The AI GlobalMinds project, which runs from May 2026 to December 2029, addresses a key challenge: the growing shortage of qualified specialists in the field of artificial intelligence in Germany. The project aims to diversify the recruitment channels for students and doctoral candidates by creating structured international talent pathways that combine targeted recruitment from Chile, Tunisia and Serbia with academic qualification and practical integration into the German innovation ecosystem. Chemnitz University of Technology will establish new recruitment channels and promotional strategies to showcase its excellent educational programs around AI – from data acquisition and sensor technology, AI methods and neuromorphic computing to sustainable and green AI applications in science and various economic sectors.
“AI GlobalMinds addresses a key challenge for Germany’s innovation system,” explains Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, project coordinator and head of the Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology. “The demand for AI expertise is growing rapidly, while qualified specialists remain in short supply. By combining international recruitment with structured training and integration, we are creating opportunities for both AI talent and Germany’s innovation landscape.”
From sensors to intelligent systems: Comprehensive AI training
What sets AI GlobalMinds apart is its holistic approach to AI training. Instead of focusing on isolated algorithms, participants gain a systemic understanding of the entire AI value chain – from sensor-based data acquisition and intelligent processing to real-world implementation in neuromorphic systems and robotics, with a particular focus on sustainable and green AI approaches.
“In neurorobotics, brain-inspired algorithms converge with embodied AI and intelligent sensor systems,” explains Prof. Dr. Florian Röhrbein from the Faculty of Computer Science. “By bringing together international talents with different backgrounds in these complementary fields, we are building exactly the interdisciplinary teams needed to build truly intelligent systems that can interact with and learn from their environment – while addressing energy efficiency and sustainability aspects that are also crucial for future AI.”
The project brings together several faculties at Chemnitz University of Technology – Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Computer Science and Mathematics – as well as the International University Center and the Career Service.
Comprehensive support: from arrival to career
“Successful international recruitment requires more than academic excellence – it requires comprehensive support,” emphasizes Katharina Wohlgemuth from the International University Center. “AI GlobalMinds offers just that: structured pre-arrival preparation, coordinated onboarding, a buddy program and accelerated German language courses to ensure that participants are supported both academically and socially in Chemnitz.”
The project explicitly prepares participants for academic and industrial careers in Germany. “Germany’s AI ecosystem needs qualified specialists in all sectors – from university research groups to innovative companies and applied research institutions,” adds André Zwingenberger Claren from the Career Service. “Through targeted skills workshops, networking events with AI experts and industry representatives as well as intercultural workplace training, we prepare AI GlobalMinds participants not only technically, but also for the realities and expectations of the German professional environment.”
Building on established partnerships with universities in Tunisia, Serbia and Chile, the project creates sustainable recruitment structures while strengthening international cooperation and diversifying the talent pipelines of Chemnitz University of Technology.
Background: Project “AI GlobalMinds”
AI development requires more than algorithms – it requires the integration of data acquisition, hardware and real-world implementation. AI GlobalMinds covers this entire spectrum: from sensor technology and machine learning to sustainable green AI applications. The project combines short-term orientation formats with longer study and research stays, enabling early identification of talent and gradual integration into academic and career paths in Germany. Students are introduced to research environments, work on practical topics and gain experience in the application of AI methods in realistic scenarios – from intelligent sensor systems to neuromorphic computing and autonomous robotics, with a focus on energy-efficient and sustainable implementations. At the same time, AI GlobalMinds strengthens existing international partnerships and contributes to the development of sustainable structures for the recruitment and qualification of talent. By diversifying recruitment channels and building new pathways for international students and doctoral candidates, the project supports Germany’s long-term goals in innovation and artificial intelligence development.
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun, holder of the Chair of Measurement and Sensor Technology, phone 0371 531-36931, e-mail olfa.kanoun@etit.tu-chemnitz.de.
(Author: Prof. Dr. Olfa Kanoun)
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Further links
👉 www.tu-chemnitz.de
Photo: DAAD/Pankau
