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, and
• how you can 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. Of course, OTC will also be there when it comes to digitalization and artificial intelligence.

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

On November 5, DIGITAL X will turn its attention to the key topic of Sovereign Cloud in Berlin. But in Cologne, the premiere of the Focus Editions will take place with the theme of AI: “Ready for AI – shaping what’s to come together.” AI will be examined in the context of its potential for digital business.

AI is not magic—it’s a tool. But a powerful one. Those who use it automate, recognize patterns, and think faster than the competition. Those who hesitate will be left behind. But real AI value creation requires more than grand visions—it requires stable, smart structures. The DIGITAL X AI Edition shows how AI becomes tangible value: with real use cases and pioneers who are already leading the way. The event also provides answers to the question: What’s still holding you back?

At the Confex Koelnmesse, selected exhibits, powerful impulses, and exclusive networking moments will provide answers, perspectives, and inspiration.

Alongside Tim Höttges, Klaus Werner, Dr. Max Ahrens, and renowned 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, various cloud offerings will be presented — including the Open Telekom Cloud.

With DIGITAL X, it becomes official: The Open Telekom Cloud is joining the umbrella of the T Cloud. The T Cloud bundles the sovereign cloud offerings of the Telekom Group under one roof and markets them jointly for all customer segments—from multinational corporations to local businesses. The Open Telekom Cloud’s promise remains: “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”: visitors will immerse themselves in an underwater world. At six consulting stations under the motto “Cloud Maker”, they can explore AI-relevant cloud offerings: the Open Telekom Cloud, the Industrial AI Cloud, and the AI Gigafactory. So dive in and meet us “underwater.”

At our stands, we will showcase how quickly and easily AI services can be built using Large Language Models. Daniel Schellhase, Chief Product Manager, will contribute a Masterclass on the T-Stage about sovereign AI.

T-Business will also launch a new AI service for SMEs at DIGITAL X: Voice AI Notes, based on the Mistral LLM. The application recognizes participants, content, tasks, and appointments in conversations and automatically generates a structured meeting summary, which is then sent by email. Voice AI Notes processes conversation content exclusively in the Open Telekom Cloud—GDPR-compliant, in European data centers, and without using the data for training AI models. This makes it a low-threshold, data-sovereign entry into productive AI—directly from everyday work.

And we’re bringing along a special trade fair offer: the first visitors who want to start with the Open Telekom Cloud can receive a €1,000 voucher at our booth. Share your business idea with us and seize the chance for €1,000 in free credits—with no further obligation. A visit to our booth is definitely worth it.