AI-based innovative solutions for SMEs presented at FBK

An opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises interested in discovering new AI-based resources to support technology innovation, particularly in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing and digitization.

The meeting “AI-based innovation for digital transformation: innovative solutions for SMEs in agriculture, manufacturing, and digitization” organized by Trento-based Fondazione Bruno Kessler, with the collaboration of Industrio Ventures, Trentino Sviluppo, Confindustria Trento, HIT, and Cooperazione Trentina , was held on Sept. 18, 2024 at Povo.

The event was introduced by Alessandro Cimatti, Director of FBK’s Center for Digital Industry: “The objective of this event is to show how FBK can effectively contribute to innovation in a context of transformation and also thanks to national and European funding. Our Center works to foster collaboration between research and business aimed to accelerating innovation and the development of cutting-edge technologies. Thanks to European and national funding, it offers a range of services dedicated to companies that intend to test their AI and robotics solutions in real environments, simulating real operating conditions, to validate the effectiveness of their technologies and obtain valuable feedback. We do technology transfer-driven research by developing concrete solutions that are later applied. The goal is not to be governed by AI but to govern it to invest in solutions that benefit businesses. We work locally, nationally and internationally, particularly in the areas of manufacturing, transportation, precision agriculture, but also cultural heritage, construction and infrastructure.”

“Digital transformation affects every component of the job market,” Councillor Spinelli said, ”the public and the private sector, from industry to agriculture, and it is important for research to develop applications for private companies that aim to grow by taking advantage of new technologies. Toward this goal, Fbk succeeds in working in the field of research with a keen eye on the market and on the innovations coming from Brussels with excellent spin-offs for local area. The challenge that now awaits Fbk and Trentino-based research is to participate in European projects and manage to make them operational in the Trentino landscape and collaborate with the companies system. Fortunately, this is already starting to happen because private individuals have realized that they can rely on Fbk as an extremely serious, competent and competitive partner.”

“Based on the goals of the new Strategic Plan presented earlier this year,” Fondazione Bruno Kessler’s Secretary General Andrea Simoni pointed out, ”FBK is strongly consolidating the relationship between research and results brought to the local area.  This means doing more and more research of excellence but also being able to connect European-wide strategies with the demands of companies. Today we are talking about just that, particularly in relation to AI. As a foundation, we have managed to become involved in various actions that are part of an overall design of the European Commission in support of companies. Today we manage to close this circle and it is a great satisfaction achieved thanks to FBK Research.”

The event was dedicated in particular to raising awareness of the opportunities offered by the AgrifoodTEF, AI Matters and InnovAction initiatives in which Fondazione Bruno Kessler is participating.

The first two are funded by the European Commission and Ministero delle Imprese e del Made in Italy and offer subsidized-cost services, resources and technical support to help companies test and experiment their new products and services in real-world contexts, respectively in the areas of robotics and artificial intelligence solutions to improve production and sustainability in agribusiness and manufacturing. The third, supported by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, is dedicated to SMEs and start-ups engaged in digital and ecological transformation, and offers services aimed at the adoption, testing and development of advanced and emerging digital technologies.

The event saw a panel discussion entitled “Twin Transition,” moderated by Gabriele Paglialonga, general manager of Industrio Ventures, dedicated to the digital and ecological transition as an opportunity for companies based in Trentino, during which experts and representatives of local organizations shared their experiences and offered an overview of the new skills needed to deal with this change.

Paola Baruchelli, Research Manager and Administrator of the FBK Center for Digital Industry, illustrated the ways in which businesses can get in touch with the Foundation and pointed out the special section of the website that shows all the services available.

Three concrete cases of ongoing collaboration with FBK were discussed: Geoinference, RailEvo and AI-SPOT,  with application of artificial intelligence in the agriculture, transportation and manufacturing sectors. The cases helped show how these technologies can bring tangible benefits in terms of sustainability and productivity, for example in monitoring fruit production or predicting diseases that can affect plants.

The  “Industrio Coffee & Pitch” session saw presentations by Cognivix, Mach3D, Lithium Lasers and Robotizr, selected startups that are working on innovative projects and potentially interested in collaborating with FBK.

The event wrapped up with hands-on demos of the technologies presented, followed by closing remarks.