ruth901
With three unusual projects, Region Fulda GmbH would like to shape the Hessentag and make people aware of the diversity of the region: The regio'markt on Bonifatiusplatz, the AI world around Concept Department Store Karl and the start-up tent on the Straße der Wirtschaft.
Fulda – “The regio'markt and the AI world form a bracket. On the one hand we refer to the tradition of the region and the quality of life in East Hesse, on the other hand we present the future and the innovative strength of the economic region,” says Christoph Burkard, Managing Director of RegionFulda GmbH, describing the two presentation areas of the Hesse day.
“Visitors have the opportunity to browse and get to know the East Hesse region at 22 stands at the regio'markt, which stretches from Bonifatiusplatz to the forecourt of the tourist information center,” says project manager Katharina Most. There are also other tegut stands that occupy the square in front of the Hotel Kurfürst. The offer of the regio'markt is supplemented by the twin towns of the city of Fulda.
AI premiere and regional market: tradition and innovative strength
“Overall, the offering is deliberately broad,” explains Most, who is in charge of planning the market. Visitors can sample locally sourced food and drink, from beer and wine to spirits and full meals. There are also handicraft products – from handmade items to tailor-made items to wooden and ceramic goods. “Everything definitely comes from Hesse,” emphasizes Most. The majority of exhibitors come from a maximum radius of 50 kilometers. Only the Prince of Hesse's wine stand is an exception. However, this is closely connected to the region via Fasanerie Castle in Eichenzell.
All stands are permanently occupied by the participating partners during the ten Hessentag days. The stand of the Green Food Cluster offers a special feature, where changing members of the network, which supports the production and marketing of sustainable food in the Hesse region, set priorities on different days – such as the presentation of regionally produced cheese or spices. However, the core offer remains constant every day.
Continuing the celebration after the Peter Maffay concert
Thanks to Peter Maffay's additional concert, there will also be an eleventh day on which the regio'markt will be open from 5 p.m. Regular opening hours begin at 10 a.m. daily. “The core time is actually until 7 p.m. But we are even open until midnight,” emphasizes Most. Since the concerts on Cathedral Square end around 10 p.m., the organizers expect visitors to visit the market afterwards. A stage there will offer not just an evening program, but an all-day program – organized by the cultural office.
Burkard points out that Bonifatiusplatz does not function as an isolated square, but rather as part of Hessentagsstrasse: visitors walk through the market to other highlights of the state festival. In terms of content, he sees the region in a nutshell in the regio'markt – tradition, quality of life and regional products, embodied, among other things, by initiatives such as Rhöner Charme, Wertfoll and the Green Food Cluster.
Innovations from East Hesse
The Fulda region dares to take a look into the future with the AI world in the Karl concept department store. The concept relies on experience and low-threshold access. Numerous exhibitors invite you to participate and interact – with robots, screens and other exhibits. “We are planning on having 25 exhibitors. About two thirds, I would say, from the Fulda district and a third from the rest of Hesse,” explains Christian Vey, authorized representative of RegionFulda GmbH.
The exhibition is on the initiative of Hessian Digital Minister Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus developed. Since there was no space on Hessentagsstrasse, the AI world was integrated into the state exhibition. “The state exhibition will take place in the Karl concept department store on the ground floor and first floor and the AI world in the basement,” explained Vey.
Region Fulda GmbH at the Hessentag
regional market
Food, drinks, craft items and local craftsmanship
From June 12th to 21st from 10 a.m. to midnight at Bonifatiusplatz
June 22nd from 5 p.m. to midnight at Bonifatiusplatz
AI world
Experience and get to know artificial intelligence in the form of robots and exhibits
From June 12th to 21st from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Karl concept department store
Founder's Tent
Young companies present their start-ups and those interested can seek advice from experienced mentors
From June 12th to 21st from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the street of business
One of the highlights is the Da Vinci surgical robot from the Fulda Clinicwith which visitors can interact. The FFT company is bringing, among other things, a four-in-a-row robot that is controlled with artificial intelligence. Also represented is the Robocino: a robot arm that operates a portafilter coffee machine and prepares espresso. The company Jumo presents a jellyfish aquarium that uses AI technology to monitor water quality, nutrient content and temperature.
Startups are also represented, which, in addition to on-screen presentations, also offer short workshops in which visitors learn in around 20 minutes how AI can be used in everyday life. The Magrathea Laboratories association, an offshoot of the Chaos Computer Club, is bringing an AI ergometer with it: If you want to carry out a prompt, you first have to generate the necessary electricity – a tangible illustration of the energy consumption of AI.
Get started with your own company
The opening of the AI world will take place on Friday, June 12th. The Hessian Digital Minister is expected from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The opening will be moderated by Willi Weitzel, known from “Willi wants to know”. The opening times of the AI World correspond to those of Hessentag: daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Fulda region has also developed a third project for the state festival: There is a large start-up tent on the Street of Business where founders can present themselves over the ten days and those interested can be advised by mentors. The activities of the “Gründer Region Fulda” will be relocated to the Hessentag.
Preparations for all projects are already in full swing. In this context, Burkard emphasizes the uniqueness of the AI world: “What is being shown there has never been seen before in our region on the topic of AI – and never before on Hessentag. This is a real first.” While the regio'markt shows the DNA of the region in terms of tradition and quality of life, the AI world stands for its future and innovative strength.
