KonKIS26 | #WeAreOpen: The Conference of the AI Service Centers

Under the motto #WeAreOpen, the annual Conference of the AI Service Centers (KonKIS26) invites businesses, public sector leaders, and AI transfer actors to turn innovative ideas into high-value AI applications. Taking place on November 25 and 26, 2026, at the AI Village in Hürth (Cologne area), the conference offers practical keynotes and deep-dive workshops featuring the latest research insights. Whether you aim to implement trustworthy, secure, and sustainable AI, connect with transfer initiatives, or explore the potential of open-source models, open data, and collaborative approaches, KonKIS26 provides the ideal environment for inspiration and networking.

Organized by WestAI with the support of the KI-Bundesverband, participation in KonKIS26 is free of charge, though available seats are limited. Interested attendees are encouraged to pre-register now without obligation to receive further updates on the official program and final registration steps.

About the AI Service Centers

The AI Service Centers form a nationwide network serving as key touchpoints to help research, business, and public institutions put Artificial Intelligence into practical use. Backed by strong scientific partners, their shared mission is to accelerate the transfer of research into practice, providing SMEs as well as startups with streamlined access to AI expertise, computing infrastructure, and hands-on support for trustworthy AI made in Germany.

The network combines specialized expertise across four centers:

• WestAI specializes in AI hardware, multimodal and transferable AI models, as well as AI consulting and training, uniting the expertise of leading research institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• hessian.AISC offers unique expertise in the explainability, generalizability, and contextual adaptation of large-scale AI solutions.
• KISSKI focuses on critical infrastructure (CRITIS, e.g., energy and healthcare providers) and data security.
• HPI AI Service Center in Berlin concentrates on educational programs and the application of AI within enterprise and public administration sectors.