RWTH Innovation
University technology transfer
Idea generation programme (4 times a year, 10 teams), incubation programme (twice a year, 12 deep-tech teams), and 6 expert hubs.
Explore a city
AI & Deep Tech in Aachen
In Aachen, AI connects with technical product development. The digitalHUB Aachen startup center describes incubator programs for digital product innovation and access to scientific and technical resources in the Rhineland. The central question for visitors is how research becomes a testable product and, later, a component that can be integrated into operations.
At a glance
The AI Safari in Aachen explores AI, robotics and research transfer through digitalHUB Aachen, Research transfer and digital product development and Robotics and deep-tech applications in the Rhineland. Designed for CTOs and R&D leaders and Board members and strategy teams.
Local perspective
AI, robotics and research transfer
In Aachen, AI connects with technical product development. The digitalHUB Aachen startup center describes incubator programs for digital product innovation and access to scientific and technical resources in the Rhineland. The central question for visitors is how research becomes a testable product and, later, a component that can be integrated into operations.
Questions to take into the conversation
- Which assumption can a prototype test before a product team makes a larger investment?
- How can models, sensors and existing industrial processes work together?
- What role do research partners, data access and reliability play in moving research into application?
Local examples and perspectives
- digitalHUB Aachen (conversation starter; visit subject to availability)
- Research transfer and digital product development
- Robotics and deep-tech applications in the Rhineland
A sample day
09:30
AI in Germany and the AI Act
A briefing on the state of AI in Germany: what is hype, what is real, and what does the AI Act mean?
11:00
Inside the lab
Visit an AI startup and see its labeling stations, training clusters and live inference demos.
13:00
Lunch with machine-learning engineers
No sales presentation. Have lunch with the engineers and ask about their tech stack and recruiting.
15:00
Corporate AI deep dive
A workshop on how a large company works with AI startups, using real cases and lessons.
17:30
Networking and reflection
Dinner with founders and investors.
What your team can explore
- Which recurring task could be a good first AI test, and how would you measure improvement?
- What data, approvals and human review does the workflow need before it can be used day to day?
- Which process should move on from the workshop as an experiment, prototype or next implementation step?
- Which AI application can you test sensibly with your existing data, systems and skills?
A route shaped around your question
We select relevant organisations and conversations around the question your team brings. The final route depends on the topic, availability and the people who can contribute.
Plan a conversation →Ecosystem organisations
Collective Incubator
Makerspace
4,000+ sq m of space. Coworking, prototyping workshops, 3D printing, film and recording studios.
digitalHub Aachen
Innovation hub
250+ member organisations. Four-month incubator programme.
Companies in the local ecosystem
Cylib
CleanTech / circular economy
Battery recycling innovation developed as an RWTH spin-off.
CarboScreen
Industrial AI
AI monitoring for carbon-fiber production. High-tech manufacturing.
FloodWaive
Climate tech / AI
AI-powered flood forecasting. Spin-off Award 2024/25.
NAION.TECH
Deep tech / advanced materials
Smart filtration materials. Winner of the RWTH Innovation Award.
Userflix
SaaS / AI
AI platform for user research and testing.
“At last, AI use cases that work. No hype, just real applications in production. We identified three concrete pilots.”
“The safari gave us unique access to the RWTH ecosystem.”
About the topic
Questions about AI Safari
Which AI topics does the Safari cover?
From generative AI to computer vision and robotics. Typical topics include LLMs, predictive maintenance and autonomous systems.
Is this only for tech companies?
No. Most participants come from traditional industries such as manufacturing, logistics and financial services.
Which city is the best fit for my AI Safari?
Cologne for applied AI in insurance, Düsseldorf for enterprise AI and Aachen for deep-tech research. We also organize tours in other cities, including Berlin and Munich.
Explore with your team