June 3, 2024

From database to consultancy: Skill Sync’s evolution in the EIT AI Community

In the evolving field of AI and deep tech, Skill Sync has become a key resource, addressing skills gaps and supporting innovation within Europe’s AI sector. Starting as a straightforward database, it has developed into a consultancy for businesses and academia, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the EIT AI Community.

The beginning

Skill Sync started with a clear objective: to create a comprehensive database of AI training courses in Europe. This project, led by Dr Magí Lluch-Ariet, a data manager and analyst at EIT Health, involved detailed manual data collection. Dr Lluch-Ariet believed that AI could transform Skill Sync from a static database into an active service offering personalised training recommendations.

Three years on, Skill Sync now identifies missed learning opportunities and provides tailored training suggestions to a range of users, including start-ups, large corporations, and academic institutions. The database, now managed and analysed by AI, remains current and comprehensive.

Collaborative effort

Skill Sync’s success is rooted in the collective efforts of the EIT Community’s Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). Each KIC contributed sector-specific insights, enhancing Skill Sync’s scope and effectiveness. Overcoming initial scepticism, fourteen organisations participated in the pilot, offering feedback that broadened the tool’s applicability.

Increasing impact

The EIT Community’s financial support, which started with EUR 65,000 and increased to EUR 240,000 for 2024, has been crucial for Skill Sync’s development. This funding has expanded the database to over 5,000 companies and the analysis of 35,000 courses, creating standardised profiles that improve its recommendations.

On average, each organisation using Skill Sync sees 50 employees enrolling in courses recommended by the platform. This supports skill development within organisations and increases the visibility of the EIT Community’s training programmes.

The future of Skill Sync

Skill Sync is committed to continuous improvement and user-focused development. Plans to expand into all deep tech areas will ensure its relevance across diverse sectors. Looking ahead, Dr Lluch-Ariet envisions a more open and collaborative tool, possibly integrating components from other organisations, while ensuring sustainable growth.

Dr Magi Lluch-Ariet, Data Manager and Analyst at EIT Health

What we achieved far surpassed our initial expectations. Now we have tens of thousands of references, compared to just the few hundreds or so we started with, generating incredible results and unlocking the power of data through AI.

Skill Sync’s development from a simple database to a consultancy tool highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation within the EIT AI Community. As it evolves, Skill Sync aims to support the upskilling necessary for Europe’s AI and deep tech sectors to progress.

Whether you are part of an academic or government institution, SME, or large corporation, explore Skill Sync to maintain competitiveness and innovation in today’s tech landscape. For software development companies interested in building plug-ins for Skill Sync, send your expression of interest to ai@eitcommunity.eu.

Join the EIT Community’s Joint Focus Group on AI and support European innovation.

April 18, 2024

Joint Focus Group AI event: Funding and business opportunities for AI innovators in Europe

As the AI Act has become the first comprehensive regulation on AI in the world, the European Commission launched the AI Innovation Package in January 2024, a new initiative that promotes the development of AI innovation in Europe.

The Joint Focus Group AI, organised by the EIT AI Community and DIGITAL SME Alliance, is hosting an invite-only virtual event with representatives of the European Commission to discuss the scope of the AI Innovation package and its advantages for AI SMEs and start-ups in Europe. Within the AI package measures, special attention will be dedicated to financial support as well as other initiatives available for SMEs and start-ups in the area of Generative AI.

Generative AI has taken the world by storm since 2023. In a matter of seconds, it can provide firms with in-depth analysis of company data, customised business plans, product and management ideas and promotional content. Firms have been quick to adapt, with more than a third of EU firms reported to have experimented with AI in 2023. This will be one of the key focal points of this event.

The Joint FG AI event will also address additional open calls on AI for SMEs, available under the Digital Europe Programme and will showcase use cases and uptake of Generative AI by SMEs.

14:00

Introduction and welcome by Joint Focus Group coordinators

  • Antonio Grasso, Public Affairs Director, European DIGITAL SME Alliance
  • Orestis Trasanidis, EIT AI Coordinator, EIT Digital

14:10

The AI Innovation Package: European Commission's plan to support AI SMEs and start-ups

  • Cecile Huet, Head of Unit, AI Innovation and Policy, DG CNECT, European Commission
    • AI Factories and access to AI computing powers by SMEs
    • 4 billion EUR financial support available under HE and DE dedicated to generative AI made in Europe 
    • GenAI4EUInitiative, which aims to develop and support novel cases and emerging applications in Europe´s 14 ecosystems

14:40

Info session on open calls under the Digital Europe programme

  • Loredana Bucseneanu, Project Manager, DIGITAL SME

15:00

EIT Digital Accelerator Programme

  • Orestis Trasanidis, EIT AI Coordinator, EIT Digital (TBC)

15:10

Use cases and uptake of Generative AI by SMEs in Europe


15:30

Open discussion with Focus Group AI members and concluding remarks

Would you like to attend this event? Become a member of the Focus Group AI today and get an opportunity to take part in this event.

October 25, 2023

AI2FUTURE panel explores crucial inquiries shaping AI ethics, law and society

On 20 October 2023, in Zagreb, the AI2FUTURE conference hosted a panel discussion titled 'Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: AI and Policy in the Digital Age'. The event brought together experts from diverse backgrounds to delve into the pivotal questions and decisions influencing the ethical, legal, and societal boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Expert perspectives: Diverse panel weighs in on EU opportunities and challenges

Moderated by Marijana Sarolic Robic, a tech-savvy Attorney at Law, the panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers:

  1. Igor Zgrabljic - MPA, Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager, Central and Eastern Europe, Google
  2. Milly Doolan - Managing Director at Euronavigator
  3. Orestis Trasanidis - AI and Silicon Valley Leader, EIT Community
  4. Hrvoje Bujanović - MBA, CFA, State Secretary, Republic of Croatia, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development

Orestis Trasanidis who is also the Project Coordinator of the EIT AI Community brought a global perspective to the table. He explored the lessons that can be gleaned from the U.S. experience and applied to the European context.

Panel discussion at the event

AI enthusiasts converge in Zagreb for a dynamic discussion

The audience actively engaged with the panellists, posing questions that ranged from the ethical considerations of AI development to the practical challenges of implementing effective regulatory frameworks. The lively exchange of ideas underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping the future of AI in a responsible and ethical manner, says Transanidis

July 20, 2023

Unlocking the power of AI skills in Europe

On 4 July 2023, in the heart of Brussels, together with the DigitalSME Alliance, the EIT AI Community converged to tackle a pressing issue at the forefront of Europe's technological evolution: the AI skills gap. As the world navigates the digital age, questions abound:

  • What is the current state of affairs in the AI skills job market? Understanding the present scenario is crucial to addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead.
  • How can start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) equip themselves to bridge the AI skills gap effectively? Exploring practical solutions to empower businesses with the capabilities necessary for successful AI adoption.
  • What are the strategic, long-term steps that Europe can undertake to upskill and reskill its workforce, nurturing local ecosystems and propelling them to the forefront of AI innovation?

The rise of AI technology

The AI revolution has swept across the globe and the release of ChatGPT in late 2022 offered a glimpse into the advanced stage of AI technologies. In this context, start-ups and SMEs find themselves standing on the precipice of an emerging market, poised to introduce innovative solutions that can set them apart.

This unique opportunity not only provides ground for innovation but also has the potential to push Europe into a leadership position in the realm of cutting-edge and trustworthy AI.

However, the path to building AI systems requires the right people armed with the right skills. Europe faces a considerable shortage of digital skills and talent.

Panel discussion at the event

Joint Focus Group launch

Compounding the issue is the realisation that the growing demand for skilled AI employees far outpaces the capacity of current education and training programs. Europe urgently requires an innovative European AI strategy that not only embraces the latest trends and developments but also accelerates the upskilling and reskilling of the EU's workforce to meet the ever-increasing demand for AI expertise.

To confront these multifaceted challenges head-on, a diverse panel of speakers representing various stakeholders, including the European Union, academia, start-ups and SME communities, were brought together for insightful discussions.

The highlight of the event was the launch of the new Joint Focus Group AI, set to operate in collaboration with DigitalSME Alliance.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Europe is at a pivotal juncture. With collaborative efforts and strategic vision, we have the potential to not only bridge the AI skills gap but also lead the charge in shaping the future of AI innovation, propelling Europe to the forefront of the global AI revolution.

May 10, 2022

Datuum AI revolutionises data management with AI-powered platform

Datuum AI, led by Irina, the Vice President of Business Development, presented an exciting solution to data management challenges. Irina acknowledged the difficulties of merging multiple documents into a single file and recognised the costly and time-consuming nature of moving data from one system to another. To address these issues, Datuum AI has developed a no-code platform that automates data merging, saving both time and money for companies and individuals.

Technology

The unique aspect of Datuum AI's platform lies in its utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) to perform data management tasks. Instead of relying on manual efforts, the AI system identifies and moves data seamlessly to its final destination. This no-code approach ensures that individuals working with data do not need to be data engineers, as the platform covers all the technical aspects. Datuum AI envisions its platform as an autopilot for data, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

Methodology

While the market for data management tools is crowded, Datuum AI stands out by focusing on non-technical users. Many existing tools cater to developers, leaving a gap for those who need more technical expertise. By providing a user-friendly solution powered by AI, Datuum AI aims to meet the needs of non-technical individuals. Competitors like Anza from Cambridge Semantics and Vida Data operate in the same space. Still, Datuum AI believes its unique combination of AI capabilities and the team's extensive experience in data integration projects sets them apart.

During the Q&A session, Irina addressed inquiries regarding the technical aspects of the solution. She explained that the platform encompasses various models, including machine learning models trained on vast amounts of data. These models perform semantic analysis, enabling them to recognise the meaning of data elements. The AI system identifies names, surnames, and other relevant information, presenting it to the user for verification. Additionally, the platform compares source and destination databases to establish matches and mappings, simplifying the data merging process.

As Datuum AI progresses beyond the minimum viable product (MVP) stage, several companies are already benefiting from its technology. The platform's ability to automate data management tasks with AI assistance positions Datuum AI as an attractive solution for organisations seeking efficient and cost-effective data integration and management solutions.

February 14, 2022

Structurescope: High-tech startup revolutionises material testing with AI

Innovative start-up Structurescope makes waves with cutting-edge technology that transforms traditional metallurgical tests. Based on digital multi-frequency current non-destructive testing, the company's system determines the physical and chemical properties of materials such as steel, aluminium and titanium alloys. By leveraging electronic companions, software and digital principles, Structurescope has developed an innovative solution that replaces up to 80 percent of traditional metallurgical tests, eliminating the need for time-consuming and manual labour-intensive processes.

Technology

The core of Structurescope's technology lies in its ability to automate and digitise production processes for industrial companies fully. With a focus on increasing digitalisation, the company is integrating AI and machine learning components to reduce the time required for interpreting test results. The interpretation takes approximately 45 minutes, but Structurescope aims to shorten it to five minutes. This significant time reduction will streamline operations and enable faster decision-making for businesses.

To showcase the power of their technology, Structurescope is carrying out an experiment with AI called Stratoscopy G Plus AI in collaboration with the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences. The company also plans to test Stratoscopy G Plus AI at various industrial sites, including Germany, marking an important milestone in its global expansion efforts.

AI plays a crucial role in Structurescope's non-destructive testing process, as it helps mitigate disturbances caused by factors like temperature variations and measurement errors. The company has developed algorithms that analyse measurement signals and interpret results with the assistance of AI. By leveraging AI capabilities, Structurescope can ensure accurate and reliable data interpretation, which is essential for successful material testing.

Methodology

During the presentation, Structurescope emphasised the importance of data in their system. The company highlighted the significance of amplitude measurement in the fast fans of polyharmonic signals and their intention to leverage AI to interpret this data accurately. Structurescope believes that combining advanced technology and AI-driven analysis will revolutionise material testing and inspection, unlocking new possibilities and driving innovation in the field.

Despite the challenges posed by international travel, Structurescope, hailing from Ukraine, showcased its remarkable dedication by attending the event and presenting its breakthrough technology. The company has already obtained a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for their potential technology in the USA, further solidifying its position as an industry leader.

In the Q&A session that followed the presentation, Structurescope addressed inquiries about the specific characteristics of the materials they analysed. They highlighted their focus on mechanical, physical, and chemical characteristics, emphasising their non-destructive method's wide range of testing possibilities.

Structurescope's non-invasive testing methodology, rooted in both digital processing and quantum physics, is attracting attention for its potential to revolutionise material analysis. The company can reconstruct materials and obtain diverse results by combining robotics, scanning technology, and advanced algorithms. With their relentless pursuit of innovation and dedication to advancing material testing, Structurescope is poised to impact various industries significantly.

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