Building Bridges

for the Next Generations
Latest Findings in Artificial Intelligence

Building Bridges

for the Next Generations
Latest Findings in Artificial Intelligence

SEP 11 – 12, 2025

DRESDEN, Festspielhaus Hellerau

About the Conference

The theme of Building Bridges 2025 is Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a field that is profoundly shaping the future of science, industry, and everyday life. AI is revolutionizing research across disciplines, from energy systems and healthcare to microelectronics, making it one of the most transformative technologies of our time.

By bringing together researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from Saxony, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Baltic states, especially Lithuania as our guest country, the conference will provide a platform for discussing cutting-edge AI developments, fostering new collaborations, and exploring the societal impact of AI-driven innovation.

Over the years, the Building Bridges conference has established itself as a platform of international relevance, enhancing the visibility of Saxony’s scientific excellence beyond national borders.

Following the success of the previous editions, the event continues to strengthen Saxony’s role as a bridge between research, politics, industry, and society. By fostering international collaboration, the conference enables interdisciplinary and cross-border exchange, paving the way for long-term partnerships.

In 2025, the conference will introduce the Archimedes Prize, awarded by the Free State of Saxony and coordinated by Dresden University of Technology, recognizing outstanding contributions to scientific progress with a prize of 50,000 Euros.

Building Bridges is a unique forum for exchange and networking for all levels. It aims to connect decision makers, scientists and entrepreneurs, especially young researchers and innovative start-up companies. To foster this vibrant environment, participation is free of charge.

Podium, Building Bridges Conference, 2023 (© Robert Lohse)

Spotlight on AI in Energy, Health & Microelectronics

AI & Energy

Artificial intelligence is transforming the energy sector, making power systems smarter, cleaner, and more resilient. In Saxony (Germany), initiatives are linking energy and data networks to enable intelligent control of the grid and support a successful transition to renewable power.

In Poland, a major utility is implementing deep learning models to optimize its electricity distribution and boost the reliability of supply.

Similar efforts in the Czech Republic and Lithuania are deploying AI for smarter grid management and energy efficiency, illustrating how these regional innovations are powering a greener energy future for Europe and the world.

AI & Health

From hospitals to research labs, AI-driven solutions are enabling earlier diagnoses, personalized treatments, and more efficient care. Saxony’s thriving biomedical hub exemplifies this trend: the new BioAI Dresden program combines cutting-edge AI methods with biology to advance health science.

Poland is likewise investing heavily in digital health, establishing Regional Centers for Digital Medicine that apply AI and big data to patient care as part of a push to join the world’s leaders in digital medicine.

In the Czech Republic, innovators have developed an AI tool Carebot that can detect lung abnormalities in X-rays with higher accuracy than human radiologists​, showing the life-saving potential of AI-assisted diagnostics.

Lithuania’s health tech sector is also making its mark – for example, a Vilnius-based team created Europe’s first AI system approved to autonomously provide medical image reports without a radiologist. Together, these breakthroughs demonstrate how regional AI innovation in healthcare can improve lives globally, a compelling topic for experts and the public alike.

AI & Microelectronics

Advancements in microelectronics provide the backbone for AI progress, and this is a key focus across Saxony, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania.

Saxony’s “Silicon Saxony” is Europe’s largest microelectronics cluster, home to around 3,600 companies and 76,000 employees driving innovation in semiconductors and AI hardware.

Poland has emerged as a significant player in Europe’s semiconductor landscape, demonstrated by ambitious projects such as a planned 4.6 billion-dollar semiconductor integration and testing facility near Wrocław. While some global initiatives have experienced delays due to economic headwinds, Poland remains committed to expanding its microelectronics capabilities, solidifying its role in the region’s technological future.

In the Czech Republic, the establishment of the Advanced Chip Design Center in Brno, in collaboration with Taiwan, fosters joint research in chip design and cybersecurity.

Lithuania is also enhancing its semiconductor capabilities, with plans to establish a national semiconductor competence center supported by the European Chips Act. Collectively, these initiatives across the region are strengthening the microelectronics ecosystem, which is essential for the development of next-generation AI applications.

These efforts underscore why Building Bridges is an invaluable forum for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to connect, exchange insights, and forge collaborations that shape the future of AI innovation.

By bringing together leading experts from across Saxony, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, the event provides a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research, discuss emerging challenges, and shape the technological landscape of tomorrow.

Join us at the „Building Bridges for the Next Generations“ conference in 2025 as we discuss latest findings in artifical intelligence research and foster connections that will shape the future.

Sep 11 –12, 2025
Festspielhaus Hellerau, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 56, 01109 Dresden

Conference Program

Preliminary Program

This interactive session invites experienced Horizon Europe coordinators and participants to exchange insights on managing “Widening Participation” projects. Connect with peers from Eastern Europe and the Baltics, share success stories and challenges, and explore strategies for building cross-border collaborations.

Throughout the day, various start-ups and initiatives focused on Artificial Intelligence will showcase their work at information booths located in the foyer.

This welcoming session marks the official start of the conference. The hosts of the event offer opening remarks, setting the tone for two days of international exchange, collaboration, and inspiration.

Andreas Handschuh | Chief of the Saxon State Chancellery, Germany (tbc)

Sebastian M. Schmidt | Scientific Director of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Artistic Performance

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Throughout the day, various start-ups and initiatives focused on Artificial Intelligence will showcase their work at information booths located in the foyer.

This session opens the second day of the conference and introduces the scientific program. The hosts of the event welcome participants and provide context for the day’s thematic focus on interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and innovation.

Sebastian Gemkow | Saxon State Minister for Science, Culture and Tourism, Germany (tbc)

Sebastian M. Schmidt | Scientific Director of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

The Archimedes Award honors outstanding scientific achievement with societal relevance. The ceremonial bestowal brings together prominent representatives of Germany’s leading research organizations to celebrate excellence and foresight.

Awardee (tbc)

Michael Kretschmer | Minister-President of the Free State of Saxony, Germany (tbc)

Ursula M. Staudinger | Rector of TU Dresden, Germany

Otmar D. Wiestler | President of the Helmholtz Association, Germany

Claudia Felser | Vice President of the Max Planck Society, Germany

Holger Hanselka | President of the Fraunhofer Society, Germany

Martina Brockmeier | President of the Leibniz Association, Germany

Walter Rosenthal | President of the German Rectors’ Conference, Germany

Sebastian M. Schmidt | Scientific Director of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany

and other participants.

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

The keynote speech by the Archimedes Award recipient offers personal insights into groundbreaking research and its broader implications. It serves as both inspiration and a call to action for the next generation of scientists.

Title (tbc)

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Top-level representatives from several European ministries explore the interface of science policy and research funding. This panel highlights national strategies and common goals in fostering international collaboration and scientific excellence.

Michael Kretschmer | Minister-President of the Free State of Saxony, Germany (tbc)

Raminta Popovienė | Minister of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania (tbc)

Jana Havlíková | Deputy Minister for Science, Research and Innovation of the Czech Republic (tbc)

Marcin Kulasek | Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland (tbc)

and other participants.

 

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

In three parallel sessions, emerging talents and renowned researchers present cutting-edge projects in AI & Health, AI & Energy, and AI & Microelectronics. Short talks and interactive discussions create space for knowledge sharing and fresh perspectives.

Session: AI and Health
Moderator: tbd

Session: AI and Energy
Moderator: tbd

Session: AI and Microelectronics
Moderator: tbd

This interactive matchmaking session is all about building new research partnerships. In themed group discussions, participants connect based on shared interests and explore concrete ideas for future cooperation in AI-driven fields.

Session: AI and Health
Moderator: tbd

Session: AI and Energy
Moderator: tbd

Session: AI and Microelectronics
Moderator: tbd

Dr. Andreas Handschuh | Chief of the Saxon State Chancellery, Germany (tbc)

Sebastian M. Schmidt | Scientific Director at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Recommended Hotels

For your stay during the Building Bridges Conference, rooms have been reserved for you on a self-pay basis in the following hotels.

Image © DVB

Public Transport

The city Dresden offers a wide range of public transportation, which you can use during your stay for the Building Bridges Conference. The following information might be helpful for you.

How to Reach Festspielhaus Hellerau by Public Transport

Address: Festspielhaus Hellerau, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 56, 01109 Dresden, Germany

From Dresden Airport (DRS)

  • S-Bahn Line S2: From Dresden Airport, take the S2 train towards Pirna Bahnhof.
  • Alight at “S-Bf. Industriegelände”: Exit the station and follow signs to the tram stop on Königsbrücker Straße.
  • Tram Line 8: Board tram 8 heading towards Hellerau.​
  • Disembark at “Festspielhaus Hellerau”: The venue is a short walk from the stop.​

Approximate travel time: 30 minutes.

From Dresden Central Station

  • Tram Line 8: Board tram 8 in the direction of Hellerau directly at the station.
  • Disembark at “Festspielhaus Hellerau”: The venue is adjacent to the stop.​

Approximate travel time: 30 minutes.

From Dresden Neustadt Station

Option 1: S-Bahn and Tram

  • S-Bahn Line S2: Take the S2 towards Dresden Flughafen (Airport).​
  • Alight at “S-Bf. Industriegelände”: Exit and proceed to the tram stop on Königsbrücker Straße.​
  • Tram Line 8: Board tram 8 heading towards Hellerau.​
  • Disembark at “Festspielhaus Hellerau”: The venue is a short walk from the stop.

Approximate travel time: 25 minutes.

 Option 2: Tram Only

  • Walk to “Albertplatz” Tram Stop: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Dresden Neustadt Station.​
  • Tram Line 8: Board tram 8 towards Hellerau.
  • Disembark at “Festspielhaus Hellerau”: The venue is adjacent to the stop.

Approximate travel time: 30 minutes.

All connections are operated by Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB). Tickets can be purchased at machines or via the DVB app. A single trip ticket for Dresden’s urban area (“Einzelfahrt”) currently costs approximately €3.