How to Deploy AI for Real Value Without Losing Trust – Three Takeaways from the VdU MINTsummit 2026
At yesterday's VdU MINTsummit (engl.: STEMsummit) at the Google Berlin office, Maria held a keynote on a topic that deserves far more attention in the German business landscape: How can artificial intelligence be deployed to create real value – without eroding the trust of customers, employees, and stakeholders?
Under the topic "Understanding AI. Applying it safely. Shaping the future.", female entrepreneurs from STEM fields came together to discuss exactly these questions. The topic is particularly relevant in the context of the VdU: fewer than 18% of STEM employees in Germany are women – yet female perspectives and greater diversity in technical professions are essential to how AI is conceived, developed, and applied.
Following her keynote, Maria joined a panel discussion with Carolin Maier, Elisa Hoeppner, and Kristine Soiron, moderated by Fatime Cetinkaya.
© VdU 
© VdU 
Three key takeaways from the keynote and discussion:
Germany's AI Investment Mindset Problem
Many companies talk about how important AI and data are – yet hesitate when it comes to actual software investment. The widespread tendency to "try it out first" overlooks a fundamental reality: AI providers have already made substantial upfront investments in development. Those who want to generate genuine value need to be willing to pay for it. Those who wait risk falling behind competitors who are acting already.
Where AI Is Still Underestimated: Real Value Creation
Much of the conversation around AI focuses on efficiency gains – less effort, faster processes. But the truly important question often goes unanswered: What happens with the time that's been freed up? How does AI deployment feed directly into strategic business goals – not just operational processes? This is where significant untapped potential remains, which many companies have yet to systematically unlock.
Differentiation Through User Experience
As AI tools become accessible to more and more companies, the question becomes: what's left to differentiate on? The answer lies in the how. AI that delivers real impact is built consistently with the user in mind – not as a technological end in itself. Knowing your target audience, keeping the human element in focus, and building in meaningful human input: these are the factors that make the long-term difference.
The VdU MINTsummit has once again made clear that the question is no longer whether AI should be used – but how. And that female perspectives must be part of shaping that answer.
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