Ipai: When you say AI, you say Heilbronn

AI harbors far-reaching upheavals in all areas of life. There is a lot of talk about opportunities and risks, with an open outcome. But one thing is clear: anyone who has the opportunity to develop technologies and applications is shaping part of our future. That is why the importance of the Innovation Parc Artificial Intelligence - Ipai for short - in the middle of Heilbronn for Baden-Württemberg and far beyond cannot be overestimated.

With Ipai, the European AI scene will find its home in Heilbronn. Creative laboratory, meeting place and research center - Ipai will be all of these things for the community in the future. The ambition is high: Heilbronn should be on a par with AI hotspots such as Silicon Valley and Shenzen in China in just a few years. A magnet for top international companies and a source of inspiration for companies and start-ups from the region. The campus should also be open to the public. As a cultural and leisure location where AI can be researched and experienced at first hand.

XXL Campus

Over 70 companies - including Audi, Porsche and the Schwarz Group - as well as numerous universities and research institutes such as the Fraunhofer Institute IAO, Heilbronn University and 42 Heilbronn University are already on board. A co-working space is already available to the Ipai partners. Another building is to be added to the Wohlgelegen site next year. And in 2026, the first buildings of the future Steinäcker AI Quarter - which will extend over 23 hectares in its final expansion stage and be the largest of its kind in Europe - will be completed.

42 Heilbronn as a midwife

The project was initiated by the Baden-Württemberg state government in 2020, which was looking for a location with creativity, a pioneering spirit and the will to implement a project of this scale. Heilbronn was awarded the contract in July 2021. Thomas Bornheim, CEO of 42 Heilbronn, has supported the project competition from minute one: “Our school hadn't even opened yet, so we were able to create momentum with formats such as the KI-Salon. Now the Ipai is at our AI festival - simply fantastic!” Of course, the students of 42 will also benefit in concrete terms, Thomas: “Anyone studying with us can cycle to the Ipai and take advantage of the opportunities offered by this unique AI platform on site.” The 42 could not have chosen Heilbronn better.