Upcoming Trade Shows Köln, Germany for IT & Technology

AI forms a big part of the IT technology industry in Cologne as it’s the city with both the fastest adoption and development of artificial intelligence technologies in Germany. AI-based tools have become an essential part of everyday business operations in large companies. According to recent studies, 16 out of the 20 largest companies in Cologne have already integrated AI into their workflows. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are lagging behind, with only 18% utilising AI. To address this gap, there’s a concerted effort to make AI technologies more accessible, particularly to smaller businesses and freelancers who often lack the internal resources to implement AI-driven solutions. KölnBusiness, a key player in this transformation, has been actively working to bridge the gap between service providers, educational institutions, and the business sector. Through initiatives that connect SMEs with AI experts, universities, and knowledge providers, KölnBusiness aims to facilitate digital growth across all sectors of Cologne’s economy. One of the most effective initiatives supporting AI innovation in Cologne is STARTPLATZ AI Hub. Launched by STARTPLATZ Köln, a startup incubator and accelerator, the AI Hub has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of tech startups. Offering office space, coaching, and workshops, STARTPLATZ provides budding entrepreneurs the support they need to thrive in the AI landscape. This year, the AI Hub has expanded its focus, hosting regular boot camps and events centred around AI development. The Cologne AI and Machine Learning Meetup is another key driver of AI growth in the city. This active community of AI champions meets regularly to share knowledge, brainstorm new ideas, and foster collaboration. With a focus on technology rather than business topics, these meetups create a platform for innovators to dive deep into AI developments, networking with like-minded professionals from a range of industries.