AI Grid
Germany’s Network for Young AI Researchers

AI Grid connects AI master’s and PhD students from across Germany into a strong, interdisciplinary community. The network supports young AI talent in their professional development, career planning, and in building long-term connections in academia, business, and innovation.
The focus is on academic exchange, personal growth, and networking with key players in the AI ecosystem. Members benefit from thematic domains and specialized Micro Focus Groups, mentoring by experienced AI experts from academia and industry, as well as exclusive event formats in Germany and Europe. In this way, AI Grid generates valuable momentum for research, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, and new collaborations.
AI Grid is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) and draws on a strong network of around twenty academic partners as well as AI and innovation centers. As an AI competence center, DFKI is one of the leading partners and contributes to promoting AI Grid’s offerings through its various locations. Prof. Wolfgang Wahlster, founder of DFKI and currently Chief Advisor (CEA), is one of the initiators of AI Grid and a member of the Executive Board. The initiative’s goal is to bring young AI researchers together at an early stage, enhance their visibility, and sustainably promote exchange between research, application, and innovation.

Technical Exchange in Domains and Micro Focus Groups
Thematic domains and specialized Micro Focus Groups, for example on topics such as robotics, NLP, and computer vision, form a central framework for technical exchange within AI Grid. They enable discussions on current issues in artificial intelligence while also offering the opportunity to raise and explore specific questions from one’s own research.

Mentoring and Career Development
Interaction with experienced experts from academia and industry provides members with insights into diverse career paths and professional prospects. Mentoring supports members with technical, strategic, and career-related questions and can offer guidance for academic careers, professional entry, as well as startup and technology transfer opportunities.

Exclusive Events and European Networking
Through formats such as workshops, hackathons, Science and Innovation Tours, summer schools, science slams, and the AI Grid Summit, AI Grid offers diverse
opportunities for personal exchange, visibility, and new collaborations. The events bring young researchers together with leading experts and key stakeholders from research, industry, and innovation, both in Germany and at European AI hubs.

Community and Sustainable Network
AI Grid is more than just a program of events. Through the community platform, digital exchange formats, and in-person meetings, a vibrant network is created where young AI researchers share knowledge, support one another, and build long-term professional and scientific connections.