The AIRISE Ambassadors Webinar 2025 held online on 6 March 2025, organized by EIT Manufacturing South East, successfully brought together industry leaders, SMEs and AI experts to explore the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing. The event highlighted how AI-driven innovations are revolutionizing production processes, enhancing efficiency and fostering industrial competitiveness.

With a diverse audience ranging from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to mid-cap companies and key industry stakeholders, the webinar underscored the AI integration in manufacturing. The event featured speakers, including Mr Michael Dritsas, Mechanical Engineer, MSc, MBA, Policy Officer at Special Service for the Coordination of Planning, Evaluation and Implementation of PA General Directorate of Strategy, Planning and Implementation of the Partnership Agreement (EU Cohesion Policy), Ministry of Economy and Finance of Greece, who provided valuable insights into the STEP platform. Mr Harry Bikas, Research Engineer/Project Manager at Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS), gave an overview of the AIRISE project, providing information on the vast AI opportunities in manufacturing. Additionally, industry leaders Mr Panos Gounas, Commercial Director at CNC Solutions, and Mr Evagoras Zervas, European Project Coordinator at TRYGONS SA, shared their first-hand success stories with AIRISE, offering real-world perspectives on AI implementation.

A key focus was placed on supporting SMEs, with insights into funding opportunities of up to €60,000 available to help businesses incorporate AI into their production lines—reinforcing AIRISE’s commitment to digital transformation.

The AIRISE Ambassadors Webinar 2025 was an excellent opportunity to gather the AI manufacturing ecosystem from Europe and specifically South East Europe, to learn more about the STEP project, AIRISE project  and hear from beneficiaries that have already succeeded in integrating AI in their production line.