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Heilbronn is a city in transformation. During lunch upon arrival, Mayor Harry Mergel emphasised that this ongoing change is a constant challenge – one that the city is consciously shaping. A key role in this process is played by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, which actively supports the region’s transformation through strategic investments in education and research.
The first stop was the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn – a flagship project of Baden-Württemberg and an essential step for Europe to become one of the driving forces in the global AI race. Spanning 23 hectares, the park is developing into an ecosystem that connects research, industry, and start-ups. According to Jana Strattner from what will soon be Europe’s largest AI hub, the site is not only focused on research and development. The visitor centre is designed to help the public gain access to a technology already considered more transformative than the internet.
Europe possesses outstanding research and talent. However, entrepreneurs tend to go where their business models attract investment – and in this respect, the continent still has ground to make up. During the visit to Campus Founders, CEO Oliver Hanisch underlined the importance of thinking transnationally and creating the right conditions and capital incentives to foster innovation across Europe.
Another highlight of the trip was the visit to School 42, a tuition-free programming school open to everyone. Regardless of whether participants previously worked as designers, dancers, or chemists, students learn programming from day one – with the aim of training creative and capable minds for an AI-driven future. The team led by Managing Director Moritz Carthaus demonstrated to the Friends group how peer learning, personal responsibility, and playful problem-solving can lead to excellent results. In a workshop, participants explored how large language models could support them in making strategic decisions.
The evening concluded with dinner and a fireside chat featuring Prof. Dr. Katharina Hölzle (Director, IAT University of Stuttgart and Fraunhofer IAO) and Mark Hanson (Partner & Chair Asia Pacific, Hakluyt & Company), providing an opportunity to reflect on an intense first day. The insights gained from Heilbronn’s AI ecosystem illustrated one key lesson: to seize its opportunities, Europe must work together.
On the second day, the group visited the Audi Sport Manufacturing Plant in Neckarsulm. Between the production lines of the R8 and the fully electric RS e-tron GT, it became clear that the transformation towards e-mobility and automation is in full swing. Even in sports car production, the focus is increasingly shifting towards electric models – a clear indication of the direction the industry is heading. Helmut Ruhl, CEO of the AMAG Group, together with Dieter Jermann, Brand Director at Audi, discussed how Audi is using this transformation to combine innovation, quality, and sustainability.
The journey’s conclusion was not marked by the delicious Swabian specialities and local wine, though both were enjoyed. The real highlight came at the closing lunch with members of the Swiss-German Business Club Baden-Württemberg, where the delegation was personally welcomed by Wilhelm, Duke of Württemberg. It was the perfect finale to a journey in which entrepreneurship, innovation, and tradition came together in impressive fashion.
Next year, the Business Club FRIENDS will travel to Poland. Experience Warsaw as one of Europe’s most dynamic economic hubs and gain exclusive insights into a region of growing potential at the crossroads of innovation, industry, and geopolitics.
Become a FRIENDS member and register now:
all Insights
Heilbronn is a city in transformation. During lunch upon arrival, Mayor Harry Mergel emphasised that this ongoing change is a constant challenge – one that the city is consciously shaping. A key role in this process is played by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, which actively supports the region’s transformation through strategic investments in education and research.
The first stop was the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn – a flagship project of Baden-Württemberg and an essential step for Europe to become one of the driving forces in the global AI race. Spanning 23 hectares, the park is developing into an ecosystem that connects research, industry, and start-ups. According to Jana Strattner from what will soon be Europe’s largest AI hub, the site is not only focused on research and development. The visitor centre is designed to help the public gain access to a technology already considered more transformative than the internet.
Europe possesses outstanding research and talent. However, entrepreneurs tend to go where their business models attract investment – and in this respect, the continent still has ground to make up. During the visit to Campus Founders, CEO Oliver Hanisch underlined the importance of thinking transnationally and creating the right conditions and capital incentives to foster innovation across Europe.
Another highlight of the trip was the visit to School 42, a tuition-free programming school open to everyone. Regardless of whether participants previously worked as designers, dancers, or chemists, students learn programming from day one – with the aim of training creative and capable minds for an AI-driven future. The team led by Managing Director Moritz Carthaus demonstrated to the Friends group how peer learning, personal responsibility, and playful problem-solving can lead to excellent results. In a workshop, participants explored how large language models could support them in making strategic decisions.
The evening concluded with dinner and a fireside chat featuring Prof. Dr. Katharina Hölzle (Director, IAT University of Stuttgart and Fraunhofer IAO) and Mark Hanson (Partner & Chair Asia Pacific, Hakluyt & Company), providing an opportunity to reflect on an intense first day. The insights gained from Heilbronn’s AI ecosystem illustrated one key lesson: to seize its opportunities, Europe must work together.
On the second day, the group visited the Audi Sport Manufacturing Plant in Neckarsulm. Between the production lines of the R8 and the fully electric RS e-tron GT, it became clear that the transformation towards e-mobility and automation is in full swing. Even in sports car production, the focus is increasingly shifting towards electric models – a clear indication of the direction the industry is heading. Helmut Ruhl, CEO of the AMAG Group, together with Dieter Jermann, Brand Director at Audi, discussed how Audi is using this transformation to combine innovation, quality, and sustainability.
The journey’s conclusion was not marked by the delicious Swabian specialities and local wine, though both were enjoyed. The real highlight came at the closing lunch with members of the Swiss-German Business Club Baden-Württemberg, where the delegation was personally welcomed by Wilhelm, Duke of Württemberg. It was the perfect finale to a journey in which entrepreneurship, innovation, and tradition came together in impressive fashion.
Next year, the Business Club FRIENDS will travel to Poland. Experience Warsaw as one of Europe’s most dynamic economic hubs and gain exclusive insights into a region of growing potential at the crossroads of innovation, industry, and geopolitics.
Become a FRIENDS member and register now:
You will find more information about our upcoming activities in our newsletter.
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