With approximately €1.6 million in funding from the European Union and the state government, the joint project “AI for SMEs Lower Rhine” will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region in integrating artificial intelligence into their business processes.

On April 27, 2026, Regional President Thomas Schürmann officially presented the funding approval notice to the project consortium partners. The project is part of the “Regio.NRW – Transformation” funding initiative and is financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The University of Duisburg-Essen contributes its scientific expertise through Frederik Ahlemann, Marc Eulerich, and Hannes Rothe. Other consortium partners include the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, the Economic Development Agency of the Kleve District, the Economic Development Agency of the Wesel District, and Duisburg Business & Innovation.

As part of the project, SMEs in the region will receive support through consulting services, training programs, and hands-on pilot projects. The goal is to facilitate access to AI technologies and sustainably strengthen the long-term competitiveness of local businesses.

Photo: Regional President Thomas Schürmann together with Arslan Haider and Professors Frederik Ahlemann, Marc Eulerich, and Hannes Rothe (from left to right) of the University of Duisburg-Essen.