July 29, 2025

Research meets politics: How does cutting-edge research translate into economic success?

Member of the Bundestag Ronja Kemmer MdB learns about the research work of the DLR at the Ulm site.
From left: Dr. Simon Odrowski (AI), Prof. Kai Bongs (QT), Dr. Anke Kovar (Site Manager DLR South), Prof. Frank Köster (AI), Ronja Kemmer MdB, Mario Schneider (City Council Ulm), Julia Dunker (Faction Advisor), Dr. Hans-Martin Rieser (AI), Lautaro Hickmann (AI)
Game against quantum AI
From left: Lautaro Hickmann (AI), Ronja Kemmer MdB
  • Ronja Kemmer Member of the German Bundestag, learns about research into the safe integration of artividial intelligence into the economy and society
  • Demonstrators show the potential of quantum AI and safe human-AI interaction in VR simulations
  • Focus on tehcnology transfer: From research results to economic application through start-ups and industry partnerships
  • Dialogue between politics and research as the key to trustworthy AI development

Close cooperation between research and politics is crucial for the safe integration of artificial intelligence into the economy and society. Together with Julia Dunker from her team and Mario Schneider, city councilor in Ulm, the member of the Bundestag visited the DLR Institute for AI Safety & Security, the Institute for Quantum Technologies, and the Quantum Computing Initiative (QCI).

From research to economic success

Prof. Frank Köster, Director of the DLR Institute for AI Security, presented the institute's work, with a particular focus on how research translates into economic success. The goal: to enable innovation, strengthen competitiveness, and promote economic growth. The institute achieves this through direct, practical cooperation with companies. In doing so, DLR focuses particularly on transferring research results to industry – through spin-offs, start-ups, and strategic partnerships with industry.

Innovative demonstrators illustrate research potential

Quantum AI in practice: Dr. Hans-Martin Rieser and Lautaro Hickmann used a game on the institute's own Quantum Arcade Machine to clearly illustrate how quantum AI differs from classical AI. This technology combines machine learning with quantum computing and promises higher learning rates and expanded computing power. The goal is to use quantum AI in practical applications – for example, in mobility, trade, logistics, and energy.
Safe human-AI interaction: The second demonstrator focused on humans. Andreas Poppele and Alexandra Coroiu showed VR simulations for safe human-AI interaction in mobility and logistics. Digital twins enable risk-free testing of new concepts – efficiently, realistically, and cost-effectively.

Dialogue for trustworthy AI development

The institute would like to thank Ms. Kemmer and her team for their interest, the exciting discussions, and the open exchange. Dialogue with political decision-makers is essential for helping to shape the framework conditions for trustworthy AI – in terms of innovative strength, social progress, and technological sovereignty.