CeADAR, Ireland’s National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been selected as the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) for AI in Ireland. The EDIH is a Europe-wide initiative supported by €700 million in funding from the European Commission and member state governments. With a membership of 151 tech hubs across 30 countries, the EDIH aims to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public service organizations in becoming more digitally advanced by providing access to AI expertise, test-before-invest solutions, training, skills development, and funding support.
CeADAR’s selection as the EDIH for AI in Ireland comes with an initial funding boost of €6 million over three years and a total of €14 million over seven years. This funding, jointly supported by the EU and the government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, will allow CeADAR to create nine new jobs, including data scientists, data science coaches, program and ecosystem managers, as well as marketing and communications staff.
Participating in the EDIH network will provide clients with access to specialized training, business test cases, and project feasibility work to enhance their utilization of digital technologies. The network will also offer digital maturity assessments to guide companies along their digital transition and inform them of the support available through the EDIH.
CeADAR’s involvement in AI research and development extends beyond its selection as the EDIH. CeADAR Centre Director Edward McDonnell was appointed to the OECD Global Partnership Committee on Artificial Intelligence, making him the first Irish person to hold such a position. The OECD Global Partnership on AI brings together experts from industry, government, civil society, and academia to advance responsible AI research and pilot projects.
Dr. McDonnell expressed his excitement about the new funding, saying, “It will allow us to support SMEs and public sector organizations across the country and help them accelerate their digital journey with AI and data science.” He also mentioned plans for a large hiring program to bring in additional expertise in data science, coaching, program and ecosystem management, as well as digital marketing and communications.
By being selected as the EDIH for AI in Ireland, CeADAR is positioning itself as a key player in advancing AI capabilities in the country. With its new funding and expansion plans, CeADAR is well-positioned to support businesses and organizations on their digital journeys and contribute to the responsible development and utilization of AI technologies.
Source: TechCentral Reporters
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