Startplatz
Accelerator and hub
A startup hub with locations in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
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AI & Deep Tech in Cologne
Cologne offers a practical starting point at the intersection of insurers, technology companies and research. InsurLab Germany describes itself as the de:hub competence center for InsurTech and lists AI as a focus. A company team can explore how new models fit into claims, risk or service workflows, and which data, reviews and handoffs still need human oversight.
At a glance
The AI Safari in Cologne explores AI in insurance and applied innovation through InsurLab Germany, Use cases for insurance and AI and Research and entrepreneurship in the Rhineland. Designed for CTOs and R&D leaders and Board members and strategy teams.
Local perspective
AI in insurance and applied innovation
Cologne offers a practical starting point at the intersection of insurers, technology companies and research. InsurLab Germany describes itself as the de:hub competence center for InsurTech and lists AI as a focus. A company team can explore how new models fit into claims, risk or service workflows, and which data, reviews and handoffs still need human oversight.
Questions to take into the conversation
- Which steps in a process are suitable for AI support, and where is human review needed?
- What data quality and system integrations are needed before an insurance claim can be processed automatically?
- How will the team know whether the pilot actually helps employees and customers?
Local examples and perspectives
- InsurLab Germany (topic and conversation starter)
- Use cases for insurance and AI
- Research and entrepreneurship 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
InsurLab Germany
InsurTech hub
The federal de:hub for InsurTech, connecting insurers, startups and research, with AI among its focus areas.
Digital Hub Cologne
Digital hub
A city-funded initiative connecting corporates and startups.
Companies in the local ecosystem
DeepL
AI / machine learning
AI-based translation products developed by a company founded in Cologne.
1NCE
IoT
Global IoT connectivity at a flat rate.
Vytal
CleanTech
Digital reusable packaging system.
Buynomics
AI pricing
AI platform for pricing and commercial decision-making.
Eyeo
AdTech
Developer of Adblock Plus.
“At last, AI use cases that work. No hype, just real applications in production. We identified three concrete pilots.”
“Cologne's InsurTech scene is surprisingly deep. The exchange at InsurLab was on equal footing and extremely valuable for our own digital strategy.”
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