AI Summit Kitzbühel 2025
AI in Action: Three Days in the Alps
For three sun-soaked days this June, the Alpine town of Kitzbühel transformed into a hub for forward-thinking leaders, technologists, and visionaries. The AI Summit Kitzbühel 2025, held from June 24–26 at the Grand Tirolia Hotel, brought together 450+ international guests from industries as diverse as healthcare, retail, finance, and manufacturing.
But this summit was more than just a conference — it was a curated experience built around practical business AI, meaningful conversation, and a deep sense of place. Across three stages, dozens of sessions, and multiple evening events, one theme stood out: AI is no longer experimental. It’s essential.
DAY 1 - Tuesday
Setting the Stage for Responsible Transformation
Focus: Vision, Trust & Strategic Foundations
The summit opened with a clear message: AI’s potential is enormous — but so are the responsibilities that come with it. Lena Kornau, host and founder, welcomed guests alongside Kitzbühel’s mayor, Dr. Klaus Winkler and Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser (Executive Director of Kitzbühel Tourism) – emphasizing the summit’s role in bridging global innovation with local roots.
Keynotes and sessions explored:
- The evolution of agentic and generative AI, and how it’s already augmenting decision-making
- Strategic AI integration across large enterprises — from Pfizer to IBM
- The importance of building trust, both with users and within organizations
Participants also joined guided bike tours, mobility sessions, and yoga before breakfast — an invitation to slow down and connect in a mindful setting.
Evening Highlight
The Opening Get-Together featured outdoor drinks, mountain views, and a 500-drone light show. With a relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality, the evening set the tone for the days ahead.
DAY 2 - Wednesday
Turning AI Pilots into Scalable Success
Focus: Real-World Execution, Industry Use Cases, and Masterclasses
On the second day, the focus shifted from vision to application. Panels and expert chats unpacked how organizations are already scaling AI — with both success stories and lessons learned.
Some of the sessions:
- “From Pilot to Production”:
Eleni Tragousti from Dataiku showed how to scale autonomous AI agents beyond early-stage testing. - “Customer Experience Orchestration”:
Sean Whitty from Adobe explored how agentic AI is reshaping service and personalization. - “Successfully Implementing AI”:
IKEA, E.ON, S.Oliver, Accilium and fsas technologies shared what it takes to make AI stick across the business.
Evening Highlight
The legendary VIP Party at Rosi’s Sonnbergstuben, high above the rooftops of Kitzbühel, brought together business leaders in a relaxed setting—with BBQ, Kaiserschmarrn, live music, and panoramic views. Traditional Austrian outfits were welcome, but not required, adding local flair to the festive evening.
DAY 3 - Thursday
Governance, Agents & What Comes Next
Focus: AI Readiness, Legal Tech & Practical Adoption
On the final day, the sessions focused on AI governance, legal frameworks, and data readiness — key areas for leaders preparing to deploy AI responsibly at scale.
Hands-on workshops and keynotes covered:
- Navigating data quality and infrastructure needs for AI adoption
- The role of legal tech and compliance in AI-driven business models
- Practical case studies on business-ready AI agents that assist with knowledge work, HR, and compliance
As the formal sessions wrapped up, the summit shifted into its closing moment: a Tropical AI-sland Get-Together on the wellness terrace, featuring light snacks, music, and space to reconnect with new contacts. It was a calm, reflective end to a high-energy three days.
Why It Mattered
The AI Summit Kitzbühel proved that business AI is no longer about future hype—it’s about clear, strategic implementation today. Several aspects made this summit stand out:
- Quality over quantity: A concise, well-curated format across three days.
- Balanced programming: Inspirational keynotes, deep dives, and hands-on formats kept the experience grounded in reality.
- Human connection: With social events, breakfast meetups, and even “gondola talks,” the event encouraged personal exchange—not just business cards.
- Cross-industry dialogue: From media to pharmaceuticals and finance, every sector was represented — with shared concerns around trust, impact, and transformation.
As one attendee put it:
“The AI Summit Kitzbühel doesn’t just talk about the future — it brings the right people together to shape it.”
Looking Ahead
The next AI Summit Kitzbühel will take place June 24–25, 2026. Until then, the momentum continues — with companies already implementing ideas discussed at the summit, and new collaborations forming across sectors.
For those who couldn’t attend — or want to relive it: