Almost 500 registered when AI+ was organized for the second time:
- A conference at the top international level
When AI+ 2021 got off the ground digitally on Wednesday and Thursday last week, it was with a varied and highly topical program packed with quality speakers. First up was Norway's Prime Minister.
By Mari Kristine Buckholm , 25 May 2021
- Data and artificial intelligence will be important in solving the challenges of the future. That is why I am happy that this ambitious conference can be organized even though we are in the middle of a pandemic. But AI is also important for fighting the pandemic. Over the next two days, you will discuss topics that will shape society in the years to come. I hope you have an interesting and productive conference!
This is what the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, said to participants from both Norway and abroad when she opened AI+ 2021 on Wednesday morning.
Changed view of artificial intelligence
The conference was held for the second time on 19 and 20 May and the aim was to offer both Norwegian and international environments and companies an arena of expertise and interaction within applied artificial intelligence (AI), which will provide good conditions for success with data-driven economics and innovation in the future.
- Also read: Top speakers defied time zones to contribute to AI+
- Also read: Meet the unique competence environment behind AI+
The digital event was broadcast from the Simulator center at Remmen Kunnskapspark in Halden and led by journalist, meeting leader and writer, Ruth Astrid Sæter.
- I must say that being allowed to lead AI+ 2021 has been incredibly educational. I knew very little about artificial intelligence before, and not least about applied artificial intelligence. Now I have learned a little more, and I also see that there are many areas that need to work more together - both to accelerate development, but also to ensure that all the important considerations are taken into account. There is still a lot to go on, comments Sæter after the end of the conference.
This year's conference host admits that her view of what artificial intelligence is and how the technology can be used has changed after hearing varied presentations from universities, research companies, large technology companies and small startups over two days.
- That perception "God, are we going to let the machines take over?" is not there to the same extent anymore. I am excited when the algorithms become so smart that they have detected everything, what kind of acceleration will we see then?, she asks.
"Clean air for everyone"
Business developer at the start-up AirMont, Ole Gabrielsen, was among the companies that pitched their solution and use of artificial intelligence to the digital audience. In addition, he participated in the panel debate on day 2.
- The conference provides an opportunity to make contacts. Since it's digital, it gets a little more difficult, but you also get inspired to check out new things. When you hear what Oda (formerly Kolonial.no) tells about its experiences and what the Norwegian School of Economics says about new innovation models, it is very useful input for us. As a new startup, we don't get this anywhere else. It is absolutely crucial to be part of such an environment early on, says Gabrielsen.
AirMont's vision is "clean air for all" and the company aims to ensure better air quality with the help of artificial intelligence and sensor technology. The first product on the market is pipe sensors with a built-in digital system which will be rolled out to all households with pipes in Halden municipality during autumn 2021.
- The sensors use artificial intelligence to correlate research results and historical data. When you collect many data sets, for example from the Norwegian Road Administration, the municipality, the EU, weather and traffic data and sensor data from us, this data can be used to predict poor air quality with the help of artificial intelligence. It is almost impossible for a human being to do, explains the business developer.
In the long term, Gabrielsen envisions that such predictions can be used to encourage residents to burn less from their fireplaces in given periods of time, as it is often burning that is the main cause of poor air quality in cities. An incentive could, for example, be that residents who stop lighting the fireplace, something that will be possible to monitor with the help of sensors, can get half price for electricity during the relevant period.
Microsoft offers assistance
On the way there, however, a start-up company needs help, both with financing, good advice and follow-up. This is where the giant Microsoft comes in. The technology company has massive expertise in digital systems and was well represented at the conference, both as a sponsor and partner in the industry cluster Cluster for Applied AI, but also as a speaker and participant in the panel debate.
Izabela Hawrylko is a solutions consultant within Data&AI at Microsoft and co-leader of the Microsoft for Startups Norway Team. She was Microsoft's emissary in the panel debate.
- The most important thing for us to bring with us is different perspectives. Being here and hearing from start-up companies like AirMont allows us to think about how Microsoft can assist with its resources and, not least, funding. With the size we have, I believe there follows a responsibility to support companies and academia. That's why it's important to take part in conferences like this one, talk to people and hear what kind of challenges they have, says Hawrylko.
She is clear that there are far too many people who talk about artificial intelligence and want to test it out in their organisation, but without being willing to make the organizational changes required to succeed with new technological solutions.
- Technology is important, but you must also be able to use the technology and change the organization so that you get the most out of the technology. There is no point in acquiring an innovative solution if you don't know how to use it, or he a plan to use it. We see that artificial intelligence has been very hyped up and used as a buzzword, and I hope that more companies eventually understand that you also have to have a plan to put it into use, she points out.
Even bigger next year
Two of the initiators behind AI+ are Knut Johansen, managing director of eSmart Systems, and Tomas Nordlander, research director at the Institute of Energy Technology (IFE). They were both very satisfied with the implementation of this year's digital conference and are looking forward to next year - which will hopefully be a physical event.
- This has become a conference at the top international level. Those who participate get very good and useful input, says Johansen.
- During the first conference this autumn we learned a great deal and we have now had a second conference which has gone very well, but there is still much to improve. Then maybe the third conference will be an even bigger physical event, and then we've had two training rounds, adds Nordlander with a smile.
AI+ was organized by Smart Innovation Norway, eSmart Systems , Institute of Energy Technology (IFE) and Halden municipality , in collaboration with the industry cluster Cluster for Applied AI .