Artificial intelligence is transforming products, processes, and value creation. For companies, the question is therefore no longer just what potential AI offers, but how it can be implemented quickly and efficiently.

AI Innovation Day 2026 offers concrete insights into the work of the Augsburg AI Production Network. The program features keynote speeches, best practices from industry and research, breakout sessions, guided tours, and networking opportunities.

The event is aimed at a select group of participants from politics, industry, research, and networks. The focus is on in-depth discussions, concrete project experiences, and forging new connections among the stakeholders shaping the AI-based production of the future.

The Augsburg AI Production Network is a consortium comprising the University of Augsburg, Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, the Fraunhofer Institute for Foundry, Composite, and Processing Technology IGCV, and the Center for Lightweight Production Technology (ZLP) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Augsburg. Regional industry partners are also involved. The goal is to conduct joint research into AI-based production technologies at the intersection of materials, manufacturing technologies, data-driven modeling, and digital business models.

Artificial intelligence has long since become more than just a topic for the future. It is evolving into a decisive factor for competitiveness, resilience, and innovation. At the same time, many companies are finding that the transition from an idea or pilot project to a robust implementation remains a key challenge.

This is where AI Innovation Day comes in. The event demonstrates how AI can be brought into industrial application more quickly, what prerequisites are crucial for this, and how strong partnerships between academia, industry, networks, and policymakers can accelerate this transfer. At the same time, the event highlights the expertise, projects, and perspectives that the Augsburg region already brings together in this field today.

Topic 1 – Putting AI into Practice

Artificial intelligence offers enormous potential for production, processes, and new business models. The key question, however, is how technological possibilities can be transformed into concrete industrial applications. AI Innovation Day highlights the approaches, methods, and partnerships that are crucial for achieving this.

Topic 2 – Research & Industry

Innovations emerge where research, development, and industrial practice converge. The event highlights how companies and research partners in the Augsburg AI Production Network are jointly developing solutions and what concrete added value this generates for industrial applications.

Topic 3 – Guidance & Networking

The introduction of AI requires not only technological expertise but also strategic direction, suitable framework conditions, and strong networks. The AI Innovation Day brings together the relevant stakeholders and creates a space for exchange, new connections, and shared perspectives.

• What role do data, infrastructure, and skilled workers play?
• How can artificial intelligence move more quickly from research to industrial application?
• Which AI projects are already delivering tangible benefits to companies today?
• What conditions do companies need to ensure successful implementation?
• How can academia and industry collaborate more sustainably?
• How does the Augsburg AI Production Network strengthen the region as a hub for innovation?

Gain Perspective

Gain insights into the strategic, political, and technological framework for AI in manufacturing and industry.

Experience Real-World Applications

Learn about specific projects and best practices resulting from collaboration between industry and research.

Initiate Collaborations

Meet key contacts from politics, industry, academia, and professional networks.

AI Innovation Day is aimed specifically at:

• Policy makers
• Executive management
• Leaders in production, innovation, and digital transformation
• Representatives of technology providers
• Representatives of research institutions
• Stakeholders and partners of the Augsburg AI Production Network

To conclude AI Innovation Day, guided tours will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can choose from the “Halle 43” AI Experience Center at the University of Augsburg, a joint tour of the DLR ZLP in Augsburg and the Fraunhofer IGCV, and the Recycling Atelier Augsburg at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. Separate registration is required for the guided tours; each person may select only one tour.

“Halle 43,” the DLR ZLP in Augsburg, and the Fraunhofer IGCV are all within a few minutes’ walk of each other. A shuttle bus is available to the THA Recycling Atelier.

Security and Data Protection Notice for the DLR Tour

Additional security requirements apply to the joint tour of the DLR ZLP in Augsburg and the Fraunhofer IGCV. As part of the separate registration process, personal data will be collected and transmitted in advance to the DLR ZLP in Augsburg for security screening.

The information requested includes first name, last name, company or organization, email address, and nationality; for the DLR security check, the date of birth must also be provided. Data will only be transmitted after explicit consent is given on the registration form. The final privacy notice will be reviewed for compliance with data protection laws prior to publication.

Register for a guided tour

The Augsburg Technology Center is the main venue for AI Innovation Day 2026. This is where the opening ceremony, keynote speeches, professional discussions, and networking events will take place.

The DLR Center for Lightweight Production Technology (ZLP) in Augsburg, together with Fraunhofer IGCV, is part of the afternoon tour program. Special safety requirements apply to this tour, and separate registration is required.

The tour provides insights into research, production, and industrial implementation within the Augsburg AI Production Network.

In the "Halle 43" AI Experience Center, the University of Augsburg conducts research with partners from the AI Production Network and other companies using industrial-scale facilities spanning 5,300 m². During the guided tour, participants gain insights into current research and application topics at the University of Augsburg.

Used textiles are a valuable raw material. The “Recycling Atelier Augsburg”—the world’s first model factory for mechanical textile recycling—covers the entire textile value chain. During the tour, researchers from the AI Production Network at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences explain how high-quality textile recycling can help many industries solve their raw material challenges.

Participation in AI Innovation Day 2026 is free.

Register now

Space is limited for AI Innovation Day. For the guided tours on November 17, additional, separate registration via Microsoft Forms is required. Each person may select only one of the three guided tours.

Augsburg Technology Center
Am Technologiezentrum 5
86159 Augsburg

The Augsburg Technology Center is the main venue for AI Innovation Day 2026. This is where the opening ceremony, keynote speeches, technical discussions, and networking will take place.

There is ample parking available in the immediate vicinity.