Newsletter 02/2021

June 22, 2021

For the second time, the INC Invention Center and Fraunhofer IIS/EAS are training companies in the use of artificial intelligence (AI). In the consortium project “Artificial Intelligence: Understand – Apply – Benefit,” participants from a wide range of fields learn how to harness the potential of AI. The applications covered range from production processes or operational workflows to integration in products and services. The one-year project will begin on June 25, 2021. Late registration is possible.

“The secret to our consortium project’s success is that it offers an all-round package,” says Anne Loos, Head of Business Development at Fraunhofer IIS/EAS. “Companies find out what AI is and which areas of their business can benefit from it. We then jointly identify the most promising use case, develop potential solutions, create a roadmap, and examine how it might be implemented in practical terms. At the end of this process, participants have concrete recommendations for action, and are in contact with potential partners they could work with to successfully implement a use case in their company.”

"Networking in a strong ecosystem, which KEX's and Fraunhofer IIS/EAAS's consortium projects provide excellently, has helped us a lot," says Christian Baier, Managing Director at NEDGEX GmbH and participant in the 2020 consortium project.

Starting with a clear understanding of AI

First of all, the project coordinators explain what AI is and how it can be deployed. Anne Loos: “The first step is often the most difficult. This is because AI is such a hot topic right now. Everyone is talking about it, and everyone has a different idea of what it means. So first of all it’s important to get everyone on the same page. What do we actually mean when we talk about artificial intelligence?”

Support throughout the entire process

There is a great deal that can be accomplished with AI, such as eliminating inefficiencies in internal processes, reducing waste, and laying the groundwork for strategic decisions, or enhancing customer experience and product utility. Before this can be done, however, a great deal of information is required. First of all, the company needs to know which (internal or external) client problem it wants to address. Only then can it assess whether AI might present a potential solution. If so, it will need historical data for training the AI, process knowledge, infrastructure, and the right mindset within the company.

“The greatest benefit is that companies learn to help themselves. They reach the end of the process with a plan. They have a roadmap. They have the methodological know-how. They know exactly where it really makes sense to deploy AI – they have it in black and white.” This hands-on support gives them security and helps them to profitably apply AI to secure a competitive advantage.

FAQ Consortium Project

Expand all Close all

What is a consortium project?

A consortium project is an alliance of interested partners formed to execute a project within a fixed time frame. In the AI project, some 15 consortium partners come up with AI concepts for use cases in their company. The project is led by the INC Invention Center in collaboration with the Fraunhofer IIS Division Engineering of Adaptive Systems EAS.
What are the most important elements of your current project “AI: Understand – Apply – Benefit”?

In the preliminary discussions, we make sure that the application of AI for the selected use case has a good chance of success. The project comprises the following elements: Skills development, company-specific AI maturity assessment, technology scouting and potential solutions, support with make-or-buy decisions, exchange among experts, and community.
Who can take part?

The consortium project is open to anyone considering implementing AI in their company. Participants come from a wide range of sectors, such as industrial automation, the automotive industry, the semiconductor industry, mechanical and plant engineering, logistics, and healthcare. Their prospective areas of application also vary widely, with examples including production planning, predictive maintenance, innovation management, supply chain management, and internal or external logistics.
What do the companies bring to the table during the project?

For the most part, companies contribute several potential use cases. Each consortium partner remains fully in charge of its own information and data, and can decide at any point which information to share or not share with the consortium. Some partners prefer to just share their fundamental experience in general terms, as their use cases have implications in terms of competition. Others, perhaps in the cultural sector, are happy to disclose their data as it is publicly accessible anyway. This mix is precisely what is so valuable for all concerned.
How much does it cost?
Participation costs are determined as follows:

Companies with up to 50 employees: €7,500

Companies with 51 to 250 employees: €15,000

Companies with more than 250 employees: €30,000
When does the project begin?

The start date is June 25, 2021, and the end date is April 5, 2022.

Late registration is also possible during the first weeks of the project.
How can I register?

Please send an informal email requesting registration to Anne Loos: e-mail send

Do you want to subscribe the EAS newsletter?

Please, use this Link.

Consortium Project on Artificial Intelligence 2021 Ready for Launch

Newsletter 02/2021

Starting with a clear understanding of AI

Support throughout the entire process

FAQ Consortium Project

What is a consortium project?

What are the most important elements of your current project “AI: Understand – Apply – Benefit”?

Who can take part?

What do the companies bring to the table during the project?

How much does it cost?

When does the project begin?

How can I register?

Do you want to subscribe the EAS newsletter?

Related Links:

Contact Press / Media

Anne Loos