With this project, WHZ is playing a central role in the development of a regional, independent data space for southwestern Saxony. The goal is to enable small and medium-sized enterprises to securely exchange and share data, thereby facilitating the practical use of AI applications. In particular, the university is contributing its scientific expertise in the fields of data analysis, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. Prof. Dr. Christoph Laroque and Prof. Dr. Tobias Teich are leading the project on behalf of WHZ.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Laroque: “This project and the support from the simul⁺InnovationHub give us the opportunity to sustainably expand and establish our activities in the field of AI. We are grateful to the Saxon State Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development for this, and we look forward to working together.”
Prof. Dr. Tobias Teich also emphasizes the opportunities the project presents: “With this initiative, we are addressing a key issue for the future that is of great importance both for the regional economy and for our university’s research profile. At the same time, the project complements and strengthens our existing activities in the field of artificial intelligence.”
Foundation for Larger Projects
Minister of State Regina Kraushaar underscored the project’s importance for regional development: “The Southwest Saxony region holds great potential for innovation—both in businesses and at universities. Bringing these two sectors even closer together and demonstrating how data and artificial intelligence can help small and medium-sized enterprises in their day-to-day operations is our approach in this project, for which we are providing 150,000 euros. This is money well spent, connecting academia and small and medium-sized enterprises with concrete use cases and laying the groundwork for later application in larger projects. Last but not least, with this project we aim to build a bridge to the planned federal funding from the BMDS, which we expect this year and which is intended to significantly accelerate the transfer of AI from research into market-effective applications. The preparatory work through this pilot project is intended to enable the region to apply as soon as a corresponding call for proposals is issued—so that the prototype testing in small and medium-sized enterprises can grow into something larger.”
The project focuses on the prototypical testing of a regional “data marketplace.” Companies, research institutions, and public agencies will use this platform to test how data can be securely exchanged and utilized for AI applications. In at least four real-world experiments, specific use cases will be developed and tested in collaboration with companies. These include, among others, automated document processing, image-based quality control, and intelligent production planning.
To ensure the project’s success, the Saxony Cooperative State University – Plauen Study Academy and the WHZ are pooling their AI expertise and networks.
The project has a total budget of 187,500 euros with an 80 percent funding rate and is scheduled to run for six months.
The results of the pilot project are to be incorporated into the ongoing master plan process for the Chemnitz/Southwest Saxony region and open up opportunities for further funding projects in the field of artificial intelligence and key digital technologies.
Background
The project is funded as part of the simul⁺InnovationHub of the Saxon State Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development. The simul⁺InnovationHub supports innovation-driven regional development in Saxony and strengthens collaboration among universities, research institutions, industry, municipalities, and other regional stakeholders.
Contact
Prof. Dr. Tobias Teich
Professor of Networked Systems in Business Administration, esp. energy management
Faculty of Economics
West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau
tobias.teich[at]whz.de
+49 375 536 3415
Prof. Dr. Christoph Laroque
Professor of Business Informatics
West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau
Faculty of Economics
christoph.laroque[at]whz.de
+49 375 536 3221
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Related Links
👉 www.whz.de
Photo: SMIL/Schäfer
