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Artificial intelligence is one of the key competitive factors of our time, yet its implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is often fraught with difficulties due to a lack of expertise, limited budgets and a shortage of external partners. This is precisely where the collaborative project ‘AI for SMEs in the Lower Rhine’ comes in.
The aim of the project is to provide SMEs in the Lower Rhine region – particularly in the city of Duisburg and the districts of Wesel and Kleve – with a practical introduction to the field of artificial intelligence. Over a period of three years (2026–2028), business owners and their staff will be supported through a modular training programme: ranging from introductory courses covering the basics, through application-oriented workshops, to mentoring programmes and cross-border peer-to-peer formats.
The role of Rhine-Waal University
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is contributing its expertise in applied innovation research to the project and is responsible for the AI.INNOVATION WEEK module (AP 6: ‘New Solutions with AI’), which is led by Prof. Dr Kathrin Weidner and supported in its implementation by Nina Nüchter. In this format, participants experience the innovation process using the Design Thinking method in a practical way: from the initial problem idea through new approaches to solutions right through to the development of a prototype. AI tools are specifically used as creative sparring partners to open up new perspectives and drive ideas forward more quickly. The module is aimed at senior management, department heads and anyone involved in developing new products, services or business models within their organisation.
Furthermore, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is involved in the kick-off event and in the academic knowledge transfer across the entire project consortium.
Project Budget
approx. 1.9 million euros.
Duration
1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028
Contact
Professor Dr Kathrin Weidner
kathrin.weidner@rhine-waal-university.de
Nina Nüchter
nina.nuechter@rhine-waal-university.de
Project Consortium
The project is supported by a broad consortium comprising academic institutions and regional business development organisations:
Duisburg Business & Innovation GmbH (Project Lead)
Wirtschaftsförderung Kreis Kleve GmbH
Kreis Wesel EntwicklungsAgentur Wirtschaft
University of Duisburg-Essen Rhine-Waal
University of Applied Sciences HAN University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
Funding
The ‘AI for SMEs in the Lower Rhine’ project is funded by the European Union and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the ERDF/JTF Programme NRW 2021–2027.
