The "Green AI Hub" is one component of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection‘s (BMUV) five-point programme "Artificial Intelligence for the Environment and Climate". It aims to bring the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for resource efficiency closer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative will advance the research, development and testing of resource-saving AI technologies. Together with selected SMEs, practicable AI applications will be developed for operational challenges, such as the optimisation of logistics or digitally integrated solutions for the maintenance of machinery or the closure of material flows in the industry. The focus lies on the transfer of artificial intelligence into everyday operations.
The Green AI Hub is intended to bring AI processes directly to SMEs through mobile test and demonstration centres. Companies can, thus, test sustainable AI solutions in a real environment and increase the resource efficiency of their production. Furthermore, this initiative will raise awareness among companies for the implementation of AI solutions and generate corresponding offers for support and equipment.
The goal of the Green AI Hub is to implement up to 20 practical pilot applications. The AI solutions developed for this purpose shall also be made freely available and shall be used across industries through minor specific adaptations.
The Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH is implementing the initiative administratively and technically on behalf of the BMUV. The German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), the Wuppertal Institute, the VDI Technology Centre and the VDI Centre for Resource Efficiency are the contractors of the ZUG and are responsible for setting up and operating the Green AI Hub. The Wuppertal Institute is responsible for monitoring, evaluation and benefit analysis and is also active in the Green AI Hub's other activities.