Artificial intelligence (AI) has already been adopted by many companies and offers the potential for more efficient processes, new business models and a reduction in the workload on employees. At the discussion evening entitled ‘Use AI! Opportunities for businesses in the Mainz region’, experts from regional companies such as Schott AG, start-ups, trade associations, academia and social partners discussed how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in particular can utilise AI in their workflows in a meaningful, secure and cost-effective manner, and what role training, employee participation and regional networks play in this. The event took place on the 17th September in Mainz and was organised jointly by VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH and the Plattform Lernende Systeme.