KIT Builds Relationships with Silicon Valley

With the KIT Link platform, KIT intends to further expand its good relationships with universities, companies and alumni in Silicon Valley. It kicked off in mid-September at an event in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The event was part of the program of a delegation trip to the United States and to Canada, led by the Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, and accompanied, among others, by Theresia Bauer, Minister of Science.

Minister President Winfried Kretschmann commented on the launch of KIT Link: "KIT is making a decisive contribution to making Baden-Württemberg the most research-intensive location for artificial intelligence in Germany today. Curiosity, inspiration and not least the clever networking of digital companies have created an extraordinary scientific institution that we are justifiably proud of. Therefore, I am particularly pleased to be present at the kick-off of the KIT Zeitgeist events and to accompany this unique platform for knowledge transfer and networking, which brings Silicon Valley and Baden-Württemberg even closer together."

Science Minister Theresia Bauer: "The new KIT Link platform will cultivate existing relationships with Silicon Valley and activate new ones through a presence of KIT in Silicon Valley. Students, researchers, start-ups and established companies alike are addressed. I am confident that this will strengthen the visibility of the research location. "

"The aim of KIT Link is to facilitate knowledge transfer in both directions through intensive exchange. Thus, the platform can be a valuable source of inspiration for society and economy in Baden-Württemberg and Silicon Valley. Ideally, we will build partnerships to solve global issues of the future," KIT President Professor Holger Hanselka said.

"KIT Link stands for knowledge sharing and communication via heads," said Professor Thomas Hirth, Vice President for Innovation and International Affairs at KIT. "The alumni of KIT in Silicon Valley can make an important contribution with their CVs and their experiences." The networking should facilitate direct access to current knowledge, innovative processes and working methods for partners on both sides. Concrete cooperation between industry and science will be initiated and students of KIT will have more opportunities for internships. The platform is located virtually at the company SAP, a strategic partner of KIT, which has a strong foothold in Silicon Valley.

The first Zeitgeist event marked the beginning of a lively exchange with decision-makers and partners in civil society, politics, business, culture and science in Silicon Valley: Cyriac Roeding and Guido Appenzeller talked about "Enterprising for a Better Globe: Silicon Valley Insights - Trends and Developments rangíng AI to health." The two alumni of KIT, successful entrepreneurs in the Silicon Valley, discussed with the representatives of the delegation as well as graduates of KIT living in the USA.