ai_init :: May_2026

mai ist für ai

Berlin’s most critical exploration of the machine age. A month-long collision of code, art, and ethics designed to challenge the paradigm shift defining our future.

// 42 Berlin Campus // Hackathons // Keynote Speakers // AI & Ethics Panels // Tech Workshops // Open Source // Networking // 42 Berlin Campus // Hackathons // Keynote Speakers // AI & Ethics Panels // Tech Workshops // Open Source // Networking

Beyond the hype:
a month of critical exploration.

The Berliner: Read the Full Story →

After last year’s success, we are bringing back mAI: a dedicated month-long series exploring the impact, ethics, and innovations defining the age of Artificial Intelligence.

From the code we write to the art we create, AI is shaping our society in paradigm-shifting ways. But with rapid expansion comes the need for nuance. We are bringing together experts, learners, and industry leaders not just to celebrate what is possible, but to ground the conversation in critical thought.

Whether you are coding neural nets or simply curious about the future of human-machine interaction, join us to look deeper.

watch: the mAI experience

Event Series Teaser
42 Berlin Insights
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Mai ist für AI
Opening Night.

We're living through a genuine shift. AI is moving fast, finding its way into the tools we use, the decisions being made around us, and the industries most of us work in. That's exciting, and it's also a lot to take in.

We started Mai ist für AI because we think this moment deserves more than hype or headlines. It deserves real conversation, between people who are building, researching, regulating, and simply trying to understand what's happening and what comes next.

Thank you for joining us. It meant a lot to have such a great group of people in the room. Read the full recap on LinkedIn
Attendees networking at Mai ist für AI Speaker on stage at Mai ist für AI
Mai ist für AI event atmosphere Attendees engaged in conversation Panel discussion shot Vibrant networking scene Close-up of attendees chatting Stage lights at 42 Berlin Event photo
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Remaining
Programme

A month of talks, workshops, and practical entry points.

May 27 16:00 – 19:30

GraphRAG & GenAI Workshop

Explore how graph databases can improve Generative AI applications and reduce common challenges such as hallucinations.

Hosts: Zaid Zaim Reserve Spot
May 28 17:30 – 20:30

Closing Night Conversation

We explore what it means to remain thoughtful, autonomous, and creative in an era increasingly shaped by machine intelligence.

Host: 42 Berlin Reserve Spot
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Speakers & Hosts

Industry leaders, founders, and researchers joining the conversation.

Dat Ngo, Dir. AI Solutions at Arize
Dat Ngo Dir. AI Solutions, Arize

VP of Strategy at Arize AI, specializing in observability and helping teams transition prototypes to production AI.

Deivids Vilkinsons, Founder of HASH
Deivids Vilkinsons Founder, HASH

Founder of HASH, developing AI for safety-critical domains, and leads a technical area within ARIA's Safeguarded AI.

Dominik Campanella, CEO of Concular
Dominik Campanella CEO, Concular

Innovator driving the circular economy, digitizing construction to reduce carbon by mapping material life cycles.

Harriet von Kügelgen, CEO of dauri
Harriet von Kügelgen CEO, dauri

CEO of dauri, transforming CO2 reduction into a measurable financial win by bridging energy efficiency and ROI.

Ingo Eichhorst, AI Architect at IONOS
Ingo Eichhorst AI Architect, IONOS

AI Architect and Engineering Trainer at IONOS with over 15 years of experience. Teaches Machine Learning and GenAI.

Isabella Rossi, Founder of MaSí
Isabella Rossi Founder, MaSí

Helps climate and impact founders build a real path to revenue. Partners with programs to embed practical GTM support and helps founders build real traction.

Michael Bornholdt, AI Architect at Merantix
Michael Bornholdt AI Architect, Merantix

Specializes in deploying AI within the German public sector, navigating complex governance to move GenAI into production.

Monika Kwiatkowski, Researcher at TU Berlin
Monika Kwiatkowski Researcher, TU Berlin

Doctoral researcher in machine learning at TU Berlin, working on scalable production-grade ML systems for finance.

Philip Eckert, Head of Automation at HeyJobs
Philipp Eckert Head of Automation, HeyJobs

Product leader driving scalable marketing automation, overseeing integrations, self-service platforms, and data at HeyJobs.

Zaid Zaim, Dev Advocate at Neo4j
Zaid Zaim Dev Advocate, Neo4j

Microsoft MVP and technology innovator spanning emerging technologies, data architecture, and applied AI in Berlin.

Judith Peterka, Digital and AI Policy Advisor, Federal Chancellery
Judith Peterka Policy Advisor, Fed. Chancellery

Shapes digital strategy and AI policy at the Federal Chancellery, working at the intersection of technological innovation and governmental regulation.

Vladimir Liashenko, Product Marketing Manager at TiS
Vladimir Liashenko Product Marketing, TiS

Drives product positioning and go-to-market strategies at TiS, focusing on communicating the value of complex technical solutions to the broader market.

Yaobang Chen, Senior AI Business & Revenue Architect @ Akkodis
Yaobang Chen AI Business Architect, Akkodis

Designs and implements AI-driven business models at Akkodis, bridging the gap between advanced technical architectures and measurable revenue growth.

Enjins, Machine Learning Engineering Partner
Enjins Engineering Partner

Specialized experts turning machine learning theory into production-ready business value for ClimateTech and Mobility.

Urban Impact, Ecosystem Connector
Urban Impact Ecosystem Connector

Europe's leading urban tech advisory, bridging cities, startups, and investors to scale real-world sustainability solutions.

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