NECKARSULM — Bechtle AG, in collaboration with Planet AI, is poised to elevate Rostock into a pivotal hub for groundbreaking AI applications, marking a significant stride in their joint endeavor to revolutionize the European AI landscape. This strategic move is buoyed by the proximity to the University of Rostock, fostering a symbiotic relationship that has flourished over the years, according to a press release published on EuropaWire.

The groundwork for this ambitious initiative was laid with a cooperation agreement inked back in January 2020, which paved the way for a robust partnership in application-oriented AI research. Leveraging the expertise garnered through several successful joint ventures in AI deep learning, generously funded by the EU and the state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Bechtle and Planet AI are poised to capitalize on Rostock’s burgeoning AI ecosystem.

Jochen Schulte, State Secretary at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure and Tourism in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, reiterated the state’s unwavering support for this venture, citing its potential to invigorate economic growth and foster innovation. “The growth of Planet AI underscores our commitment to bolstering the existing AI ecosystem in Rostock,” emphasized State Secretary Jochen Schulte.

Planet AI, renowned for its pioneering AI-based solutions in intelligent document analysis and process automation, has been a focal point of attention since Bechtle acquired a majority stake in the company in October 2023. This strategic investment aims to synergize use-case-oriented AI research with Bechtle’s expansive marketing prowess, positioning the conglomerate as a trailblazer in driving AI innovation across Germany and Europe.

Michael Guschlbauer, COO of IT System House and Managed Services at Bechtle AG, articulated the collective vision driving this initiative: “Without AI, there can be no digital transformation. Together with Planet AI, we are charting a course towards a future-first ecosystem, with Rostock as our central AI innovations hub.”

The symbiotic relationship between Planet AI and the University of Rostock has been instrumental in nurturing a pipeline of top-tier talent. Jesper Kleinjohann, CEO of Planet AI, underscored the significance of this partnership in attracting the brightest minds to the realm of applied research. “Our collaboration with the University of Rostock’s CITlab has not only yielded numerous successful projects but has also been instrumental in recruiting top talents for our expanding team,” remarked Jesper Kleinjohann.

With an eye toward fostering innovation ecosystems, Bechtle is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of AI development. In addition to its endeavors in Rostock, Bechtle’s membership in the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (Ipai) in Heilbronn underscores its commitment to driving AI innovation across multiple fronts. Ipai, bolstered by substantial funding from the state of Baden-Württemberg, is poised to emerge as a nucleus for AI-centric innovation, with Planet AI’s IDA (Intelligent Document Analysis) poised to serve as a flagship demonstrator.

In summation, Bechtle and Planet AI’s expansion plans in Rostock underscore a collective commitment to charting a course towards a digitally transformative future, marked by innovation, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to AI excellence.