In mid-June, AI:AT was welcomed in Linz by Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) and the JKU LIT Open Innovation Center.
The event brought together around 60 researchers, companies, SMEs, and startups from Upper Austria and highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between AI:AT and Austria’s federal states.
Following opening remarks by JKU Rector Stefan Koch, Karl Kugler (Co-lead AI:AT) presented AI Factory Austria and its comprehensive range of services—from high-performance computing (HPC) and AI & data services to consulting on legal and ethical issues, as well as training programs and networking between academia and industry.
Personal exchange was at the heart of the event. Through dedicated thematic information tables, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with AI:AT experts, discuss specific challenges, and explore potential areas for collaboration. The interactive format helped identify regional needs while providing easy access to AI:AT’s expertise and service portfolio.
A particular highlight was the presentation by Florian Zimmermann, founder of the JKU spin-off ablatic. Drawing on the example of his company, he illustrated how AI innovations can be successfully translated from research into practice, highlighting the role of EuroHPC computing resources available through the AI:AT ecosystem in accelerating this journey.
Events like this reflect AI:AT’s commitment to strengthening regional innovation ecosystems across Austria. By working closely with universities, research institutions, and partners throughout the federal states, AI Factory Austria enables access to AI expertise, advanced computing infrastructure, and a strong collaborative network, fostering the successful transfer of innovation between academia and industry.
