AI Start – Tekoälyhautomo

AI Start – TEKOÄLYHAUTOMO, is an AI Incubator project that aims to enhance the digital capabilities and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering practical support and resources for implementing artificial intelligence in business operations. This initiative focuses on providing consultancy services, establishing test environments for AI experimentation, and promoting digital transformation to strengthen regional business growth.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key asset in today’s business environment, offering innovative solutions and opportunities for companies across all industries. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) especially require support and resources to leverage the benefits offered by this technology. AI Start – Tekoälyhautomo project is designed to address this need by providing consultancy services and practical support to SMEs in utilizing AI in their business operations. The project aims to enhance the digital capabilities and competitiveness of SMEs by providing practical guidance, coaching, and resources for applying AI in business processes. The project will develop and implement an AI Incubator program to help participating SMEs develop their capabilities in utilizing AI securely and promoting data privacy. The project will establish a collaboration network between city business service experts and SMEs to enable companies to access new AI-driven business services and receive the necessary support and guidance for implementing AI solutions.

The role of Metropolia UAS ​

Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is focusing particularly on developing and utilizing virtual test platforms for sustainable urban development, as well as promoting small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) virtual capabilities and solutions for sustainability. During the project, an initiative called the Immersive Sustainability Lab will be developed and implemented in connection with the Helsinki XR Center. The goal of the Immersive Sustainability Lab, which builds on the expertise and networks of the Helsinki XR Center, is to be a pioneer in integrating immersive technologies and sustainable urban development, particularly in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Through AR, VR, and AI technologies, virtual environments will be created where participants can explore and interact with sustainable solutions in an urban context.

Metropolia UAS aims to build a network around the Immersive Sustainability Lab that combines new technologies and sustainability thinking. This network will offer a platform for collaborative projects between businesses and public actors, showcasing the potential of XR technologies in transforming cities to be more sustainable. Additionally, partnerships will be formed internationally, particularly with the USA, to enhance global visibility and collaboration in the field of sustainable development.

• WP1: Metropolia offers co-development workshops and online guides for SMEs on how to leverage virtual technologies from a sustainability perspective and directs companies to the appropriate services.
• WP2: The Immersive Sustainability Lab initiative is co-developed, and the development of co-creation services by other project partners is supported.
• WP3: The Immersive Sustainability Showroom is developed to showcase Finnish expertise.
• WP4: Coordinated by Metropolia, the Immersive Sustainability Lab and its associated virtual urban test environments are developed, and their practical use is promoted
• WP5: A national and international network around the Immersive Sustainability Lab is established and expanded.