Large crowds at the user day “KI.produktiv 2025” in Darmstadt
DARMSTADT – Demand for digitalization and artificial intelligence is high: The "KI.produktiv 2025" of the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Darmstadt (MDZ) was fully booked on Thursday, September 25, at the darmstadtium and the learning factories of TU Darmstadt. Over 150 participants from science and industry discussed the future of industrial production with AI in a practical way.
Exchange between SMEs and research
The MDZ Darmstadt – an association of TU Darmstadt, the Fraunhofer Society and the Darmstadt Rhein-Main-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce – hosted the event for the second time after 2022. The focus was particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises seeking realistic perspectives for the use of AI.
The program offered expert lectures, a panel discussion and a keynote speech on topics such as:
- Applications of large language models in production
- legal and technical framework
- concrete practical examples and use cases
, start-ups and exhibitors presented innovative developments, while demonstrators made the technology tangible.
Live demonstrations on the Lichtwiese campus
The event concluded with a tour of TU Darmstadt's test fields and learning factories. In facilities such as the Flow Factory , the Smart Forming Center , the TEC Lab , and the Additive Manufacturing Center, participants were able to experience how digitalization and AI are already transforming production.
“A once-in-a-century opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses”
Prof. Dr. Joachim Metternich, spokesperson for the MDZ Darmstadt, expressed his enthusiasm for the event's success:
"Artificial intelligence represents nothing less than a once-in-a-century opportunity for companies to increase productivity, expand their offerings, and successfully manage the generational transition. Those who seize these opportunities faster will be ahead of the game."
Background: Mittelstand-Digital
The network supports small and medium-sized enterprises in digitization and the use of AI. In addition to practical examples, it offers learning and demonstration factories , training programs, and information events. The program is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Further information: www.mittelstand-digital.de
(DARMSTADT – RED/MD)
