The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems conducts fundamental research into the principles of perception, learning, and action that underlie autonomous and adaptive behavior in both natural and artificial systems. With two campuses in Stuttgart and Tübingen, the institute brings together interdisciplinary expertise across computational, physical, and social dimensions to advance knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, computer vision, control, and materials science. Researchers at the Stuttgart site emphasize the physical realization of intelligent systems—including robotic materials, soft robotics, and haptic intelligence—while the Tübingen site focuses on theoretical and computational foundations and societal aspects of AI. The institute is part of the international Max Planck Society and fosters collaboration, innovation, and the translation of bold ideas into technologies with societal impact.

The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung’s mission is to create an open environment for scientific breakthroughs. As a partner of excellence in science, it supports basic research as well as applied sciences in the STEM subject areas (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Founded in 1889 by the physicist and mathematician Ernst Abbe, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung is one of the oldest and biggest private science funding institutions in Germany. It is the sole owner of Carl Zeiss AG and SCHOTT AG. Its projects are financed from the dividend distributions of the two foundation companies.

Cyber Valley is Europe's leading center for excellence in advanced AI and robotics. Cyber Valley creates a vibrant ecosystem that enables seamless collaboration and rapid exchange between academia, business and society.

As an ambassador for entrepreneurship, Cyber Valley's mission is to strengthen the research, development, and application of intelligent systems, providing a platform for collaboration, resource sharing, and advancement of modern AI and robotics. With a focus on the ethical and societal aspects of AI, Cyber Valley fosters dialogue between society and AI researchers and strives for a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is used for the benefit of society.

The International Max Planck Research School for Intelligent Systems (IMPRS‑IS) is a highly interdisciplinary doctoral program jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, the University of Stuttgart, and the University of Tübingen. Established in 2017, it brings together leading researchers from fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, neuroscience, control theory, and human‑computer interaction to investigate the fundamental principles of intelligent, adaptive behavior in complex environments. IMPRS‑IS is a core component of Baden‑Württemberg’s Cyber Valley initiative and recruits outstanding doctoral candidates from around the world to pursue cutting‑edge research across theoretical and applied domains. The program provides structured support, mentorship from internationally recognized faculty, and opportunities for participation in seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, all conducted in English. Graduates earn their doctoral degrees while being embedded in a vibrant scientific community dedicated to advancing the frontiers of intelligent systems research.