AI Competence Center: Juliane Sigl Brings New Vision
- 10.04.2026
- General
Dr. Juliane Sigl, Director of the Kufstein AI Competence Center.
Dr. Juliane Sigl, an experienced AI expert, has taken over as director of the Kufstein AI Competence Center. Her goal: to make artificial intelligence accessible to businesses - in a practical, collaborative way, with a focus on real-world applications.
The AI Competence Center, based at the International Business School of the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, has recently come under the leadership of Dr. Juliane Sigl. With a Ph.D. in mathematics and computer science, she brings experience from research, industry, and the startup world - and places a strong emphasis on practical application.
“I find the intersection of technology, business, and people extremely exciting—especially at the intersection of research and business practice,” said Sigl.
REAL BENEFITS FOR BUSINESSES
This program is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized businesses in the region that are asking themselves: Where exactly can AI make a difference in my business - and how do I get started?
This is exactly where the Competence Center comes in. Companies can bring their own challenges to the table, work with experts and students to develop initial solutions, and test them out right away.
“We want to move the topic away from the abstract and toward practical experience,” explains Sigl. “It’s about finding and testing concrete use cases - not just talking about them.”
Exchanging ideas with other companies plays an important role in this process: when you see how others tackle similar challenges, you often find your own starting points more quickly.
IT'S ABOUT IDENTIFYING SPECIFIC USE CASES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS - NOT JUST TALKING ABOUT them.
Dr. Juliane Sigl
Director of the AI Competence Center in Kufstein
JUST GET STARTED – AND LEARN FROM IT
Many companies start with manageable projects - such as automating processes or leveraging data. This gradually leads to a better understanding of where AI truly adds value.
“It often starts with the question: What is actually possible? Once you’ve gained some initial experience, your perspective automatically becomes more strategic,” says Sigl.
The key point here is that it’s not about implementing large-scale solutions right away, but rather about systematically testing what works within your own company.
This low-barrier approach is also being actively implemented at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol itself: Since March, the university has been using “meinGPT,” an AI platform that provides staff with a simple and secure way to get started. Thanks to preconfigured wizards, team features, and access to various AI models, initial use cases can be tested directly in everyday work.
INVOLVE PEOPLE, DON'T OVERWHELM THEM
In addition to technical issues, the focus is also on organizational and human aspects. New technologies, in particular, often give rise to uncertainty within the team.
“People who know how to use AI effectively are much less afraid of it,” Sigl emphasizes. That is why the competence center focuses on accessible approaches, clear guidelines, and collaborative learning.
Her approach couldn't be clearer: “You have to solve real problems - not just use a tool.”
Links:
- AI Competence Center Kufstein | Website