Establishment of a state graduate center for AI

Under the leadership of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and in collaboration with the University of Tübingen, the University of Stuttgart is establishing a state graduate center for applied artificial intelligence (LGZ) in Heilbronn that is unique in Germany. It combines research and the promotion of young scientists at the highest level and aims to train doctoral researchers conducting research at the interface of computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering in AI-related fields of the future such as chip design, robotics, and cybersecurity.

“With the LGZ, we are setting up an innovative university policy real-world laboratory for the top talent of tomorrow,” said Science Minister Petra Olschowski at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). “We are creating an experimental space with more flexible framework conditions to test and establish new formats in the training of top doctoral researchers in AI-related future fields, in recruitment, and in cooperation between science, industry, and start-ups. This is a great opportunity for the state.”

In the MoU, the three universities and the state agree on common goals and key milestones to be achieved by 2028, such as attracting top international professors and doctoral researchers, supporting doctoral researchers in start-up projects, and establishing a master's program. “The agreement with the three top universities sends a strong signal and provides an excellent foundation for rapidly advancing the LGZ in the coming months,” says Olschowski. The establishment of the center will be supported by an international scientific and strategic advisory board.

The Rector of the University of Stuttgart, Professor Peter Middendorf, emphasizes: "The LGZ creates outstanding conditions for training our young scientists in applied artificial intelligence. It now enables us to work together with our partners from KIT and the University of Tübingen on the Heilbronn campus to make joint contributions to the important issues of the future. Not alone, but in partnership within a strengthened innovation ecosystem, we will transfer our strong AI basic research into application."

The LGZ will be established in Heilbronn as a branch of KIT and operated jointly with the Universities of Stuttgart and Tübingen. The state is already providing 1.4 million euros in 2025, with 11 million euros to follow in 2026. The center will be expanded step by step until the end of 2028. It is expected to be fully operational in 2029, with 10 professors, 57 doctoral researchers, and 19 postdoctoral researchers from various disciplines. The state will then provide annual funding of up to 30 million euros.