The transformation of existing commercial sites is a central component of sustainable spatial and economic development. Given limited land resources, increasing environmental requirements, and the need to reduce CO2 emissions, the question of how existing commercial sites can be developed for the future and adapted to new economic, ecological, and social requirements is becoming increasingly important.

Our forum this year, "Commercial Sites," is therefore dedicated to strategies, concepts, and practical examples for the sustainable transformation of commercial sites. The focus is on approaches that enable resource-saving, economically viable, and long-term competitive development within existing sites.

With expert impulses from Prof. Stine Kolbert (FH Aachen) on current requirements for construction and planning management, and Ben Michel (pfeiffer.volland.michel.architekten GmbH) on the challenges and opportunities of a sustainable construction turnaround, the AGIT Forum offers insights into key developments and innovative solutions.

The Finnish-German Trade Guild NRW invites all members and friends to its "Dual Use" event at the AI Village.

We are pleased to invite you to a new edition of our Legal AI Community Events on September 14th at the AI Village.

Together with LOSCHELDER, we have put together an exciting program for you.

After two short impulses, we will discuss the topics that concern you regarding AI regulation, AI use in law firms or companies, tools, and much more in breakout sessions in an open space format. Use this opportunity to actively contribute your current topics, share assessments & benefit from the experience of others.

As usual, after the program, we will open the floor for networking & in-depth exchange with snacks & drinks.

The campus talk with Ina Scharrenbach, NRW Minister for Home Affairs, Municipalities, Construction and Digitalization, offers a forum for direct exchange on current issues concerning the future of cities and municipalities in our region. We will announce the specific topic shortly.

The Rhenish mining area is in transition: Actors from politics, administration, business, science, civil society, and interest groups are jointly shaping the region's transformation. The Innovation Valley Garzweiler plays a key role in this.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Innovation Valley Garzweiler annual conference will take place in Erkelenz. The event starts at 2:30 PM, with admission at 2 PM.

The annual conference offers the opportunity to take a look at the current state of development, to exchange ideas, and to network.

Look forward to the following topics, among others:

• Why does innovation need to be thought about differently today?

• How can companies secure innovation capacity in the long term and systematically anchor innovation processes?

• Which projects are shaping the development of the area after the Garzweiler open-cast mine? What significance do quality of life, site development, and new perspectives for work and life in the region have?

• How can transformation create growth?

Finally, representatives from the region will discuss which factors will determine whether the transformation from a mining area to a future-oriented region is successful.

AI has arrived in many companies – however, measurable productivity and competitive advantages often still fail to materialize. Between initial pilot projects and sustainable business benefits lies the crucial question: How can AI be effectively integrated into operational processes, regardless of company size and use case? The key factor for real productivity gains is AI agents. They not only automate individual work steps but also control complex processes independently: they analyze tasks, break them down into sub-processes, access relevant data and systems, and derive the next actions from them. This creates the foundation for scalable automation, more efficient workflows, and a measurable contribution to value creation.

The city of Hürth, together with the AI Village and the Rhein-Erft Economic Development Agency, wants to actively support structural change in the Rhenish mining area and the region. With the SME meets AI format, a platform has been created for networking companies, municipal actors, organizations, associations, and scientific institutions.