Bechtle and Planet AI expand AI footprint in Rostock

• Bechtle aiming for further growth through AI applications
• State of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania reaffirms support

Neckarsulm, 29 April 2024 - Bechtle AG is setting its sights on transforming the Rostock location into a hub for Planet AI's innovative AI applications-marketed throughout Europe by the Bechtle Group-largely due to the proximity to the University of Rostock, with which Planet AI has been collaborating closely for a number of years. A cooperation agreement signed in January 2020 forms the foundation of joint, application-oriented AI research, which will now be expanded. 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 and 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. Together, our aim is to continue to broaden digitalisation expertise in SMEs to promote economic success and innovations," says State Secretary Jochen Schulte.

Planet AI's focus is on developing AI-based solutions for intelligent document analyses and process automation and Bechtle has held a majority stake of 51 per cent in the company since October 2023. With it, 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. 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," says Michael Guschlbauer, COO, IT System House and Managed Services, Bechtle AG.

Close collaboration with university secures the next generation

Jesper Kleinjohann, CEO of Planet AI, came to Rostock as a student. The mathematician wrote his diploma thesis on neural networks at Planet AI and is now a role model for attracting students with long-term career opportunities in applied research. "Our close partnership with the University of Rostock's CITlab has proven itself over the years, not only with the many successful projects we've collaborated on, but also in terms of recruiting the best talents for our diverse and ever-growing team," says Jesper Kleinjohann. Planet AI currently employees just under 50 staff predominately in research and development, over half of which are graduates of the University of Rostock.

AI ecosystem with hubs in Rostock and Heilbronn

Bechtle combines its activities in Rostock with its membership of the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (Ipai) in Heilbronn-a stone's throw away from its Neckarsulm headquarters. Both Bechtle and Planet AI are involved in the European flagship project for artificial intelligence and Ipai will become a centre for AI thanks to funding of up to €50m from the state of Baden-Württemberg. The aim is to establish an ecosystem that promotes innovation and in which a whole host of partners can come together to develop future-oriented AI solutions. As part of the cooperation, Planet AI's AI-based application IDA (Intelligent Document Analysis) will be made available as a demonstrator at Ipai.