Prof. Dr. Jürgen Seitz Appointed to Endowed Professorship for AI in Digital Media at Offenburg University

Offenburg University has taken a major step in the field of Artificial Intelligence and digital media research. Prof. Dr. Jürgen Seitz has been appointed to the newly created Hubert Burda Media Endowed Professorship for “Artificial Intelligence in Digital Media and Business Models.” With his extensive experience in the digital economy and academia, Seitz brings outstanding expertise to Offenburg.

The professorship is funded for five years by Burda Digital Systems GmbH (BurdaSolutions) and will be made permanent thereafter. The aim is to develop AI-based business models that are both practical and innovative, particularly for use in the media industry.

“I’m delighted that Offenburg University has found the perfect candidate for this forward-looking professorship in Prof. Dr. Seitz,” said Felix Kalkum, Managing Director of BurdaSolutions. Burda has maintained a close partnership with the university for many years – this new role further strengthens that collaboration and pushes it into the future.

University President Prof. Dr. Stephan Trahasch emphasized the strategic significance: “This is a milestone in shaping our research direction – bringing future-oriented, AI-based business models to life.” The university’s existing academic programs in Applied AI and media studies will be expanded accordingly.

Seitz is bringing not only his research experience to Offenburg but also his team from the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Stuttgart. Together with Hubert Burda Media, the goal is to create a regional innovation network focused on AI and digital media.

For Seitz – a native of Rastatt – the appointment marks a return to his roots. After completing his degrees in marketing and international consulting, followed by a doctorate in business administration in the UK and further studies at Oxford, he worked for Microsoft, Web.de, and 1&1 before moving into academia in 2013. He spent over a decade as a professor at Stuttgart Media University, specializing in digital marketing and business models.

Seitz is also actively involved in nonprofit initiatives, supporting their digital communication strategies for social good.

This professorship marks a bold commitment by Offenburg University to responsible, applied AI research in the media and digital business sectors.