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Stadt Heilbronn/Heilbronn Marketing GmbH/Roland Schweizer
The 2025 trip of the FRIENDS entrepreneur network takes us to the cities of Heilbronn & Stuttgart. Heilbronn is home to the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, founded by the founder of the LIDL supermarket chain. As one of the largest foundations in Germany, it is realising the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI), the most ambitious project for applied artificial intelligence in Europe. The state capital Stuttgart boasts the highest density of medium-sized global market leaders. And anyone travelling in the region must not miss a visit to the Audi Sportmanufaktur.
Treat yourself to a concentrated load of inspiration, exchange and deepen your European contacts. The programme includes current and relevant topics that we want to explore in depth together with experts from the UK.
The trip is fully booked. We will be happy to put you on the waiting list, and will contact you if a place becomes available.
We will create a rich programme for you and organise all aspects of the trip for you on site. The cost is CHF 790 and covers accommodation including breakfast, meals and transfers, both on spot as well as arrival and departure from/to Switzerland according to the programme.
Personal expenses on site are not included.
Please note that all programme items on the tour are conducted in German.
Date
Location
Guests
Costs
*The number of participants is limited and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
You will find more information about our upcoming activities in our newsletter.
The programme is subject to change (as of 21 March 2025)
Departure 08.00
in a comfortable coach from Zurich Airport
Harry Mergel welcomes us to the business hub of Heilbronn and outlines its role as a driver of innovation and growth in the region. Prof Reinhold Geilsdörfer, Managing Director of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, introduces us to the Heilbronn Schwarz ecosystem and its connections to Switzerland.
We visit IPAI Heilbronn - one of the most ambitious large-scale projects for applied artificial intelligence in Europe. In conversation with those responsible, we discuss the economic relevance, the European perspective and questions of sustainability and ethical responsibility in AI development.
We then meet Oliver Harnisch, CEO of Campus Founders, an experienced founder and business angel with excellent contacts in Silicon Valley. He will give us insights into how entrepreneurship in Europe can remain sustainable and competitive.
Finally, we will get active ourselves: in the innovative programming school School 42, we will experience new approaches to tech education at first hand.
by coach
As Technology Commissioner of the state of Baden-Württemberg, Prof Dr Katharina Hölzle supports the state government in making Baden-Württemberg fit for the developments of the future as a centre of innovation. The head of the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Labour Economics and Organisation will give us insights into her research and discuss with us what it takes to build and successfully operate a regional innovation ecosystem.
With over 20 years of experience in the United States, Japan and Europe, Mark Hanson provides strategic insight and intelligence to leading companies and organisations worldwide. The experienced consultant and former diplomat will share his insights and assessments of the global political and economic situation and discuss with us what it takes to navigate and grow successfully in a globalised world.
by coach
Dieter Jermann and Helmut Ruhl welcome us to the factory visit, where we gain exclusive insights into the manufactory and discuss the interplay between craftsmanship and the Smart Factory. At the sports factory, the Audi A8 and parts for Lamborghini, among others, are produced.
by coach
An exclusive networking lunch with members of the network of the Schweizerisch-Deutscher Wirtschaftsclub Baden-Württemberg: Take the opportunity to make targeted contacts with leading personalities from the southern German economy. In a relaxed atmosphere, connections are made that can promote and deepen cross-border co-operation.
by coach to Zurich Airport (and Lucerne)
