With expertise and experience in various specialist areas, we as the DAISEC team bundle diverse know-how for your steps into the digital future. Get to know us better here!
You can find an overview of the whole team on our
team page.
Timo Bartels
Artificial Intelligence Expert
Timo Bartels completed his master's degree in computer science at the TU Braunschweig in 2023. During his studies, he worked in parallel in overall integration at VW Commercial Vehicles. As a doctoral student at the Institute of Communications Engineering, he is currently researching efficient neural networks. In the DAISEC project, Timo Bartels leads the "Deep Dive into Deep Learning" training course.
"Through DAISEC, I have the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and at the same time strengthen Lower Saxony as a business location. My aim is to show that AI is not as complex as it initially seems. With my work, I want to help companies to be able to use this technology."
Niklas Busch
Cybersecurity Expert
Niklas Busch completed his dual study programme in business informatics in 2015, which he completed at an insurance company. He was able to gain valuable insights into the connection between business and IT. He then deepened his knowledge with a master's degree in computer science specialising in IT security. After completing his studies, he spent a year gaining practical experience in business, including at VW Commercial Vehicles. Since then, he has been a PhD student for usable IT security at the CISPA Helmholtz Centre for Information Security and works as a cybersecurity expert at DAISEC.
"Through my experience in business, I know that the practical implementation of IT security measures in companies differs greatly from the theoretical feasibility. There are many more factors and stakeholder interests that need to be taken into account. I am pleased that I can use this knowledge to support companies more effectively in increasing their IT security."
Annika Burkhardt
Manager Marketing and Communications
Annika Burkhardt ist seit 2021 Managerin für Kommunikation und Strategie am Forschungszentrum L3S und betreut Förder- und Forschungsprojekte, vorrangig mit dem Fokus auf KI für produzierende KMU. Zuvor arbeitete sie nach ihrem Masterabschluss in einem Wirtschaftsunternehmen sowie in einem Innovationsnetzwerk in den Bereichen Kommunikation, Veranstaltungsmanagement und Projektmanagement. Im DAISEC ist sie für Kommunikation und Marketing verantwortlich.
"Having worked with companies from various industries, I know that the path to secure, digitalized work processes is not always easy. DAISEC supports our regional companies in taking the first steps and approaching AI and IT security according to their own needs. In doing so, we are picking up SMEs where they stand and make their digital development easier."
Karl Hilbig
Expert on 3D printing
Karl Hilbig is the head of the “Additive Manufacturing Technologies” working group at the Institute of Design Engineering at TU Braunschweig. Within the DAISEC project, he is responsible for 3D printing.
"Within DAISEC, I see myself as a knowledge broker for 3D printing. I will show you the potential and possible applications of different 3D printing manufacturing processes in your production environment. My aim is to support you in the development of innovative products, to integrate new production methods into your production and to increase the variety of your product range through the use of 3D printing."
Ulli Holtgrave
Cybersecurity Expert
Ulli Holtgrave studied computer science in Berlin, Hanover and Helsinki and completed his Master's degree with distinction in 2023. During his studies, he focused primarily on software engineering and IT security. He also wrote his thesis in the field of cryptography and user-friendly authentication. In addition to his studies, Ulli has worked as a freelance software developer for various companies and start-ups and has also helped to grow a start-up in the e-government sector since 2016. He is now doing his doctorate at the Helmholtz Center for Information Security in the Usable Security research group and supports DAISEC as an expert in cybersecurity.
"A professor of mine once said that (almost) nobody sits down at a PC to do IT security, but that, ideally, it is simply there. I therefore see it as my job to point out new technologies and develop adapted processes so that companies and administrations can attain this condition."
Leonie Hormig
Expert in Digital Transformation
Leonie Hormig hat 2022 ihren Master in Wirtschaftswissenschaften abgeschlossen. Am Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Werkzeugmaschinen der Leibniz Universität Hannover unterstützt sie im Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover und DAISEC mittelständische Unternehmen in den Bereichen Künstliche Intelligenz und Digitalisierung. An der Schnittstelle von Forschung und Praxis bringt sie wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse in die praktische Anwendung.
"It has always been important to me to use the knowledge I learned in my studies as well as my practical experience to make a positive contribution to society. Through DAISEC, I have the opportunity to support Lower Saxony companies in strengthening their competitiveness as well as technology and knowledge transfer and to make them fit for the future."
Christian Kalfar
Expert for Artificial Intelligence
Christian Kalfar completed his master's degree in computer science with a focus on data science at Leibniz University Hannover with honors at the end of 2024. During his studies, he worked as a student assistant for several years. In 2023, he spent six months supporting a research group in the field of mechanical engineering in Japan, where he conducted applied research in the field of machine vision. Since early 2025, Christian Kalfar has been part of the DAISEC team as an AI expert. At the same time, he is pursuing a doctorate at the L3S Research Center on foundation models with a special focus on their development and application in time series analysis.
“AI is increasingly changing areas of life and work, and it is important to shape this development responsibly. In the DAISEC, we support companies and public authorities in using technological advances in AI safely and purposefully. As an AI expert, I consider it my task to translate scientific findings into applicable solutions, thereby bridging the gap between research and practice.”
Kevin Klefoth
Expert for AI Technologies in Automation
Kevin Klefoth completed a bachelor's degree in engineering informatics and a master's degree in sensor and automation technology at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts. While still a student, he worked as a software developer at Bertrandt, where he was involved in research and pre-development for the automotive industry, particularly in the areas of IoT, smart homes, smart cities, and smart charging. His master's thesis focused on AI-supported image recognition for analyzing road conditions. In the DAISEC project, he is an expert in AI technologies in automation.
“I want to show that artificial intelligence is not a black box. If you understand how it works, you can use it in a targeted way—and that's exactly what I want to help companies do: so that we don't just talk about AI, but actively use it and help shape it.”
Renata Latka
Expert for Digital Transformation
In 2023, Renata Latka successfully completed her Master's degree in International Management & Consultancy, gaining extensive knowledge in organizational behavior, business development and change management. In business development parallel to her studies, she supported the city in various areas to make it more attractive. With deepened knowledge and strengthened skills in business development, she now strives to bring practical approaches to the Lower Saxony business sector and promote the sustainable development of companies.
"It is important to me to pass on my expertise to companies and thus contribute to making Lower Saxony's companies more resilient and future-oriented. In particular, I rely on targeted support from digital tools to implement effective solutions and enable sustainable progress."
Julian Laue
Artificial Intelligence Expert
Julian Laue completed his master's degree in computer science at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences this year with a grade of 1.3. Parallel to his studies, he worked in a research group at the university for two years, specializing in the automatic detection of vertebral body fractures. In addition to his work as an AI expert in the DAISEC, Julian is now conducting research on language models as a PhD student, with a special focus on the security of chatbots.
"As an AI expert, I also see myself as a kind of 'educator': many people believe that artificial intelligence is only accessible to large tech companies or that AI systems are fundamentally dangerous and uncontrollable. This is where I do valuable educational work through my profession."
Lena Osterkamp
Expert in AI technologies in manufacturing
Lena Osterkamp hat 2025 erfolgreich ihren Master in „Produktion und Logistik“ an der Leibniz Universität Hannover abgeschlossen. Während ihrer Masterarbeit untersuchte sie die Prognosefähigkeit von Machine Learning Modellen bei verschiedenen Materialbedarfsverläufen und entdeckte die Möglichkeiten von KI in der Datenanalyse für sich. Als wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin am Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Werkzeugmaschinen der LUH will sie ihr Wissen nun vertiefen und erweitern und in den DAISEC einbringen.
„KI ist nicht nur ein Zukunftsversprechen, sondern kann auch heute schon konkrete Mehrwerte schaffen. Mein Ziel beim DAISEC ist es, gemeinsam mit Unternehmen pragmatische KI-Lösungen zu entwickeln, die schnell erlebbaren Nutzen bringen.“
Walter Pirk
Expert on craft-specific Requirements for Technology and Innovation Processes
Walter Pirk has been working as a research associate on corporate transformation processes since 1998. His field of work at the Heinz-Piest-Institut für Handwerkstechnik is knowledge and technology transfer. Experience gained through the technological demands on the skilled trades in the areas of laser technology, fuel cells/cogeneration, innovation management and digitalization are the foundation for operational solution strategies in the DAISEC team.
"As an expert in craft-specific requirements for technology and innovation processes, I build a bridge between future-oriented information technology and company-specific solution strategies."
Prof. Dr. Sarah Rachut
Expertin für KI-Recht und Datenschutz
Prof. Dr. Sarah Rachut ist Juniorprofessorin für Öffentliches Recht, Recht der Digitalisierung und Hochschulrecht an der Technischen Universität Braunschweig. Zuvor war sie an der Technischen Universität München tätig und leitete dort die rechtswissenschaftliche Forschungsstelle TUM Center for Digital Public Services. Ihre Forschungsschwerpunkte liegen im Schnittfeld von Recht und Technik und hierbei insbesondere auf der Regulierung digitaler Technologien (Daten(-schutz)recht, IT-Sicherheitsrecht, Recht Künstlicher Intelligenz). Sarah Rachut wurde für ihre Arbeit mehrfach ausgezeichnet, etwa mit dem Young Leader in GovTech Award von Handelsblatt und Possible, dem 2. Platz als Nachwuchswissenschaftler des Jahres von academics/DHV oder dem Dieter-Meurer-Preis für digitale Innovation im Recht des EDV-Gerichtstags.
„Ich möchte im Rahmen meiner Tätigkeit für den DAISEC die Schnittstelle zwischen Technik und Recht verständlicher machen und mit meiner Expertise aufzeigen, wie Unternehmen das Recht als Gestaltungsfaktor begreifen und nutzen können.“
Armin Stein
Expert in the Use of AI Technologies in SMEs
Armin Stein studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Budapest, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the Technical University of Braunschweig. For over a year, Armin has been supporting companies in the south-east of Lower Saxony with the introduction and utilisation of artificial intelligence. His focus is on the technological application, requirements and concept development as well as the necessary skills for successful implementation in small and medium-sized companies. As a doctoral candidate, he researches innovative strategies and methods for analysing the potential and introduction of AI, particularly in the field of product development. He combines his scientific expertise with practical consulting to provide companies with targeted support in their digital transformation.
"As part of my work at DAISEC, I support companies as a knowledge broker in the successful introduction of AI technologies. I help you to recognise the potential and application possibilities of various AI solutions in your specific environment and to use them in a targeted manner. My aim is to implement innovative AI solutions in your company, identify new fields of application and reduce the workload at the same time. With in-depth expertise and practical advice, I will accompany you on the path to the optimal use of artificial intelligence."
Simon Wagner
Expert for pedagogical and didactical Concepts
Simon has been working at the Institute for Vocational Education and Adult Education at Leibniz University Hannover since 2019. As a social and educational scientist, he focuses on the intersections of technology, ethics, and digitalization. At the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Hannover, he supported companies in the areas of ethics and technology assessment. He brings this experience to DAISEC in the didactic design of training courses, seminars, and online learning formats.
"In this project, I help shape knowledge transfer so that companies receive tailored offers from us. Additionally, I contribute my expertise to provide companies with tools to help them use AI responsibly."
