State Graduate Center for Applied AI Nearing Establishment

New KIT location aims to advance the training of young researchers and accelerate the transfer of research results to industry
At the Intuitive Robots Lab, a young scientist works with VR glasses on a computer. Magali Hauser, KIT
The State Graduate Center connAIx promotes interdisciplinary exchange among early-career researchers and provides access to cutting-edge infrastructure.

The creation of the new Graduate Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence Baden-Württemberg, led by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is entering its final preparatory phase: In February, the participating universities plan to sign the founding agreement in the presence of State Minister for Science Petra Olschowski. The name of the institution has already been decided: “connAIx – Research School for Applied AI.” The term combines “connect” and “AI” and represents the close integration of research, application, and industry in the field of artificial intelligence.

“connAIx offers a robust foundation for early-career researchers and exchange with industry. Combining fundamental research with practical application is essential for responsibly transferring AI technologies into real-world practice,” says Professor Oliver Kraft, Vice President Academic Affairs at KIT. The goal is to strengthen the next generation of scientists and accelerate the transfer of research results into industry. 

The center is scheduled for completion in 2029 and aims to advance the training of specialists in AI-related future fields such as chip design, robotics, and cybersecurity, and to provide targeted support to doctoral candidates working at the intersection of computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. connAIx will be established as a KIT location in Heilbronn and operated jointly with the Universities of Stuttgart and Tübingen. In addition to ten professors, more than 60 doctoral candidates and around 20 postdoctoral researchers will conduct research at the graduate center. Doctoral candidates who wish to explore and apply AI in production, mobility, energy, or healthcare will find well-structured doctoral programs, numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary networking, and access to cutting-edge infrastructure. The State of Baden-Württemberg is funding connAIx with up to €30 million annually.

mex, January 15, 2025