Heilbronn, April 16, 2026 – The future of human-centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being created on 30 hectares in Heilbronn. In this environment, the KI Festival of the IPAI Foundation hosts under the motto “READY ?!” on July 25 & 26, 2026, a unique mixture of top speakers from science and society, interactive demonstrators and renowned art, reflecting the most important topics of our society. More than 50 exhibiting institutions such as ETH Zurich, Fraunhofer, Cyber Valley, the state of Baden-Württemberg, non-profit organizations such as CorrelAid and mi4people, global players such as Audi, Claas and Porsche as well as technology leaders such as SAP and the companies of the Schwarz Group underscore this Relevance of this unique, free AI festival, which was already attended by 13,500 people in 2025.
“With the KI Festival, we are showing that Heilbronn is not only an extremely strong ecosystem for technological developments, but also the European heart of human-centered AI,” says Moritz Grater, CEO of the IPAI Foundation. “AI is not an abstract concept for specialists – it is a tool for all of us. The KI Festival is a reflection of our projects in the IPAI Foundation and offers a wide audience the opportunity to engage with AI in a variety of ways. ”
Experience AI: From Vibe Coding to Telerobotics
The program includes over 100 program points that show the influence of AI on our living environment. In addition, there will be a colorful supporting program for all age groups. Some highlights this year:
- Science & Education: Keynotes by top international researchers such as Prof.Dr. Tobias Rees, an interactive children’s keynote by Clarissa Corrêa da Silva (“Knowledge Makes Ah!”) As well as workshops on skills such as Vibe Coding or Eva Gengler with a book presentation on feministic AI.
- Technology & Robotics: Insights into AI in use – from humanoid robots to telerobotics in medicine to autonomous agricultural solutions and logistics innovations.
- AI & Art: Immersive worlds of experience with Ars Electronica exhibits, the combination of art and computer games and exhibitions by international artists such as Egor Kraft.
- Festival Vibes: Live music, food trucks, beach volleyball and some highlights for families offer an extensive supporting program to enjoy, celebrate and experience.
International Art: From the Ars Electronica Festival to Heilbronn
The festival combines technology and aesthetics in a special way. In changing art exhibitions, renowned international artists are already showing how AI functions as a creative tool in the IPAI Spaces. For the KI Festival, there will be other exhibits that were exhibited at the renowned Ars Electronica Festival in Linz last year.
A new brand for a new era
For the five-year anniversary, the festival presents itself in a new look & feel. The new logo and the fresh color scheme reflect what the festival stands for: curiosity, participation and dynamism. In just a few years, the KI Festival has developed into a cultural highlight with international appeal and combines knowledge, culture and fun in a dynamic festival, in contrast to traditional specialist conferences.
Democratization of technology
Encounters, understanding and enthusiasm for and with AI are the focal points of the IPAI Foundation. In order to make this possible for as many people as possible, the festival is deliberately visited free of charge and without prior registration. Numerous demo stations, interactive exhibits and workshops invite you to try out and understand AI directly.
Key data at a glance:
- What: 5th KI Festival of the IPAI Foundation
- Motto: “READY ?!”
- When: July 25 & 26, 2026
- Where: IPAI Spaces, Heilbronn Future Park
- Admission: free of charge
Note for editors: Journalists are invited to accompany the festival. For interview requests with the management of the IPAI Foundation and for accreditation, please contact: press@ipai-foundation.ai.
