The EIT AI Challenge 2024, where 12 startups tackled real-world problems using AI, awarded third place to the collaboration between NUAVIS. Their solution focuses on AI-powered image processing for quay walls and port equipment, addressing key challenges faced by the Port of Bilbao.

The problem: maintenance issues at the Port of Bilbao

The Port of Bilbao, with over 25km of berthing quays built between 1960 and 2024, faces ongoing maintenance challenges. Harsh weather, chemical exposure and ship impacts cause regular wear and tear to quay walls and port equipment such as fenders, bollards and ladders.

Currently, port police carry out these inspections manually through visual surveys. The process is time-consuming, labour-intensive and often involves working in difficult or hazardous conditions. There is a clear need for an automated system to make inspections more efficient and safer.

NUAVIS’s solution: AI and drone-powered inspections

NUAVIS, specialists in computer vision and in collaboration with ALERION, experts in autonomous drones, have developed a system to automate the inspection process at ports. By combining AI with drone technology, their solution offers a practical way to monitor quay walls and equipment.

How does the system work?

1. Defining the area
   Port staff use a visual tool to specify the area to be inspected. Although the current proof-of-concept system uses predefined areas, the final version will include an intuitive interface for user input.
2. Autonomous drone flight
   The drone performs an autonomous flight over the specified area, ensuring full coverage without manual control.
3. Real-time video analysis
   During the flight, the drone streams video to the NUAVIS platform, where the AI analyses it in real time to identify issues such as damage to concrete or equipment.
4. Immediate alerts
   If any problems are detected, the system sends alerts to port staff, enabling quicker responses and reducing the need for manual checks.

Benefits of the solution

1. Improved safety
   The system removes the need for manual inspections in risky conditions, improving safety for staff.
2. Greater efficiency
   Automating inspections reduces the time and labour required, allowing port staff to focus on other tasks.
3. Real-time feedback
   The platform’s real-time analysis and alerts enable quicker responses to maintenance issues, helping prevent costly delays or damage.
4. Adaptability
   The system can be used in other ports or industrial settings, making it a flexible tool for infrastructure management.

A practical approach to port management

The partnership between NUAVIS and ALERION demonstrates how AI can address practical challenges in infrastructure management. Their system offers a realistic, efficient solution to improve port inspections and reduce risks for staff.

Looking forward

As the system is further developed, it has the potential to be deployed in ports across Europe and beyond. The third-place recognition at the EIT AI Challenge 2024 highlights the importance of creating solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency and practicality in critical infrastructure.

The EIT AI Challenge 2024 recognised Isarsoft with second place for their innovative solution aimed at improving metro public transport management. Competing against 12 startups, Isarsoft impressed with their scalable video analytics software, Isarsoft Perception, which transforms video streams into actionable insights to enhance efficiency, customer satisfaction and safety in public transport systems.

The challenge: Managing metro public transport with AI

With increasing urbanisation and growing public transport demand, metro systems face challenges in managing passenger flow, occupancy and safety. Operators need efficient tools to monitor activity, optimise capacity and improve service quality without compromising privacy or regulatory compliance.

Isarsoft’s solution: Isarsoft perception

Isarsoft Perception is a high-precision AI-powered video analytics software designed to convert camera feeds into valuable metadata. This metadata can be used for real-time decision-making in areas such as passenger counting, occupancy analysis and crowd management.

How it works

1. Passenger counting and flow monitoring
   Isarsoft Perception measures the movement of passengers across platforms and stations, helping optimise operational efficiency, capacity planning and security measures.
2. Occupancy analysis
   The software provides detailed occupancy data for entire vehicles and even individual seats, allowing transport authorities to balance capacity and improve passenger comfort.
3. Real-time alerts and insights
   With real-time data generation, operators can respond to overcrowding, delays or other issues more effectively.
4. Seamless integration
   Isarsoft Perception integrates easily with existing camera systems and infrastructure through its REST API, SDK and MQTT support. The system includes a web dashboard for live monitoring and data visualisation.
5. Privacy and compliance
   Designed with privacy in mind, the software is GDPR-compliant and anonymises data during processing. Regular audits ensure high levels of data security and compliance with European regulations.

Benefits for metro public transport

1. Efficiency gains
   Automated passenger flow and occupancy monitoring reduce the need for manual interventions, improving overall system performance.
2. Improved safety
   Real-time alerts and crowd monitoring help operators address potential safety concerns promptly.
3. Enhanced passenger experience
   By optimising capacity and reducing congestion, Isarsoft Perception helps improve journey quality for passengers.
4. Scalability
   The software can be deployed in metro systems worldwide, making it a versatile tool for public transport authorities.

Looking ahead

Isarsoft’s innovative approach demonstrates how AI can transform public transport management by providing actionable data to improve operations and passenger experience. Winning second place at the EIT AI Challenge 2024 underscores the value of practical, scalable solutions for modern infrastructure challenges.

As metro systems continue to evolve, tools like Isarsoft Perception offer a clear path towards smarter, safer and more efficient public transport networks.

The EIT AI Challenge 2024 concluded with Mayday.ai emerging as the winner among 12 startups competing to address critical challenges using AI. They aimed at tackling the challenge focused on AI-powered wildfire detection and response systems, a pressing issue as wildfires increasingly devastate regions worldwide. Mayday.ai’s innovative and practical solution stood out for its comprehensive approach to wildfire management.

The growing wildfire threat

Climate change has dramatically increased the frequency and severity of wildfires. In 2024, wildfires across Europe burned around 260,000 hectares of land, destroying infrastructure, displacing thousands and causing extensive environmental damage.

Countries in the Mediterranean Basin, including Italy, Spain, Greece, and Algeria, were especially affected. In Greece alone, over 120,000 hectares were burned, far exceeding its annual average. These statistics underline the urgent need for effective wildfire detection and response systems.

Mayday.ai’s winning AI-powered detection

Mayday.ai presented an AI-powered platform that integrates real-time data from multiple sources. Their solution offers a global early warning system designed to detect wildfires in their earliest stages, allowing quicker and more effective responses.

Core features of the solution

1. Integrated data sources
   The system combines data from satellite imagery, ground sensors, weather forecasts and social media feeds. This integration provides a comprehensive picture, enabling early detection, often before fires are visible.
2. Real-time monitoring
   Mayday.ai’s AI engine processes large amounts of data continuously, issuing alerts quickly to give emergency services vital lead time. Its real-time capabilities have been recognised by organisations like the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
3. Localised risk profiles
   The platform focuses on localised risk management, offering zip code-level profiles. This ensures disaster management strategies meet the specific needs of each area and strengthens community resilience.
4. Predictive capabilities
   By analysing historical and current data, the system can forecast wildfire spread patterns, supporting resource planning and evacuation efforts.
5. Scalability
   Designed to adapt to various regions and climates, Mayday.ai’s solution is deployable across Europe, particularly in wildfire-prone areas such as the Mediterranean Basin.

Empowering communities through technology

A key aspect of Mayday.ai’s approach is community empowerment. The platform provides tools and resources to educate residents about wildfire risks and improve preparedness. This focus ensures even remote communities have access to timely warnings and support.

Practical design

The system’s user interface is designed for emergency responders, government agencies and insurers, integrating seamlessly with existing systems to facilitate quick adoption.

Recognition and impact

Mayday.ai’s approach has attracted recognition from global organisations including the UNDRR and NOAA. The platform was also shortlisted for the XPRIZE, highlighting its potential to address the growing wildfire challenge effectively.

A practical step forward in disaster management

By combining advanced AI with a focus on local needs and scalability, Mayday.ai’s wildfire detection and response system offers a significant advancement in disaster management. Their victory at the EIT AI Challenge 2024 demonstrates the importance of technology-driven solutions to tackle urgent environmental challenges. As wildfires continue to threaten lives and environments, solutions like Mayday.ai’s offer a practical way forward.

This November, Helsinki will host SLUSH 2024, a major global event for startups and tech innovation and the EIT AI Community will have a strong presence as part of the EIT Community’s INNOVEIT attendance. 

AI Challenge 2024 Winners at SLUSH 

The AI Challenge 2024 winners, representing some of the most promising startups in the AI space, will be showcasing their solutions at a dedicated booth on 20 and 21 of November. This is an opportunity for SLUSH attendees to engage with the teams behind these AI innovations, learn about their technologies and explore potential collaborations. They can also learn about activities of the EIT AI Community and what this has to offer. 

Pioneering women: Driving innovation and investment in Europe 

In addition, the EIT Community will meet at the INNOVEIT Conference on 19 November, just ahead of SLUSH. The conference, headlines “Pioneering women: driving innovation and investment in Europe“ will focus on the role of women entrepreneurs and investors in European innovation, providing insights and networking opportunities with leading figures in the sector.  

Renowned experts from across Europe’s innovation and investment landscape, including, Inga Grieger (Business Development Manager, BMW i Ventures), Katarzyna Piasecki (Managing Director, European Women in VC), Bertrand van Leersum (Partner, Borski Fund) and Laura Wirsztel (Partner, BNP Paribas Solar Impulse Venture Fund) will share insights into the intersection of innovation, investment and women entrepreneurship.  

Use the opportunity to connect with a community of women who are shaping the future of tech and investment!

Register here for the hybrid INNOVEIT conference: https://tinyurl.com/yc2cfuje.