hessian.AI with Daidream and “KI macht Schule” at the AI Citizens’ Tour of the Hessian Ministry of Digital Affairs in Bensheim
“KI macht Zukunft” – Hesse talks about artificial intelligence
On June 28, 2025, the German PR Award-winning citizens’ tour “KI macht Zukunft – Hessen spricht über Künstliche Intelligenz” (AI makes the future – Hesse talks about artificial intelligence) made a stop at Beauner Platz in Bensheim. The event, initiated by the Hessian Ministry for Digitalization and Innovation under the direction of Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus, impressively demonstrated how great public interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is – and how important open dialogue about the opportunities, applications and challenges of this key technology remains.
AI for education and administration
hessian.AI presented KI macht Schule and the EdTech startup Daidream on site. Daidream was part of the highly selective accelerator Ignition (AI Startup Rising) and the partner project KI macht Schule clearly demonstrated how AI is already enriching the everyday lives of many people and how innovations from Hessen are being brought into society.
Daidream: AI-supported creativity for children with Mello
Daidream – represented by Frankfurt based CEO Nevio Buric – presented the interactive platform Mello. Mello stands for a new way of digital learning and playing: children are motivated to create and experience stories themselves through emotionally intelligent AI, creative story worlds and interactive elements. The aim is to transform screen time into an enriching, creative and educational experience. The platform provides a marketplace where children and creatives can share and discover AI-powered content – an innovative approach to promoting digital education and healthy media use.
KI macht Schule: AI expertise directly into the classroom
With the “KI macht Schule” transfer project, Leon Panfil and Sebastian Onasch’s team are bringing AI expertise directly into schools. The project provides teachers with practical training and supports them in integrating AI topics into lessons in a way that is understandable and relevant to everyday life. This gets pupils interested in AI at an early stage and prepares them for the demands of the digital future. At the same time, the project promotes cooperation between schools, universities and industry and thus contributes to the sustainable strengthening of digital education in Hesse.
WIANCO OTT Robotics: EMMA – AI in use for administration
Another highlight was the presentation by WIANCO OTT Robotics GmbH, another alumnus of the AI Startup Rising accelerator program. Co-founder Michael Wilczynska – unmistakably wearing an Ironman helmet – presented the cognitive AI platform EMMA. EMMA is already in use in Hessian authorities, where it supports employees in automating processes. The platform is characterized by intuitive no-code automation, auditable results and cognitive capabilities that enable it to operate programs and websites independently and make decisions. EMMA thus makes an important contribution to increasing efficiency and digitalization in public administration.
Science communication with Willi Weitzel
A special highlight of the event was once again the moderation by Willi Weitzel, known from “Willi wills wissen”. With his usual inquisitive, humorous and accessible manner, he and Digital Minister Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus succeeded in making complex AI topics understandable for all age groups and promoting dialog between research, society and everyday life. As a science communicator and TV presenter, Weitzel is known for conveying even challenging content in a child-friendly and exciting way – a real asset for the series of events, which will enter into dialog with citizens at various locations in Hesse.
Dialog, participation and experimentation
The AI citizens’ tour offered a varied, interactive program: from practical examples such as robotics in care, AI-supported diagnostics and road condition monitoring to hands-on stations such as an AI quiz. The aim of the tour is to break down reservations, highlight the opportunities and benefits of AI for everyday life and strengthen digital skills across society.
