Heilbronn is becoming an AI center: Dieter Schwarz is planning an innovation park!

Heilbronn is becoming an AI center: Dieter Schwarz is planning an innovation park!

Heilbronn, the city with around 132,000 inhabitants, is often referred to as the “Dieter Schwarz city”, and for good reason. Dieter Schwarz, who was born on September 24, 1939, is the city's best-known son and, as a Lidl billionaire, has contributed greatly to the economic landscape. In the last financial year 2023/24, the Schwarz Group he founded achieved sales of an impressive 167.2 billion euros and employs 575,000 people worldwide. The group also operates around 12,200 Lidl stores and around 1,450 Kaufland stores, which underlines the importance of black for the region. In spring 2025, his fortune was estimated in the Forbes ranking at 41 billion euros, managed through a complex network of foundations.

Schwarz, who has been an honorary citizen of Heilbronn since 2007, has a significant influence on the city's development. One of the most significant initiatives is the Artificial Intelligence Innovation Park (IPAI), which is designed to be the largest artificial intelligence ecosystem in Europe. The location, which is to be realized in the Steinäcker industrial area in Heilbronn, will offer space for around 5,000 employees. The first construction phase of the IPAI Campus is planned for the end of 2025, while the first expansion stage has already been in operation in the Wohlgelegen Future Park since September 2022.

The Artificial Intelligence Innovation Park (IPAI)

The IPAI represents the entire value chain in the field of artificial intelligence and focuses on the qualification of specialists as well as practical research and development. In addition, special attention is paid to the ethical and responsible use of AI. The IPAI brings together partners from companies, startups, research, science and the public sector. The fields of activity range from production and logistics to trade and distribution to public services and life sciences. The Dieter Schwarz Foundation plays a key role in the implementation and brings in 50 million euros of its own funds. The state of Baden-Württemberg is also supporting the project with a further 50 million euros as start-up financing.

The innovation park is not only an important step for the economic development of Heilbronn, but also a pioneering initiative in the field of artificial intelligence. With the planned international AI campus, Heilbronn will become a center for innovative technology creation that will attract both regional and international specialists.

The IPAI stands out as a unique project in Europe and competes for the best conditions for research and use of artificial intelligence. This commitment is a further sign of Dieter Schwarz's forward-looking vision and the fundamental development of the city of Heilbronn.