10 years of connect.IT: A success story of digital transformation in Heilbronn-Franken
Today we are celebrating a special anniversary: connect.IT Heilbronn-Franken e.V. is 10 years old! 🎉 What began as an ambitious initiative in 2014 has developed into a powerhouse of digital innovation in our region. Let's look back on this exciting journey together and take a look into the future.
From vision to reality
On July 15, 2014, we founded connect.IT with a clear vision: to establish Heilbronn-Franconia as an attractive IT location and to bundle the innovative forces in the region. Thanks to the support of Heilbronn University and renowned companies from the region, we were able to realize this vision step by step.
Today, a decade later, our association has a proud 130+ members - from industry giants, innovative IT providers and user companies to associations, educational institutions and start-ups.
Our Chairman, Steffen Jung, looks back on the development with enthusiasm:
'When we started connect.IT 10 years ago, many IT talents wanted to leave the region after graduating. Today, Heilbronn-Franconia has become a real IT hotspot. With connect.IT, we have made a significant contribution to bringing the various interest groups together and strengthening the region as an attractive IT location.
Milestones on our journey
- Barcamps: Since our first BarCamp in April 2014 at Heilbronn University, we have developed numerous innovative formats, including "IT im Fluss" on a Neckar steamer and the "KI Nightcamp".
- IT Job Shuttle: The IT Job Shuttle, initiated in 2016, was a pioneering format that brought IT students and regional companies together for several years and created sustainable connections.
- Berufsausbildung.IT: Our funding project has supported over 500 companies with IT training and launched the IT-Fachkräfte Forum.
- Turbo IT program: In cooperation with regional companies, we have established a shortened IT specialist training program.
- connect.IT After Work: Our IT regulars' table has become a popular community meeting place for networking and exchanging ideas.
- connect.IT Expeditions: We offer exclusive insights into exciting companies and institutions such as 42 Heilbronn, experimenta, hiqs, Kolping Bildung, Stadt Heilbronn and IPAI Heilbronn.
- Partner events: We are actively involved in events such as the Heilbronn AI Festival, the Heilbronn Slush'D and the KI Salon.
Our mission
connect.IT stands for more than just networking. We have set ourselves the goal:
- To sustainably strengthen the IT community in the region
- To promote communication and knowledge exchange between all stakeholders
- To make a significant contribution to the digital transformation in Heilbronn-Franken
With our innovative event concepts, we offer a platform for exchange, cooperation and further training in one of the most dynamic industries of our time.
Shaping the future together
The last 10 years were just the beginning. We cordially invite all IT and technology enthusiasts and companies to become part of our network. Let's actively shape the digital future of the Heilbronn-Franken region together!
You can find up-to-date information and opportunities to get involved on our website. Here's to the next 10 years of innovation, collaboration and digital transformation! 🚀💻🎊
