DFKI has more than 30 years of experience in transferring research results into industrial practice. In 24 research departments, nine competence centers, and eight living labs, prototypes, product functions, and embedded solutions are developed based on application-oriented basic research.
For the German government, DFKI plays a crucial role in implementing the national AI strategy and is one of the research institutions to be further strengthened. DFKI is involved in numerous committees and international collaborations for Germany as a science and technology location. It supports young scientists in their academic qualification, in their further development as executives in industry, and also as company founders.
Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek explains: "Every investment in artificial intelligence research is an investment in our future. Artificial intelligence is one of the crucial key technologies. With more than 600 highly qualified scientists, DFKI is now one of Germany's leading application-oriented AI research institutes with international appeal. I am very pleased that, together with the participating states, we have succeeded in putting DFKI on a solid, sustainable footing and continuing to provide reliable financial support for AI research at DFKI. Our goal is to use the DFKI to noticeably accelerate the transfer of promising AI research and development into innovative products, services, and start-ups. The joint effort of the federal and state governments will contribute to the further development of DFKI in terms of strategy, content, and quality. Now it is also the turn of the private shareholders of DFKI GmbH to also increase their contribution so that this important AI research center can continue its success story and make its contribution to the implementation of the AI strategy."
DFKI CEO Prof. Antonio Krüger: "We are very pleased about this confirmation and support of our scientific work and economic transfer services, which is supported by the federal and state governments. This declaration of intent for the further development of DFKI is both an incentive and a challenge for us. Our mission is "Human-centric AI," our goal is to combine scientific relevance and economic benefit for social good. We are convinced that AI technologies help to successfully address challenges such as man-made climate change, social injustice, and the fight against dangerous diseases, and we are committed to these tasks with great energy."
Initially founded in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, DFKI grew to include additional locations, project offices, and branch offices, most recently in Schleswig-Holstein. The grand opening of the DFKI Lübeck field office, established in 2021, is scheduled for November 17, 2021.