21 August 2024 |

Cyber Valley Days: Start-ups and scientists connect

Reflections on a growing community from Janell Lia-Breitmayer

Image: Cyber Valley

Cyber Valley Days (June 2024) culminated in the grand opening of the ELLIS Institute Tübingen. Over three days, scientists, entrepreneurs, and key societal stakeholders gathered to celebrate AI innovations from Baden-Württemberg, showcasing the groundbreaking research, innovation, and collaboration taking place in Cyber Valley.

In this series of interviews on Cyber Valley Days, we share behind-the-scenes stories and personal experiences of this three-day celebration from the Cyber Valley Team. Our first interview is with Janell Lia-Breitmayer, Scientific Coordinator for Cyber Valley GmbH.

What were your highlights during Cyber Valley Days?

One of the standout features of Cyber Valley Days was the sheer number of start-ups present. Scientists were genuinely impressed by the diversity and breadth of fields in which these start-ups are engaged. One scientist remarked that the Community Expo during Day 1 felt “almost like a top scientific conference” and found it “very rewarding.” It was especially gratifying to hear our partners praise the event: RHET AI told me, “This expo is so great, you are our hero!”.

The visual aspects of the event were equally striking. Unlike typical science conferences where only a few banners are displayed, the Community Expo featured numerous banners, providing ample opportunities for conversations between scientists and representatives from various sectors. Some of the scientists I spoke to were surprised by the number of AI and robotics start-ups in Cyber Valley. This was an eye-opener for many, highlighting the growth and variety of innovative projects underway.

What was one of your key takeaways from the event?

Bernhard Schölkopf made a poignant comment about the role of technology in addressing global challenges like climate mitigation, emphasizing that climate mitigation “cannot be solved by political solutions alone, but with technological solutions”. This sentiment resonated deeply with many attendees.

What surprised you the most about Cyber Valley Days?

I was amazed at how much Cyber Valley has grown: there are so many scientists who are part of our community! The diversity of our partners is also impressive, spanning science, industry, and society. This growth is a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative ecosystem Cyber Valley cultivates.