The AI Action Summit in Paris brought together key decision-makers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss the future of AI in Europe. A landmark announcement at the event was the introduction of a €200 billion investment package aimed at strengthening AI innovation and sovereignty across the continent.

Strengthening AI Collaboration Across Borders

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the G7’s role in AI development, outlining three key priorities:

• Powering AI: Ensuring access to computing power and resources.

• Adopting AI: Accelerating industry-wide implementation.

• Sharing AI: Fostering responsible and cross-border AI collaboration.

As part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs Network, EDIH-AICS plays a crucial role in fostering AI adoption and innovation across Europe. In partnership with de:hub applied AI Karlsruhe, we drive AI development and cross-border cooperation through initiatives such as the Franco-German Conference on Applied AI (AIxIA). In 2025, the 6th edition of AIxIA will further strengthen European AI-driven collaboration.

AI Startup-Corporate Partnerships in Focus

During the panel discussion “Backing European AI: The Role of Startup-Corporate Partnerships” at STATION F, key industry players explored the importance of cooperation between startups, corporations, SMEs, and research institutions. Panelists included:

• Gennadi Schermann, CEO of DIZ | Digitales Innovationszentrum GmbH, Coordinator of de:hub Karlsruhe and Partner at the EDIH-AICS

• Antoine Garibal, Head of Strategy and Development at Siemens

• Carlos Muñoz Ferrandis, Co-founder & COO of Alinia AI

• Elke Lieb, Venture Builder Manager at THEBRIDGE

• Guillaume Decugis, Partner at Serena

Key takeaways from the panel:

✅ Europe needs a strong AI ecosystem. As de:hub Karlsruhe, we connect top research and industry through initiatives like TECHminds and the AI Showroom.

✅ Startup collaborations with corporations, SMEs, and research are key to scaling AI. Gennadi Schermann shared success stories from our hub.

✅ The German and French AI ecosystems are in a prime position to lead in applied AI. AIxIA serves as a flagship initiative showcasing effective cross-border AI adoption.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening European AI Innovation

Franco-German AI collaboration is gaining momentum, opening up exciting opportunities for future projects. We are proud to be part of this dynamic ecosystem and will continue fostering AI innovation through strategic partnerships and events like AIxIA.

A special thanks to Markus Hempel, Almut Weigel (Germany Trade & Invest), and Plug and Play Tech Center for organizing the panel discussion.

🔜 Next stop: Strengthening AI collaboration through the 2025 Franco-German AI Conference and beyond! Let’s shape the future of AI together.