On 3 July, the Ulm Chamber of Industry and Commerce will host a high-profile conference on the future of the Danube region: under the title “The Danube Region at the Turn of Times – Shaping the Digital Future along the Danube”, the business conference will focus on key issues relating to digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in the corporate sector.

As part of the opening day of the 2026 International Danube Festival, the event takes on a special significance: afterwards, all participants are invited to the official festival opening and an exclusive VIP reception. At the same time, two anniversaries – 20 years of Baden-Württemberg’s involvement in the Danube region and 15 years of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region – provide a significant backdrop.

The mayors Martin Ansbacher (Ulm) and Katrin Albsteiger (Neu-Ulm), along with State Secretary Thomas Dörflinger from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Trade and Tourism, will set the political agenda with their contributions and highlight the importance of regional and international cooperation. Leading figures from politics, business and academia shed light on practical topics such as AI and cybersecurity for businesses, as well as regional AI strategies, with a view to creating the right framework conditions for businesses.
A highlight will be the closing keynote address by Prof. Christian Stummeyer, who will provide in-depth insights into the potential of AI for businesses. The session “Insights: Regional AI Strategies and Use Cases” will also offer perspectives from various Danube countries and strengthen transnational dialogue. A networking lunch will round off the programme, providing an opportunity for personal encounters, new ideas and lasting partnerships.
The event is part of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (Priority 8 / Competitiveness of Enterprises).

Daniel Hirsch, Budapest

Link program: July 3rd, 2026 10:30 am.- 04:15 pm.
IHK Ulm, Olgastraße 95-101