The Helsinki XR Center (HXRC) is actively engaged in various collaborations, projects, preparations, funding applications, and consultations. Among its most significant and prestigious partnerships, HXRC, as part of Metropolia UAS, participates in the Finnish AI Region (FAIR) consortium.
Read on to find out more!
Finnish AI Region (FAIR)
The Finnish AI Region (FAIR) offers businesses accessible expertise in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, high-performance computing, and cybersecurity. FAIR is dedicated to promoting the rapid and widespread adoption of AI in small and medium-sized enterprises.
What is FAIR and How is it Enhancing AI Deployment in SMEs?
FAIR, one of 151 European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) under the EU’s Digital Europe program, focuses on rapidly deploying AI in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Funded by the European Commission, Business Finland, and the Helsinki Innovation Fund, FAIR addresses the global shortage of AI expertise, workforce upskilling, and innovation framework development.
Who are the Core Partners in the FAIR Consortium?
The consortium, led by Helsinki City, includes 11 core partners such as the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, Aalto University, University of Helsinki, Haaga-Helia, and Metropolia Universities of Applied Sciences, KIRAHub, IT Center of Science CSC, and European Innovation and Technology Institute EIT Digital. Affiliate partners include Google, Microsoft, Varian, ABB, the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI), and Arcada University of Applied Sciences, with each partner contributing specific services to the initiative.
How is Metropolia UAS Contributing to FAIR?
Metropolia UAS contributes significantly to FAIR through the Helsinki XR Center (HXRC) and platforms like AIoT Garage and Robo Garage. HXRC organizes key networking events such as Match XR, provides tailored XR training through a dedicated showroom and talks as well as AI workshops, and offers monthly webinars on AI, XR, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing.
What Additional Services Does Metropolia Offer?
Metropolia also leads Proof of Concept projects in generative AI, machine learning, and robotics, enabling businesses to test new technologies. Additionally, Metropolia supports the FAIR skills and training platform that offers customized study plans to support workforce development, and conducts Digital and AI Maturity Assessments to help organizations evaluate their capabilities.
In order to benefit from FAIR services, Finnish SMEs are invited for a free registration on FAIR’s website.
SMEs can also benefit from open and targeted events, by following the events on FAIR page and social media, as well as those of Helsinki XR Center.
Read more details about the role of HXRC in FAIR consortium here, and about the Proof of Concept FAIR Service here.