Bechtle moves to bolster AI in Rostock location with Planet AI
“Without AI, there can be no digital transformation and we have set our sights firmly on a future-first ecosystem,” says Bechtle COO Michael Guschlbauer
Bechtle is setting its sights on transforming its Rostock location into a hub for Planet AI's artificial intelligence applications.
Both partners have already successfully completed several joint projects in the field of AI deep learning funded by the EU and the state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.
While Jochen Schulte, State Secretary at the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Infrastructure and Tourism in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania has also emphasised his support for expanding the location and sees the potential for further funding.
"The growth of Planet AI underscores our commitment to bolstering the existing AI ecosystem in Rostock, where we already have an outstanding network of university researchers and industrial applications backed by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania among others," said Schulte.
"Together, our aim is to continue to broaden digitalisation expertise in SMEs to promote economic success and innovations."
Planet AI's focuses on developing AI-based solutions for intelligent document analyses and process automation, while Bechtle has held a majority stake of 51 per cent in the company since October 2023.
Bechtle aims to pair use-case-oriented AI research with the extensive marketing capabilities of Germany's largest IT system house, while mounting a joint effort to bolster Germany and Europe's AI ecosystem and take a leading role in future innovation.
"Together with Planet AI, we are taking the next step and expanding the Rostock site to become our central AI innovations hub," said Michael Guschlbauer, COO of IT system house and managed services at Bechtle.
"The proximity to the university and the state's commitment to our growth have given us the impetus we need to continue to pursue our goals. Without AI, there can be no digital transformation and we have set our sights firmly on a future-first ecosystem."