KIT spark is designed to provide space, resources, and support to further develop ideas and guide research projects from the initial concept through to implementation. Prof. Dr. Christof Weinhardt emphasized that the “last mile” in implementing an idea or product is particularly challenging and risky. It is precisely during these difficult processes that KIT spark offers a supportive infrastructure. Jakob Edler added that KIT spark does not limit its support to this final stage: Interested parties can join regardless of how far along their project already is. KIT spark supports them in developing suitable strategies and successfully implementing their ideas.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who helped shape the opening with their contributions and insights: Prof. Dr. Daniel Lang, Prof. Dr. Christof Weinhardt, Vice President KIT Prof. Dr. Kora Kristof, Prof. Dr. Anke-Susanne Müller, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ina Schäfer, Jakob Edler, Tina Lorenz from the ZKM, and TT. Prof. Dr. Barbara Bruno.

On Saturday, KIT spark opened its doors to anyone curious to learn more. In an exhibition designed in collaboration with Ellery Studio, visitors were able to explore KIT’s reality labs and gain insights into their diverse topics and projects through a scavenger hunt. A heartfelt thank you goes to the three reality labs that presented their projects on-site for visitors to try out: the Karlsruhe Transformation Center for Sustainability and Cultural Change (KAT), the Robotic AI Reality Lab with the robot Pepper, and the Real-World Lab Accessibility. Pepper, in particular, caught the visitors’ attention.

We look forward to the ideas, encounters, and projects that will emerge at KIT spark in the future.

KIT spark was initiated by the Institute for Technology Assessment (ITAS), the Institute for Information Systems (WIN), and the KIT Humans and Technology Center.