As Minister President, Lothar Späth made a significant contribution not only to advancing our state and establishing the Science City of Ulm, but also, in this context, to founding the then Research Institute for Applied Knowledge Processing (FAW) – the first institute for artificial intelligence in Germany – together with partners from industry and the University of Ulm. After his transition from politics to business, Lothar Späth maintained close ties with the FAW, especially with the institute’s director, and later also with FAW/n. Companies from his sphere of influence, such as Jenoptik and m + w Zander, were at times sponsors of the FAW. We will preserve the memory of Lothar Späth with deep respect and gratitude.

Photo: Inauguration of the FAW–fischertechnik production facility in 1990. From left to right: Klaus Fischer (fischer Group of Companies), Dr. Eberhard Leibing (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Stuttgart; then Chairman of the Board of Trustees), Hanns Albrecht Maute (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Stuttgart), Lothar Späth, Helmut Xander (LEG, builder of the FAW), Institute Director Prof. F. J. Radermacher, Prof. Werner Mellis (then Daimler Benz AG, Ulm)