Flanders Artificial Intelligence European Digital Innovation Hub: Flanders AI EDIH

Programme(s): Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL)-undefined

Topic(s): DIGITAL-2021-EDIH-INITIAL-01

Type of action: DIGITAL Simple Grants

Project ID: 101083704

Objective:
Many Flemish companies are aware of the potential impact of AI, but most SMEs have not yet investigated how AI might affect their business. Given the technology potential, there is an urgency to accelerate the adoption of AI in Flanders. The Flanders AI EDIH accelerates the adoption of AI among (especially) SMEs and public sector organisations by an integrated service offering: (1) Test before invest: initial advice, individual coaching, AI technical feasibility study, legal workshop, Start AI, (2) Skills & training: AI inspiration session, thematic webinar & event, masterclass, AI Summer school, (3) Innovation ecosystem & networking: talent & skills matchmaking, matchmaking on AI supply & demand, matchmaking on joint research, Flanders AI Forum. The EDIH does not provide services within the field of ‘Support to find investments’, but will co-operate closely with the DIGITALIS EDIH and refer to that EDIH for that kind of services. The Flanders AI EDIH consists of complementary partners who guarantee a cross-sectoral and accessible Flemish operation, with a local physical presence in every Flemish province. The Flanders AI EDIH strengthens existing Flemish initiatives to prevent a fragmentation of available AI innovation services, and actively aligns its service offer through close collaboration with the Flemish Industry Partnership, the Flanders AI Research Programme, the Flanders AI Academy (VAIA), the Flemish Supercomputer Centre (VSC) and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Flanders. The Flanders AI EDIH currently offers a number of smart spaces as testing and experimentation facilities, maintain direct links with existing innovation actors and initiatives (such as the Flemish sectorial focused DIHs) and is closely aligned with the Flemish AI policy plan. At European level, the Flanders AI EDIH has ongoing structural collaborations through the AI DIH Network, the Smart Connectivity DIH Network (SCoDIHNet), the EPoSS Smart Systems EDIH Task Force, the Vanguard AI Pilot, and will as CLAIRE member actively participate in CLAIRE EDIH activities.