Last month at Cyber Valley: May

AI Launchpad at Cyber Valley

The AI Launchpad took place at Cyber Valley’s Tübingen campus for the first time on 4–8 May, bringing together early-stage AI start-ups from leading European innovation ecosystems for a week of mentoring, networking, and ecosystem exploration. Born out of Rise Europe and co-organized by ELIAS (European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability), Tübingen AI Center, and Cyber Valley GmbH, the program supports AI start-ups as they grow from research into scalable, market-ready ventures. 

We welcomed Joao Santos (Tilect, Campus Founders), Marc Willhaus (Optohive, ETH Zurich), and Olof Woxenius (Atramen.to, KTH Innovation) to Tübingen. The goal of the week was to connect these start-ups with research institutions, scientists, corporates, and investors within the Cyber Valley ecosystem.

Read more about it here.

Photo: Cyber Valley

 

Next Frontier AI Roadshow from SPRIND

Following stops in Zurich, Warsaw, and Amsterdam, the Next Frontier AI Roadshow from SPRIND - Bundesagentur für Sprunginnovationen made its final stop at Cyber Valley in Tübingen on May 8, and what a way to close! Over 60 entrepreneurs and scientists gathered to explore breakthrough AI innovation. 

Participants gained valuable insights into emerging AI technologies, entrepreneurial pathways, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Europe’s innovation landscape. The event provided a platform for meaningful exchange between leading scientists and founders, fostering new connections and potential collaborations across disciplines. 

The strong turnout and engaging discussions once again demonstrated the unique strength of Cyber Valley’s ecosystem. By bringing together world-class research, entrepreneurial talent, and industry expertise, Cyber Valley continues to create an environment where pioneering AI ideas can be translated into real-world applications and societal impact.

Photo: Cyber Valley
 

Max Planck Open House in Tübingen

We were pleased to take part in the Max Planck Open House on Saturday, May 9, welcoming visitors to the Tübingen campus for a behind-the-scenes look at world-class research in AI, robotics, biology, and neuroscience. 

Guests explored interactive exhibits and demonstrations at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, and the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen together with the Friedrich Miescher Laboratory. Researchers shared insights into their work and showed how fundamental science is shaping the technologies of tomorrow. 

Together with the ELLIS Institute Tübingen, ELLIS Network, the Tübingen AI Center, polybot, and Yugen Space, we showed the strength of Tübingen’s innovation ecosystem, where excellent research and entrepreneurial thinking come together to advance AI and robotics in Baden-Württemberg.

Photo: Cyber Valley

 

Delegation visit from Opportunity Austin, Texas

As part of Cyber Valley’s efforts to strengthen international connections and support start-up growth, we met with Drew Chance, Vice President of Economic Development at Opportunity Austin and a local real estate investor on May 13 in Tübingen to discuss opportunities for companies looking to expand into the US market. 

Opportunity Austin is a privately funded non-profit organization dedicated to attracting and supporting businesses in the Austin region. Working closely with local government, universities, and industry partners, the organization helps companies establish a presence in one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the United States. 

During the meeting, we learned about several programs designed to support international start-ups, including soft-landing opportunities that can help companies navigate their first months in Austin. These initiatives are aimed at reducing barriers to market entry and accelerating business development in the region. The meeting opened up promising opportunities for future collaboration and provided an additional pathway for Cyber Valley start-ups considering expansion into the US market. 

Photo: Cyber Valley

 

WOMEN OF TECH CONFERENCE 2026 at ARENA2036 in Stuttgart

Cyber Valley attended the WOMEN OF TECH CONFERENCE 2026 at ARENA2036 in Stuttgart on May 21, an inspiring event that highlighted both the progress made toward greater diversity in technology and the work that still lies ahead.

Women continue to be underrepresented in many areas of technology, AI, and leadership. Events like the WOMEN OF TECH Conference play an important role in addressing this challenge by creating visibility, fostering meaningful connections, and strengthening professional networks that support women throughout their careers. 

Day 2 featured engaging discussions on leadership, emotional intelligence, collaboration, AI, and the future of work. Cyber Valley joined the event to connect with inspiring women across the tech ecosystem and to identify potential speakers for future Cyber Valley events and initiatives. The enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to share experiences made for a particularly inspiring atmosphere.

Photo: Cyber Valley

 

IP2Invest from Medical Innovations Incubator GmbH at Cyber Valley

On May 21, Cyber Valley was proud to support IP2Invest, an inspiring event from Medical Innovations Incubator GmbH that brought together startups, investors, IP experts, and innovation ecosystem partners for an evening of insightful discussions, valuable networking, and entrepreneurial inspiration. 

A key focus of the event was the role of intellectual property in building successful and investor-ready start-ups. Through expert panel discussions and practical insights, participants gained a deeper understanding of how strong IP strategies can support growth, attract investment, and create long-term value. 

The event also featured the "Startup BW Elevator Pitch", where innovative start-ups presented their ideas to a panel of experts and a live audience. Congratulations to OSORA Medical GmbH, which secured first place, as well as QuantiLight and Medora Care, who shared second place, and PediOx, which received third place. 

Cyber Valley is committed to fostering connections between research, entrepreneurship, and industry. Events like IP2Invest play an important role in helping innovative ideas move from the laboratory to the marketplace. By bringing together founders, investors, and experts, the event created a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and future collaboration.

Photo: Cyber Valley