Groundbreaking ceremony for IPAI CAMPUS in Heilbronn

In Heilbronn, the starting signal was given for one of Germany's most ambitious technology projects, the IPAI CAMPUS (Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence). The 30-hectare site will be home to a unique AI quarter in Europe that combines research, application and industrial transfer of artificial intelligence.

Symbol and requirement for tech sovereignty in Europe

The ground-breaking ceremony has laid the foundation stone, but the real test for the IPAI CAMPUS is yet to come. When the first buildings are completed in 2027, it will become clear whether the ambitious project is also economically viable. Because as impressive as its appeal as a fixed star in the European AI landscape is, ultimately it needs a sustainable business model that goes beyond research, pilot projects and funding. The mere prospect of efficiency gains and job relocations will not be enough - on the contrary, it raises new social and ethical questions.

The fact that Germany is openly facing up to these challenges is a good and important sign. However, the decisive factor will be how this happens. If innovation ends up being stifled by bureaucracy while other countries boldly forge ahead, a lot of potential will be wasted. The IPAI CAMPUS can become a symbol of progress or a memorial to missed opportunities.

Participation from politics and business

In addition to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Baden-Württemberg's Minister President Winfried Kretschmann, Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär, Federal Digital Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger as well as numerous state politicians and representatives from industry also took part in the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony.

In his speech, the Federal Chancellor emphasized the strategic importance of the project.

The IPAI addresses the neuralgic point of transformation: the conversion of AI into innovation. A key location for AI in Europe is being created here. I would like to thank the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, the Schwarz Group and everyone involved for their courage and vision.

Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor

The project is supported by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, the companies of the Schwarz Group and the IPAI team. The plan is to create space on the campus for over 5,000 people to work on the future of applied AI.

We are building here in a place where the new operating system of our economy will be developed, tested and used responsibly. With today's ground-breaking ceremony, we are setting an example for a responsible future.

Winfried Kretschmann, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg

Ecosystem for research, business and society

Federal Digital Minister Dr. Karsten Wildberger and Economics Minister Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut also emphasized that the IPAI CAMPUS plays a central role as a national catalyst for technology transfer, particularly in the direction of SMEs.

With IPAI CAMPUS, we are creating an open ecosystem that connects research, business and society. Our aim is to empower people and companies to actively shape the digital transformation.

Prof. Reinhold Geilsdörfer, Chairman of the Management Board Dieter Schwarz Foundation

Next steps

Construction work on the first phase will begin this year. The first buildings should be ready for occupancy by the end of 2027. Heilbronn's Lord Mayor Harry Mergel spoke of a "project of the century" that will firmly establish the city as a center for knowledge, education and innovation.

With the IPAI CAMPUS, a European lighthouse project for artificial intelligence is being created in Heilbronn. A place where politics, business and science are working together on the future.