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.
