More than 300 attendees: Rush to AI Conference

How is artificial intelligence already transforming businesses, work processes, and our daily lives? This was the question explored at the 2nd AI Congress held at Kufstein University of Applied Sciences in Tyrol on May 29. The event was organized by the International Business Management program and the university’s AI Competence Center. More than 300 attendees took the opportunity not only to learn about current developments in AI in theory but also to try them out firsthand and engage in conversation with experts from business, research, and industry. Following its debut last year with over 200 participants, the AI Congress thus saw significant growth once again.

AI: The Intersection of Daily Life, Business, and Innovation

The focus was on specific applications and real-world experiences from businesses. Presentations, workshops, and demonstrations showed how AI is already supporting workflows, enabling new business models, and boosting productivity—while also placing new demands on companies and employees.

The keynote address by AI expert, ARD podcaster, and author Gregor Schmalzried drew particular interest. The journalist, who was nominated for the Grimme Online Award for “Der KI-Podcast” and honored by medium magazine as one of the “Science Journalists of the Year 2024,” presented a talk titled “Shortcut to Superintelligence,” demonstrating how AI is already transforming specific workflows today—and why success depends less on the technology itself and more on its practical application. Using practical examples, Schmalzried demonstrated how AI agents, automated processes, and new applications can transform everyday work.

“It is not the technology itself that stands between us and a successful future for AI, but rather the question of how we deal with it,” Schmalzried explained.

PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FROM RESEARCH AND BUSINESS

In addition to the keynote address, other expert presentations focused on current developments in AI, digitalization, and productivity. Dr. Johanna Farnhammer explored how so-called “vibe coding” is transforming product development, while Markus Warg provided a practical overview of AI infrastructure—from hardware to the so-called “AI Factory.” Dr. Lukas Huber analyzed why many AI projects fail despite technological capabilities and which factors are crucial for successful implementation. Florian Baader shared insights from over 100 AI rollouts and outlined concrete recommendations for companies.

Another session focused on the use of AI in small and medium-sized enterprises. Prof. Dr. Maximilian Wolf (professor at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University) and his research team from the Center for Industry-Related Services Baden-Württemberg (ZiD) used interviews and case studies from Baden-Württemberg to demonstrate how companies are already successfully implementing AI and what productivity gains can be achieved as a result.

The program was complemented by experts from the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol: Prof. (FH) Dr. Uwe Heil, Dr. Juliane Sigl, and Prof. (FH) Dr. Christian Schmid provided insights into Vibe Coding applications and AI-supported product development.

Another key focus of the conference was the direct transfer of technology to real-world applications. Attendees had the opportunity to test technologies such as AI avatars, 3D scanners, the Apple Vision Pro, and smart wearables. The applications were provided by the Center for Industry-Related Services (ZiD) in Baden-Württemberg, which collaborates with partners such as Fraunhofer IAO on practical innovation projects.

“Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, are more actively exploring innovative solutions—such as AI avatars for customer interactions or the new possibilities offered by VR and AR headsets—when they have the opportunity to try out practical applications of these technologies firsthand,” Wolf explains. 

COLLABORATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITIES, BUSINESS, AND THE REGION

“Our goal is to make AI understandable, accessible, and tangible—for businesses as well as for students and anyone else interested,” explains Dr. Juliane Sigl, director of the AI Competence Center at Kufstein University of Applied Sciences.

This topic is also becoming increasingly important for businesses in the region. Many organizations are currently facing the challenge of effectively integrating AI into existing processes and ensuring that employees are on board with the changes.

“After the hype comes implementation: We’re presenting AI not as a flashy gimmick, but as a business strategy—with tangible best practices, practical discussions, and clear next steps,” emphasizes Prof. (FH) Dr. Peter Dietrich, program director of the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in International Business Management at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tyrol. “Over 300 attendees at the AI Congress in Kufstein confirm that we have made a significant impact.”

Links:

• AI Competence Center | Institut
• International Business Management | ft