IBM Think in Munich: Pioneering the Future of AI and Quantum Computing
IBM's Think on Tour 2024 made a significant stop in Munich on October 9-10, 2024. The event was part of a global series aimed at helping local leaders scale AI for their businesses. The Munich edition emphasized the transformative power of AI, quantum computing, and hybrid cloud solutions, and provided a platform for business leaders to explore practical applications of these cutting-edge technologies. With Thomas Taroni on stage, we also shared insights into the practical application of AI to drive business innovation.
Generative AI: From Experimentation to Production
The event showcased how generative AI is transitioning from experimentation to full-scale production. With IBM's watsonx platform, participants learned how to train trustworthy foundation models, apply governance frameworks, and optimize business processes. Real-world examples illustrated how companies are leveraging responsible AI at scale to unlock new growth opportunities and reshape their industries.
Phoenix Technologies KeyNote: Scaling generative AI Models with trustworthy data and governance.
- Thomas Taroni, CEO, Phoenix Technologies, shared insights into the practical application of AI to drive business innovation.
- Dr. Christian Keller, General Manager & Technology Leader, IBM Switzerland, emphasized the critical role of AI and hybrid cloud in transforming business operations.
- Lars Mallien, watsonx Ecosystem Leader, IBM Technology, highlighted the capabilities of watsonx in helping companies implement scalable and responsible AI solutions.
Thomas Taroni reflected, "It was fantastic to share our journey towards launching Switzerland’s first commercial AI supercomputer and to showcase how, over the past months, we have moved beyond experimentation to full-scale production. With the IBM Vela AI Supercomputer on kvant, we aim to achieve unprecedented productivity gains while ensuring Swiss sovereignty for secure and compliant AI deployments. Together, with passion, courage, and vision, we have achieved this goal alongside our partners. A heartfelt thank you to IBM, Red Hat, uptownBasel, NorthC Datacenters, Green, and TD SYNNEX."
He concluded by inviting interested parties to learn more, "If you’d like to learn more about how Phoenix Technologies is driving sovereign AI innovation in Switzerland, feel free to contact me or our team here."
AI and Hybrid Cloud Solutions
Attendees explored innovative AI and hybrid cloud solutions through interactive demos, gaining practical insights into applications tailored for various industries. These solutions demonstrated how organizations could achieve efficiency gains and streamline operations using IBM's advanced technologies.
Spotlight Sessions and Tech Bytes
Industry experts delivered in-depth knowledge and practical insights, allowing participants to delve into new subject areas and understand the transformative potential of AI. These sessions included actionable strategies for implementing AI and hybrid cloud solutions in day-to-day business operations.
Interactive Showcases
Engaging installations invited attendees to interact and discover how AI and hybrid cloud technologies generate value. Highlights included unique experiences such as playing table tennis with an Olympic professional and witnessing the real-world impact of IBM’s AI-driven innovations.
Networking Opportunities
The event facilitated connections among IBM leaders, experts, partners, and peers, fostering discussions on AI strategies and collaborative opportunities. These interactions underscored the value of a collaborative ecosystem in driving AI adoption.
A Quantum Leap: IBM's European Quantum Data Center
A notable highlight was the inauguration of IBM's first European quantum data center in Ehningen, Germany, on October 1, 2024. This center represents a significant advancement in quantum computing technology, offering applications in machine learning, cybersecurity, and pharmaceutical research.