AI for the “Mittelstand” - MISSION KI connects companies with AI startups in Bavaria
MISSION KI’s matchmaking program to strengthen and broaden AI adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is entering the next round. After a successful launch in Baden-Württemberg, companies from Bavaria are now invited to apply for participation by 03.04.2025. The program identifies individual needs and possible applications for AI solutions. With support from the BAIOSPHERE AGENCY/Bayerische KI-Agentur, the appliedAI Institute for Europe, and other regional partners, suitable AI startups from across Germany will be handpicked to meet with the applicants in Munich on 26.05.2025.
Determining one’s own AI needs and finding the right AI solution is often a time-consuming and resource-intensive process for many SMEs. To lower barriers, MISSION KI accompanies medium-sized companies on their journey to implementing customized AI projects. This service already paid off in the first matchmaking round for companies from Baden-Württemberg. From pilot projects to developing proofs of concept and establishing innovation partnerships, just two months after the event, the majority of participating SMEs reported concrete collaborative projects with the AI startups involved.
During the matchmaking event on 26.05.2025 in Munich, companies and startups will meet one-on-one. This direct exchange allows them to explore possible applications more in-depth and get to know their potential technology partners. In turn, the startups gain exclusive access to new customers.
Manfred Rauhmeier, Chairman of the acatech Foundation and Secretary of the acatech Coordination Committee:
“Within the context of our matchmaking event, we bring together regional SMEs with AI startups from all over Germany. We have a strong SME sector, with many hidden champions among these companies. We want to provide concrete support by analyzing the needs of the participating companies and matching them with the right AI startups for competitive technologies, products, and services. By tapping into the innovation potential arising from the collaboration between SMEs and startups in a trusting environment, we can strengthen the competitiveness of our companies and thus the future viability of our economy. Through this very hands-on format, we are jointly bringing our strategic goal of resilient innovation and transfer ecosystems to life.”
Dr. Michael Klimke, CEO of the BAIOSPHERE AGENCY:
“With BAIOSPHERE, the Bavarian State Government is deliberately strengthening the AI ecosystem by connecting stakeholders from business, academia, and society. Together with MISSION KI, we support SMEs in leveraging artificial intelligence. To achieve this, we have secured the support of the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) and the HWK (Chamber of Crafts) as strong partners from our network and reach out directly to SMEs. Only by working together can we fully harness AI’s potential for innovation in Bavaria.”
Dr. Philip Hutchinson, Senior AI Strategist at the AppliedAI Institute for Europe:
“SMEs are the backbone of our economy, but many companies face the challenge of using AI in a sensible and profitable way. To overcome these hurdles, it is crucial to combine the innovative power of German AI startups with the expertise of SMEs. Only through such cooperation can we develop practical solutions and at the same time reduce our dependence on non-European AI players.”
Shortly thereafter, the next matchmaking round will follow: On 17.06.2025, the format will be rolled out in North Rhine-Westphalia. Further information will be published shortly.
