AI make us immortal?” – Improvisational theater with artificial intelligence
2026-03-19 20:00
How does artificial intelligence transform our understanding of life, aging, and death?
On March 19, 2026, Kultur einer Digitalstadt e.V. and the AI Theatre in das Theater Moller Haus Darmstadt invite you to Theater Moller Haus Darmstadt for an extraordinary improvisational performance featuring a human cast – and an AI as a stage partner.
The event is part of the series “So ein Theater um die Daten” (“Such a Drama about Data”), continuing the successful art and discourse project “The Poetry of Data.” After the performance, director Stefan Kollmeier, curator Dr. Roland Lentz, the actors of the AI Theatre, and invited experts – including Prof. Dr. Paul Rainey (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology), Dr. Angela Rascher (AGAPLESION Institute for Theology – Diakonie – Ethics), and Dr. Patrick Schramowski (DFKI, Hessian.AI) – will join the audience for an open discussion about the evening’s ideas, questions, and visions.
Photo: Kultur einer Digitalstadt e.V.

digital future dialogue 2026 – AI and the Future of Work
2026-03-25 16:30 - 20:00 | House of Science and Transfer, Hungener Straße 6, 60389, Frankfurt am Main
The event – Exciting presentations and space for networking:
Digital transformation is advancing rapidly – and artificial intelligence is at the heart of a profound change in the world of work. AI technologies open up enormous opportunities to make work processes more efficient, develop new business models, and support employees in complex tasks. At the same time, they pose key questions for companies: How does AI change existing roles and skills? What new requirements are emerging for employees – and how can companies shape change responsibly? What are the best practices for the meaningful and strategic use of AI in everyday work? And which technologies will shape the labor market of tomorrow?

Register now to discuss these and many other exciting questions with us at the “digital future dialogue 2026 | AI and the Future of Work”.

Ad Astra Summit 2026
2026-03-26 09:30 - 18:00 | ESOC, Darmstadt, Robert-Bosch-Straße 5, Darmstadt, Hessen, 64293
On Thursday, 26 March 2026, the Ad Astra Summit 2026 will take place at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt. Organised by the Centrum für Satellitennavigation Hessen (CESAH), the event provides a key platform for technologies and innovations from and for the space sector.

The Ad Astra Summit is much more than a traditional conference featuring presentations and panel discussions. Thanks to the use of silent headphones, three stages can run in parallel, allowing participants to choose at any time from a diverse programme tailored to different target groups. In addition to expert talks, visitors can also look forward to product demonstrations, an accompanying innovation exhibition featuring start-ups from the ESA Business Incubation Centre programme, as well as insights into the opportunities offered by technology transfer from the space sector for established companies.

In addition, the event offers numerous opportunities for exchange and networking with experts, start-ups, companies, as well as other stakeholders from industry, academia and politics. The Ad Astra Summit is therefore an important meeting place for everyone who wants to learn about current developments, make new contacts, and gain fresh inspiration at the intersection of space, technology and business.

foundersXchange April 2026 | Mentoring Matters - Benefit from experience
2026-04-01 17:00 - 20:00 | HUB31, Hilpertstraße 31, Darmstadt, 64295, Germany
The new edition of the foundersXchange starts with Mentoring Matters – Benefiting from experience and focuses on a topic that is crucial for start-ups and founders: #mentoring.

💡 Whether at the beginning or already growing: #experience, honest #feedback and the right #exchange can make the difference in every phase of a company. This is exactly where we come in. As part of the fXc, we will show why mentoring is a key #success factor for founders, how we actively support them – and what diverse opportunities arise for you through strong partners from Darmstadt.

A particular highlight of the event is the practical input from Philo Boras (founder of Aurora Life Science) and Martin Lacher (Managing Director of Lacher Großküchen GmbH). We have successfully networked both of them.
Together, they will report on how their mentoring relationship came about, how mentoring works in practice and what concrete added value has resulted for both sides – from personal development to entrepreneurial growth.

💡 The event is aimed at start-ups, founders and anyone who wants to find out how mentoring can succeed, is currently looking for a suitable mentor themselves and what benefits targeted networking and strong partnerships offer.

You want more?
🎙️ As always, the open mic session gives you the opportunity to briefly present your ideas and questions and get support from the network! If possible, please register in advance via e-mail.
Experience an inspiring evening full of exchange and register now for the foundersXchange. We look forward to seeing you!

⏰ When? April 1, 2026, from 5:00 pm
🚩 Where? HUB31 – Technology and Start-up Center Darmstadt
👉 Register now! https://lnkd.in/eu99CdTD

The foundersXchange is a joint event series by: ATHENE Digital Hub Cybersecurity, cesah GmbH Centrum für Satellitennavigation Hessen, hessian.AI, HIGHEST – Innovations- und Gründungszentrum der TU Darmstadt, YUBIZZ! – start-up initiative of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences! and HUB31 – Technology and Start-up Center Darmstadt

We would like to thank StartHub Hessen for their continuous support of the foundersXchange!

#fxc #Mentoring #Founding #Startup #Darmstadt #Hesse

🏁 Sprint Day at PyConDE & PyData Darmstadt 2026
2026-04-13 08:30 - 18:00 | hessian.AI, Landwehrstraße 50A, Darmstadt, Hessen, 64293, Germany
📅 Monday, 13 April 2026, 08:30-18:00 📍 hessian.AI, Landwehrstrasse 50a, 64293 Darmstadt
Join us for a full day of open-source hacking, learning, and collaboration! The sprints take place Monday, April 13th, 2026 — the day before PyCon DE & PyData 2026 kicks off. The sprints team provides lunch and Coffee/Mate/Diet-Coke— you bring the energy, ideas, and code. Whether you’re maintaining a major library or making your first contribution, there’s something for everyone.

💡 What Are Sprints?
Sprints are informal coding sessions (think: mini hackathons) where people gather to work on open-source projects, share ideas, and solve problems together. For maintainers, it’s a chance to onboard new contributors and tackle long-standing issues. For participants, it’s a low-barrier way to dive into real projects and see your work make an impact right away.

Make your first open-source contribution
Get help from project maintainers directly
Push forward features, fix bugs, or improve documentation
Meet other contributors and collaborators in-person

Schedule

08:30 – 09:00 – Doors open
09:00 – 09:30 – Opening session: Project lightning intros
09:30 – 12:30 – Sprint time
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch break
13:30 – 17:30 – Sprint time
17:30 – 18:00 – Closing session: Demos and reflections

How to Attend
Everyone who wants to participate in the sprints – whether as a contributor or a project lead — needs a sprint ticket.

Ticket sales open: Monday, February 16th, 2026
Cost: €5
Capacity: Limited seats, first-come-first-served

Propose a Sprint Project
Want to lead a sprint? Awesome! We’re looking for open-source projects of all sizes and experience levels.
Note: Project leads also need to register as attendees (see above).
​➡️ Submit Your Sprint Project
Submission deadline: 6th, April, 2026
Accepted projects will be announced on a rolling basis — no need to wait until the deadline to find out! Submit early, and we’ll review and publish your project as soon as possible.
What Makes a Good Sprint Project?
Not sure if your project is a good fit? Here’s what works well:

Has open issues labeled for newcomers (e.g., good first issue, help wanted)
Clear onboarding — A README and CONTRIBUTING.md help participants get started quickly
A sprint lead present — You (or a co-maintainer) should be there to guide contributors
Welcoming to all skill levels — Even if your project is advanced, having a few beginner tasks helps

What Will You Be Asked?
When submitting, we’ll ask for:

Project name & repository link
Brief description
What contributors will work on during the sprint
Skill level(s) welcome (beginner / intermediate / advanced)
Prerequisites (if any)
Your contact info

⚠️ Depending on the number of submissions, the organizing team may limit projects based on capacity. Accepted projects will be listed below.

FAQ
Do I need to choose a project when I register?
No! You don’t need to decide beforehand. During the Opening Session, all projects will introduce themselves, and you can choose which one to join based on your interests and skill level.
You’re also free to switch projects during the day—maybe you want to try something new after lunch, or help out where there’s extra need. Flexibility is part of the fun!
Do I need a sprint ticket if I already have a PyConDE ticket?
Yes, the sprints require a separate registration. Your PyConDE conference ticket does not include sprint access. Sprint tickets are €5 and capacity is limited.
I’m new to open source—is this for me?
Absolutely! Many projects welcome first-time contributors. Look for projects marked “Beginner-friendly” in the project list. Sprint leads are there to help you get started.
What should I bring?

Your laptop (fully charged)
Charger
Your development environment ready (check project READMEs beforehand)
Curiosity and good vibes!

Do I need to stay the whole day?
No, but we encourage you to join the Opening Session (09:00) to find a project, and the Closing Session (17:30) to celebrate everyone’s contributions.

Questions?
Contact us at sprints AT pycon DOT de
The Sprints are proudly supported by our Community Partner

AI in Cinema: Between Science and Storytelling
2026-04-21 18:00 - 21:30 | programmkino rex, Wilhelminenstraße 9, Darmstadt, Hesse, 64283, Germany
Before new technologies transform our world, they often appear first in fiction. Films allow us to imagine futures, test ideas and ask questions long before real systems exist. The new film series “AI in Cinema – Between Fiction and Research” at Programmkino Rex in Darmstadt invites us to look at artificial intelligence through this cultural lens.
Across six screenings, the series pairs iconic science-fiction films with current scientific perspectives. How do these films shape our expectations of intelligent machines? What fears do they reflect? And where does the research actually stand today?

A Space for Shared Understanding
Every third Tuesday of the month at 6 PM, the Rex will show a film in which AI plays a central role.
After each screening, a 30-minute discussion will follow. Researchers from fields such as computer science, psychology and cultural studies will offer insights into how plausible the film’s depiction of AI is, what ethical questions are raised and how these ideas resonate with current technological developments. Audience participation is encouraged.

Program
21 April – Mars Express (2023)
Discussion with Dr. Severine Rupp (Quantum Chemistry, hessian.AI)
This series is organized in cooperation with hessian.AI and the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Darmstadt.
Together, we aim to encourage open dialogue between science, industry and the public – accessible, thoughtful and grounded in real-world questions.
More info: KI im Kino – Zwischen Fiktion und Forschung – programmkino rex

Insights into the wondrous world of AI & start-ups
2026-04-23 09:00 - 15:00 | hessian.AI, Landwehrstraße 50A, Darmstadt, Hessen, 64293, Germany
Welcome to hessian.AI, the Hessian Center for Artificial Intelligence!
We are a research and innovation center with over 80 professors conducting research on a wide range of topics related to artificial intelligence. But research should not remain in an ivory tower. We bring AI into application and society and accompany ideas from the initial vision to founding and market readiness.
At this year’s Girls’ Day, we will be focusing on the following topics:

Exciting insights into the world of AI
Creative idea development
How an idea becomes a start-up
Inspiration and courage for new ideas

Together with KI macht Schule, we will discover why AI is such an exciting field of science and technology. You will learn what AI actually is, how an AI system works, and how it can be classified technically and socially.
Then you will get active yourself: you will develop your own ideas for AI solutions and present them. You will also meet a female founder from the field of “AI & education” who will tell you how she implemented her idea and turned it into a successful start-up. Of course, you can also ask any questions you may have.

We look forward to seeing you!

This offer is barrier-free.
If you need assistance, please contact us in advance. If you have any further questions, please call us or send us an email. We can then plan your visit together.

Important note regarding registration
You must be at least 13 years old to participate in this offer.

Registration
You can register for this offer online – please use the “Sign Up”-Button.
Please note: You will receive a final confirmation for your participation. There is no participation without signing up in advance.

Industry Challenge: AI Serving Waste-to-Energy Operations
2026-05-21 09:30 - 2026-05-22 16:00
Join us for a 24+ hour hackathon featuring challenges from Wasteer:
📅 Date & Time: Thursday & Friday, 21-22 May 2026, 09:30-16:00
💡 The Industry Challenge 2026 (Applications Closed)
Ready to make waste-to-energy operations smarter, more data-driven, and greener?
This is exactly what our industry partner, Wasteer, aims for. In 2026, efficient waste incineration is more than just burning waste.
During this hackathon, teams will work with real industrial data to optimise the storage, mixing, and preparation of waste for incineration. Participants will tackle one of the most critical aspects of modern waste-to-energy systems: intelligent waste bunker management to maintain stable operations, maximise energy yield, and comply with regulations.
What to expect

50 selected participants working in teams
Hands-on experience with real-world industrial data
A unique opportunity to combine creativity, data science, and industrial expertise
An exciting challenges with attractive prizes

What to bring

Your laptop (fully charged)
Charger
Curiosity and good vibes!
if needed: Lilo & Sleeping Bag

Schedule
Day 1

📍Welcoming Session: Lecture Hall @ TU Darmstadt
📍Coding Sessions: In cooperation with hessian.AI

09:30 – 10:00 – Doors open & Registration
10:00 – 11:00 – Welcoming session & Challenge Introduction
11:15 – 12:30 – Coding Session
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch break
13:30 – 18:30 – Coding Session
Open Consultation Hour with the Wasteer Team
18:30 – 20:30 – Dinner Break & Networking
20:30 – late – Late-Night Coding Session

Day 2
📍Coding Sessions: In cooperation with hessian.AI
📍Final Pitches & Closing Session: Lecture Hall @ TU Darmstadt

08:30 – 9:30 – Breakfast
9:30 – 13:00 – Coding Session – Finalise your solution
Open Consultation Hour with the Wasteer Team
13:00 Deadline to Submit the Project Presentation
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch break
14:00 – 15:30 Final Pitches & Jury Decision
15:30 -16:00 Award Ceremony & Closing Session

Timeline

Applications opens: Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Applications close: Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Participants notified: Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
The Industry Challenge is on: Thursday-Friday, May 21st-22nd 2026

♻️Special Goodie: Visit a waste plant on Wednesday, May 20th. There will be a lucky draw from all participants
FAQ
Is participation free?
Yes, participation is free of charge.
Who can participate?
Students and anyone interested in solving the challenge are welcome to participate.
What language will the hackathon be held in?
The jury presentations will be held in English. German- and English-speaking mentors will be available throughout the event to support you.
How do I apply?
You can apply by clicking the “Apply here” button, registering via Luma, and completing the application form.
What are the requirements to apply?
There are no formal requirements. However, we will ask about your previous experience and skills in order to form balanced and well-matched teams.
Do I need a team when I apply?
No, you do not need to have a team before the event. Participants will be assigned to teams, and we will ensure a balanced distribution of skills for each challenge team.
Will food and drinks be provided?
Yes, food, snacks, and drinks will be provided throughout the event.
Do I need to stay overnight?
No, staying overnight is not required. If you live nearby, you are welcome to go home and return the next day.
Questions?
Feel free to reach out to
dscdarmstadt AT gmail DOT com
severine DOT rupp AT hessian DOT ai

foundersXchange: VR/AR technologies, real-world startup paths
2026-06-03 17:00 - 20:00 | Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Schöfferstraße 3, Darmstadt, 64295
The next foundersXchange is coming up—this time at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences!
On June 3, the focus will be on the opportunities that virtual and augmented reality technologies offer for startups. There will be keynote presentations from both an academic perspective and based on startup experience:
Prof. Philip Hausmeier, coordinator of the “Augmented and Virtual Reality Design” bachelor’s program at h_da
Professor of Experience and Narrative Design in Expanded Realities, co-founder of the international online platform for artistic VR experiences “Radiance VR,” and founder and co-organizer of “VRBLN” (VR Berlin).
MountEverQuest: Niklas Meisch, Philipp Petry, and Tobias Schaffer, startup team at h_da
Using virtual reality, the team transforms climbing gyms into immersive adventure worlds. Their scalable software enhances any climbing wall with interactive game and training modes for beginners and professionals alike.
Iman Nikkhahazad, XR engineer and developer
Thanks to his experience in research and industrial projects, he is committed to making 3D technologies accessible, scalable, and effective. He is currently further developing his startup idea by combining 3D scanning and augmented reality technologies.
As usual, there will be an open-mic session at the end where you can share your ideas and suggestions or get feedback from the audience.
See you on:
🗓️ Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
📍 Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Foyer C23 (Student Union), Schöfferstraße 3, 64295 Darmstadt
👉 Registration: https://anny.co/de-formal/book/foundersxchangeh-da?preview_token=qCj43JYUQVaiC8aCyyPhCLdm3D3OcB&step=period
We look forward to seeing you there!
