The initiative was represented by Linus Ersing, AI Ecosystem & Partnerships Manager at AI:AT, who engaged in discussions with key innovation stakeholders from southern Austria. Participating organizations included, among others, DIH Süd, JOANNEUM RESEARCH, FH JOANNEUM, FH Kärnten, and the Carinthian Economic Development Fund (KWF) and the Styrian Economic Development Agency (SFG).

The event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen existing relationships with regional partners and explore new avenues for collaboration. Discussions focused on how organizations can work together to support businesses, research institutions, and public agencies by offering complementary services, expertise, and support for innovation.

For AI:AT, strong regional partnerships are a key factor for success. Digital innovation hubs and other innovation facilitators play an important role in bringing AI and high-performance computing (HPC) services to all regions of Austria. The exchange in Klagenfurt highlighted the potential of joint activities, coordinated information and outreach efforts, and the development of shared use cases.

Through close collaboration with established players in the innovation ecosystem, AI:AT aims to strengthen the Austrian AI landscape in the long term. At the same time, the goal is to ensure that companies, research institutions, and public organisations have access to the expertise, infrastructure, and support they need to successfully adopt and utilize artificial intelligence.

We would like to thank DIH Süd and all participating partners for the productive discussions and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.