Industrial AI – Don’t Panic: A Look Back at a Galactically Successful RISC Pioneers Day 2025
An afternoon for everyone who doesn’t just want to ride the wave of AI but lead it.
Pioneers Day 2025: Leading the Wave of Industrial AI
On March 27, 2025, the first Pioneers Day of RISC Software GmbH took place at Johannes Kepler University Linz. Under the tongue-in-cheek motto “Industrial AI – Don’t Panic!” – inspired by Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – around 100 guests from business and science followed the invitation to an afternoon full of inspiration, exchange, and hands-on AI knowledge.
Data Intelligence in Action
After the welcome by Rector Univ.-Prof. Dr. Stefan Koch, Session 1 – Data Intelligence kicked off with insights into intelligent infrastructure solutions.
- The Data Intelligence team of RISC Software GmbH, led by Mag. Stefanie Kritzinger-Griebler PhD, presented real industrial use cases under the title “From Data to Decisions – Industrial AI in Practice”. Moreover, they openly discussed challenges such as data quality, expectation management, and the actual value of large language models in an industrial context.
- DI Thomas Titze (voestalpine Railway Systems GmbH) demonstrated the enormous potential of Condition-Based Maintenance in rail transport using an intelligent switch developed by his team.
- Dr. Michael Wiesauer (Fill GmbH) guided the audience through the path “from machine data to action” and explained how Fill uses system knowledge for smart machine monitoring.
Large Scale Software and AI for Simulation
Session 2 – Large Scale Software began with a visionary talk by Ass.-Prof. Dr. Johannes Brandstetter (JKU & Emmi AI). Under the title “AI4Simulation”, he showed how AI-based, data-driven simulations could significantly contribute to solving complex scientific questions in the future. Furthermore, he explained why so-called latent representations play a key role. Afterwards, DI (FH) Alexander Leutgeb shared insights into how the Industrial Software Applications team at RISC Software GmbH transforms R&D projects into market-ready software solutions.
Keynote: Quantum Learning as the Grand Finale
The grand finale was the keynote by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Richard Küng, quantum computer scientist at JKU Linz, board member of the Cluster of Excellence quantA, and elected member of the Young Academy of Sciences. After 13 years of research abroad – most recently at the renowned Caltech, known to some from The Big Bang Theory – the Mühlviertel native now explores a key question: How can quantum computers and classical machines be connected into a “greater whole” that is more than the sum of its parts? With wit, charm, and scientific depth, he offered fascinating insights into (Machine) Learning in the Quantum Realm – a worthy conclusion to an extraordinary afternoon. The event was hosted by Bernhard Freudenthaler (Chief Sales Officer) and Cornelia Staub (Marketing & Communications Manager, RISC Software GmbH).
Pioneering Together – AI With Human Perspective
“Pioneers Day showed how Industrial AI is already creating real value today – and how important it is to approach new technologies with enthusiasm, curiosity, and courage,” summarizes Wolfgang Freiseisen, CEO of RISC Software GmbH. “Of course, AI isn’t the answer to everything – and sometimes ‘42’ just isn’t enough. That’s why humans must remain at the center of every technological development. We are delighted about the lively exchange with so many dedicated individuals – and look forward to pioneering together.”
Don’t Panic – Just Pioneer!
If you missed it: Don’t panic – impressions, photos, and videos will be available soon on our website and social media channels.
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