AI in Focus: DIGITAL X in Cologne

In this article, you will learn

• When and where you can attend DIGITAL X,
• Which key topics and speakers await you,
• How to get one of the €1,000 vouchers.

On September 10, it’s that time again: DIGITAL X, the largest cross-industry digitalization initiative, returns to Cologne. OTC will also be there, highlighting the latest in digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.

In 2024, more than 50,000 visitors transformed the entire city into a stage under the motto “Ready for Impact” to discuss the digital future. The mission remains the same in 2025, but the format is evolving. With two Focus Editions, DIGITAL X is breaking new ground by spotlighting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sovereign Cloud.

On November 5, DIGITAL X will shift its focus to Sovereign Cloud in Berlin. But in Cologne, the premiere of the Focus Editions will highlight AI under the theme “Ready for AI – shaping what’s to come together.” The event will explore AI’s potential to transform digital business.

AI isn’t magic—it’s a tool. A powerful one. It enables automation, pattern recognition, and faster decision-making than the competition. Those who embrace it gain an edge; those who hesitate risk being left behind. But true value creation with AI requires more than bold visions—it demands resilient, intelligent structures. The DIGITAL X AI Edition demonstrates how AI translates into real business value, featuring practical use cases and pioneers already leading the way. The event also addresses a key question: What’s still holding you back?

At the Confex Koelnmesse, curated exhibits, inspiring keynotes, and exclusive networking opportunities will provide insights, perspectives, and fresh ideas.

Alongside Tim Höttges, Klaus Werner, Dr. Max Ahrens, and other leading AI experts, the stage will feature AI consultant Kenza Ait Si Abbou Lyadini, neuroscientist and author Henning Beck, political economist, transformation expert, and sustainability scientist Prof. Dr. Maja Göpel, as well as former chair of the German Ethics Council Prof. Dr. Alena Buyx.

AI without the cloud? Unthinkable. At the T-Hub, a range of cloud solutions will be on display—including the Open Telekom Cloud.

With DIGITAL X, it becomes official: the Open Telekom Cloud is joining the T Cloud umbrella. T Cloud unites Telekom Group’s sovereign cloud offerings under one brand and markets them collectively to all customer segments, from multinational corporations to local businesses. The Open Telekom Cloud’s commitment remains unchanged. “We will continue to be the leading European public cloud,” says Thomas Weber, VP T Cloud Public, “with excellent support for our customers and our comprehensive service portfolio.”

This year, the T-Hub is designed as a “Deep Dive,” where visitors can immerse themselves in an underwater world. At six consulting stations under the motto “Cloud Maker,” they can explore AI-relevant cloud offerings, including the Open Telekom Cloud, the Industrial AI Cloud, and the AI Gigafactory. So dive in and meet us “underwater.”

At our booths, we’ll demonstrate how quickly and easily AI services based on large language models can be built. Daniel Schellhase, Chief Product Manager, will also give a masterclass on the T-Stage, where he will discuss sovereign AI.

T-Business will launch a new AI service for SMEs at DIGITAL X: Voice AI Notes, powered by the Mistral LLM. The application identifies participants, content, tasks, and appointments in conversations, then automatically generates a structured meeting summary delivered by email. Voice AI Notes processes all content exclusively in the Open Telekom Cloud—GDPR-compliant, hosted in European data centers, and without using customer data to train AI models. This makes it an accessible, data-sovereign entry point into productive AI, directly from everyday work.

And we’re bringing a special trade fair offer: the first visitors who want to get started with the Open Telekom Cloud can receive a €1,000 voucher at our booth. Share your business idea with us and claim €1,000 in free credits, with no strings attached. Stopping by our booth will definitely be worth it.