THWS in Davos: Dialogue and networking at the start of WEF week
Würzburg, 21 January 2026
As Davos turns into the epicenter of the World Economic Forum (WEF) this week, Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is also represented on site. Under the guiding theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” WEF brings together leaders from government, business, civil society, and academia each year to exchange views on global challenges and discuss shared priorities.
In this context, Prof. Dr. Pascal Meißner, research professor at CAIRO.thws (THWS’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence) attended the DLD Nightcap at the Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel Belvédère Davos – an exclusive kick-off event for WEF week hosted by DLD and Hubert Burda Media. The evening focused on cross-sector dialogue as well as initiating and strengthening contacts with a view to potential collaborations for THWS and CAIRO.thws.
Strong presence of policymakers and business in Davos
During WEF week, Davos is exceptionally busy: the town is at full capacity, traffic is dominated by taxis and limousines, and many companies maintain a visible presence; among other things through rented spaces and branded appearances. Accordingly, the density of guests from politics and major corporations is high. For THWS, it was particularly relevant that Bavaria’s State Minister Markus Blume was present, as well as Thomas Saueressig from SAP.
Conversations on data center technology, energy, and quantum computing
Over the course of the evening, discussions took place with representatives from technology-oriented companies, including the French server and data center manufacturer 2CRSi, the solar, battery, and power experts at Station-i, and the German company planqc, which is developing a quantum computer. The exchange provided insights into current developments and identified potential starting points for future cooperation.
About CAIRO.thws
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAIRO.thws) is the AI research institute at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt. CAIRO.thws develops innovative AI solutions with a clear focus on open-source technologies and European digital sovereignty. By combining application-oriented research and active knowledge transfer in business and society, CAIRO.thws makes an important contribution to strengthening Bavaria and Europe as an AI location.
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has stood for excellence in teaching and applied research since its foundation in 1971. With around 9,100 students, a wide range of more than 60 degree programmes and two doctoral centres, THWS covers a broad spectrum ranging from technology to economics and social sciences, languages and design. The THWS is not only rooted in the Franconia and Bavaria regions, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and, last but not least, in a diverse range of English-language courses.
