Building Bridges 2025

Latest Findings in Artificial Intelligence

Building Bridges 2025

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.

Conference Program

Preliminary Program

Widening Participation in Horizon Europe: Sharing Best Practices

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.

Anna Vosečková | Technology Centre Prague, Czech Republic
“Widening, what else?“

Emílie Trakalová | Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic

Christopher Marrs | Dresden University of Technology, Germany
“Proposal, People, Pitfalls: Behind the Scenes of the EarthBridge Twinning Project“

Ondřej Bar | Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Nina Becker | Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Germany
“Making Widening Work: CREATIC Insights on Building, Leading, and Scaling a Teaming Project“

Organizers: ZEUSS

Studio West (Salon West)

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AI-Driven Innovations: From Research to Application

The HZDR Innovators School and the HZDR AI Lab invites to an inspiring session showcasing how advances in AI research can be applied to practical applications. Researchers and experts from HZDR and partner institutions will share insights into transfer projects, spin-off initiatives and infrastructure solutions. After the short Lightning Talks, the conversation continues with an interactive panel discussion using Mentimeter, where you can ask your questions and share your thoughts on how scientific breakthroughs can effectively lead to impact-driven technologies.

Samuel Pantze | CASUS/ HZDR, Germany
“Intuitive Software for AI-Supported 3D Cell Tracking Using Virtual Reality”

Israt Jahan Tulin | HZDR, Germany
“HPC Gateway: Infrastructure and Consulting for Academia and Industry”

Maleeha Hassan | HZDR, Germany
“trustPAIKON: Joint Research by Start-Ups and Academia”

Andréa de Lima Ribeiro | HIF/ HZDR, Germany
“A Smart Sensor Network for non-invasive identification of semiconductors”

Organizers: HZDR Innovators School, HZDR AI Lab

Moderator: Peter Steinbach | Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany

Nancy Spero Saal

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

Entry Festspielhaus

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.

Heike Graßmann | State Secretary SMWK, Germany

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

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

Interview and then Performance by SCANAUDIENCE (Italy)

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

Tadas Tumėnas | Head of Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office in Brussels, Lithuanian RDI Liaison Office in Brussels (LINO)

Talk: Enhancing Lithuania’s Global Knowledge Presence

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

Artistic Performance by Moritz Simon Geist (Dresden)

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

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

Entry Festspielhaus

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 of Science, Germany

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

Regina Valutyte | Vice-Minister of Education, Science and Sport, Lithuania

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

The Archimedes Science 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: Cordelia Schmid

Michael Kretschmer | Minister-President of the Free State of Saxony, 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
Walter Rosenthal | President of the German Rectors’ Conference, Germany
Sebastian M. Schmidt | Scientific Director of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Germany
Ursula M. Staudinger | Rector Dresden University of Technology, Germany

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

The keynote speech by the Archimedes Science 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.

Awardee: Cordelia Schmid

Talk: Artificial intelligence: past, present and future 

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

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

Tomasz Kajdanowicz | Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland

Christian Stegmann | Director of the Astroparticle Physics Division at the research center DESY, Germany

Regina Valutyte | Vice-Minister of Education, Science and Sport, Lithuania

Jaroslav Zajicek | Director for International Affairs, Chancellery of the President, Czech Republic

Moderator: Julia Nitzschner

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

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

Anja Braune | Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany
Peter Horváth | HUN-REN Biological Research Centre Szeged, Hungary
Ivo Sbalzarini | Dresden University of Technology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany
Martin Sedlmayr | Dresden University of Technology, Germany
Virgilijus Ulozas | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Lithuania
Artur Yakimovich | CASUS Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

***

Session: AI and Energy

Tomasz Bulik | University of Warsaw, Poland
Werner Dobrautz | CASUS Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany
Pavel Kordik | Czech Technical University Prague, Czech Republic
András Zénó Gyöngyösi | MouldTech Systems Ltd. (industrial partner of the Széchenyi István University), Hungary
Michael Kramer | Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy Bonn, Germany
Thomas Kühne | CASUS Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany

Moderator: Philipp von Haymerle | CASUS Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany

Nancy Spero Saal

***

Session: AI and Microelectronics

Andrius Katkevičius | Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
Akash Kumar | Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
Peter Schneider | Dresden University of Technology/Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, Germany
István Szászi | Bosch Hungary and Adriatic Region, Hungary
Pranciškus Vitta | Vilnius University, Faculty of Physics, Lithuania
Mindaugas Zilys | Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania

Moderator: Peter Steinbach | Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Germany

Dalcroze Saal

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
Moderators: Carsten Glück (ZEUSS),  Julia Busch-Casler (HZDR), Michaela Holz (DLR Project Management Agency)

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

***

Session: AI and Energy
Moderators: Alexander Hesse (ZEUSS), Maik Scholz (NKS KEM), Agnes Vosen (HZDR)

Nancy Spero Saal

***

Session: AI and Microelectronics
Moderators: Juliana Rodrigues Kozovits (ZEUSS), Alexander Khanin (NKS DIT)

Dalcroze Saal

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

Moderator: Jan-Martin Wiarda

Großer Saal (Main Hall)

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.