9 December 2024

The University Incubator at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, or hike for short, has set itself the goal of supporting students and staff at the university in realising their innovative ideas. Under the motto "Get Inspired. Learn. Create.", hike not only offers support in developing ideas, but also a wide range of formats such as workshops, lectures and events on forward-looking topics such as digitalisation, sustainability, new work and design thinking. One highlight of the hike event programme was the two-day AI Bootcamp, which took place in the hike Lab on 5 and 6 December 2024.

AI Bootcamp: basics and practical experience

The AI Bootcamp was aimed at university members who want to expand their expertise in the field of generative artificial intelligence (genAI). In intensive sessions, the participants gained practical insights into AI tools, learnt prompt engineering techniques and were familiarised with innovative applications of AI. The bootcamp was accompanied by three experienced coaches: Thomas Herwig, Jonas Mielke and Avishek Chatterjee, who contributed their expertise in the various application areas of artificial intelligence and provided the participants with valuable feedback and guidance.

Day 1:

The first day began with an introduction to the basics of generative AI. Practical use cases were presented in keynotes and recordings by experts such as Yunus and Akram from neuland AI. This was followed by a session on prompt engineering, led by Lukas from AI HUB STARTPLATZ. Other focal points were interactive (self-)prompting sessions and a demonstration of the creative automation possibilities with Zapier.

Day 2:

The second day offered in-depth insights into the potential of genAI. Topics such as increasing efficiency through AI-based solutions (presented by Benjamin from EY etventure) and the discussion of ethics and data protection were on the programme. The session "Building custom GPTs" was a particular highlight. Participants developed their own bots and received practical tips on how to use them effectively and in a future-proof way.

Participant perspective: Enthusiasm and new ideas

Tina Bergknapp, University Communications Officer at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, was delighted with the AI Bootcamp: "Although I have been working intensively on the topic of artificial intelligence for some time now, both professionally and privately, I was able to take away an incredible amount of additional and valuable knowledge from the Bootcamp. I was particularly impressed by the session on custom GPTs. After the bootcamp, I immediately started developing my own GPT for the university. This will be continuously enriched with knowledge so that prospective students can use it in future to find answers to their questions quickly and easily."

She also emphasises that she understands the scepticism of many people towards AI: "It is understandable that many people are critical of artificial intelligence, whether due to concerns about loss of control or uncertainties regarding ethical aspects. However, this is precisely why it is important to engage intensively with these technologies in order to use them consciously and responsibly. Only those who engage with AI can realistically assess its opportunities and risks and actively help shape the future."

Future viability through further training

The hike's AI Bootcamp impressively demonstrates how practice-orientated further education programmes can support university members in seizing the opportunities of digital transformation. The hike remains a central point of contact for innovative ideas and forward-looking formats that promote the transfer of knowledge and technology.