The AIStart AI Incubator has launched—what's it all about?
Everywhere people are discussing the impact of artificial intelligence, but what does it really mean in practice? Do you want to integrate AI into your business but don’t know where to start? The AIStart AI Incubator project has just commenced operations and is ready to assist micro and small to medium-sized enterprises as well as startups in mastering AI in the business world.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a crucial resource in today’s business environment, providing innovative solutions and opportunities across all industries. The AIStart AI Incubator, part of the HEVinnovations program supported by Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, enhances the innovation activities and networks in the capital region. AIStart offers micro and SMEs in the area the chance to participate in an AI incubator, where they can learn how to practically apply AI in business with low barriers to entry. Additionally, it provides testing opportunities and networking.
The project coordinator from Haaga-Helia reports that the role of generative AI in sales and marketing is significantly increasing as it allows for the creation of customized content and real-time support in negotiation situations, enhancing customer loyalty and supporting business growth. The use of this technology is not limited to making sales but extends to post-sale phases like customer onboarding and maintaining long-term customer relationships.
It’s important for companies to integrate generative AI into their strategies, which is reflected in the increasing use of AI — from 16% of companies in 2021 to 24% in April 2024, making Finland a leader in AI adoption in the Nordic countries.
Towards More Sustainable Business - AIStart AI Incubator's training program begins piloting at the end of February.
The design of the AIStart AI Incubator’s training program began with a survey to map out user understanding, assessing participants’ capabilities, motivation, and wishes regarding the execution of the training. The survey results indicated a strong preference for a hybrid training offering that combines on-site, remote, and partly independent study.
The goal is for every company to be able to integrate AI into their business operations by the end of the incubation period.
The AI Incubator is a seven-week, hands-on training program for micro and SMEs that want to learn about AI opportunities without needing a technical background. The program is particularly designed for companies looking to take their first steps in areas such as sales, marketing, and customer service.
The incubator’s first program is scheduled from February 25 to April 8, and applications are open until February 20. You can register for the program here.
Develop, Experiment, Grow – because AI is for everyone.
At AIStart AI Incubator, we aim to offer companies a variety of opportunities to develop their business using artificial intelligence. This goal is also promoted through AI training for business advisors in the Helsinki metropolitan area, implemented by the City of Espoo.
There are also opportunities to test new solutions from companies through the cities’ testbed activities. This means that companies can try out new ideas and innovations in an urban environment with city residents. In the testbed network coordinated by the City of Vantaa, companies also receive expert support and feedback to help optimize solutions, commercialize them, and enter the market.
Growth is also supported by networks both in Finland and across Europe.
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, one of the co-implementers, offers companies the opportunity to develop sustainable solutions using XR technology and artificial intelligence at the Helsinki XR Center, utilizing the Immersive Sustainability Lab experimental platform. In January, the XR test platform was piloted with companies in a workshop, and the platform coordinator, Janina Rannikko, reported that the pilot produced interesting discussions, hopes for new collaboration opportunities, and clear guidance on utilizing AI in sustainable solutions.
Growth is also supported by networks both in Finland and across Europe. The network work coordinated by the City of Helsinki enables companies in the Helsinki metropolitan area to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and create growth together with European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs). AIStart also collaborates closely with the Finnish AI Region (FAIR) EDIH and is, for example, heading to the Tech Arena event in Stockholm in February to support companies’ opportunities to enter international markets and grow in the Nordic and Baltic markets.
Are you interested in the activities of the AIStart AI Incubator? You can find more up-to-date information about our project on Facebook (link) and LinkedIn. Join us to develop, experiment, and grow together!
