Werner Weiss is regarded as a pioneer of applied artificial intelligence and as a bridge-builder between cutting-edge university research and corporateinnovation. Through his work, he has made a significant contribution to establish Kaiserslautern as an international hub for AI and digitalization.
Professor Peter Liggesmeyer, Chair of the Honorary Doctorate Committee, emphasizes:
“With his entrepreneurial foresight and his ongoing commitment, Werner Weiss has not only set new standards for the application of AI, but has also made a significant contribution to the prestige of our location.”
The award also serves as a testament to the successful integration of science and entrepreneurship. Emerging from research at the DFKI, Insiders now employs over 200 people and serves more than 6,000 customers worldwide. The company is regarded as an international innovation leader in AI-based process automation —and as proof of the lasting impact of technology and knowledge transfer from Kaiserslautern.
Werner Weiss himself sees this honor above all as a tribute to this connection:
“This award fills me with great gratitude —also because it honors the close connection between science and entrepreneurship that has been with me since my early days in Kaiserslautern. Research and practice enrich each other—and it is precisely this synergy that holds the key to sustainable innovation and competitiveness.”
Professor Christoph Garth, Dean of the Department of Computer Science, adds:
“Mr. Weiss has had close ties to RPTU since his undergraduate days. He studied industrial engineering here, worked at the DFKI, and founded Insiders during that time. To this day, he maintains contact with the university, supports students, and collaborates with professors on projects.”
With this honorary doctorate, the RPTU honors not only the achievements of an entrepreneur but also the principle that has made Kaiserslautern strong: Innovation arises where research and practice drive each other forward.
