3 December 2024
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Artificial intelligence as the driver of sustainable manufacturing in EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) countries
EIT Manufacturing, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, (EIT), a body of the European Union, organised the third edition of its annual RIS Hubs Conference. As part of “The Next Decade of Innovations for the Future of Europe” conference, marking the tenth anniversary of the RIS, the event highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the sustainable manufacturing future.
The EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference focused on the value of AI in harnessing green manufacturing in RIS countries for a sustainable future. Ten years ago, the EIT RIS initiative was designed to reduce Europe’s regional innovation disparities.
On this occasion, the EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference gathered over 100 attendees from 27 countries to foster collaborations and knowledge sharing. Notable participants included a keynote speaker Dr Adam NAGY, Deputy State Secretary for Industry Affairs, Ministry for National Economy of Hungary, along with representatives of the European innovation ecosystem coming from the EIT RIS regions, such as INESCTEC (Portugal), Tartu University (Estonia) and Cleantech Bulgaria.
Dr Adam NAGY, Deputy State Secretary for Industry Affairs, Ministry for National Economy of Hungary
Enhancing deep tech innovation through local and national synergies
The conference explored how artificial intelligence can transform manufacturing processes making them more efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive, with a focus on RIS countries. The event kicked off with an introduction by Dr Konstantinos GEORGOULIAS, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs & Strategic Initiatives at EIT Manufacturing, followed by an opening speech from Caroline VIAROUGE, EIT Manufacturing CEO.
Caroline VIAROUGE, EIT Manufacturing CEO
“DeepDiveRIS 2024 serves as a call to leverage the power of AI in manufacturing to foster sustainability and innovation across Europe. EIT Manufacturing is committed to bringing together key players from RIS countries to accelerate green and digital transitions in the region, shaping a more inclusive and competitive future for European industry.”
Caroline VIAROUGE, EIT Manufacturing CEO
Discussions united around the vision of the future of manufacturing in RIS countries, based on inclusiveness, gender equality, training and skills for AI and green manufacturing. The speakers highlighted the role of policies as catalysts for strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, while collaboration between industry, research and academia was deemed essential for boosting AI-driven green manufacturing in RIS countries.
The EIT Manufacturing ecosystem is making significant strides towards the future of manufacturing in Europe and showcased successful projects that are already making an impact on the industry and among talent. Since 2020, EIT Manufacturing has allocated an additional 10 million EUR funds for business creation, innovation and education activities in RIS eligible countries. As a result, more than 14,000 pupils and teachers were trained to ensure highly skilled future talent.
Through the RIS programmes, EIT Manufacturing has facilitated the creation of 32 startups, bringing ideas to the market. Through funding, coaching and networking activities, over 60 startups and SMEs were supported, and 25 innovations were brought to the commercialisation phase.
Dr Konstantinos GEORGOULIAS, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs & Strategic Initiatives at EIT Manufacturing
“EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference showcased the innovation potential of EIT RIS countries and the key role they play in Europe’s twin transition. We are particularly proud of the success of our EIT Manufacturing RIS programme constantly overachieving its objectives, and bringing new ideas to market, and skilled people to shape the future of sustainable European manufacturing.”
Dr Konstantinos GEORGOULIAS, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs & Strategic Initiatives at EIT Manufacturing
Celebrating success at the EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference 2024
The Grand Final of the RIS LEADERS 2024 Competition, designed to support women leaders in the manufacturing sector was staged during the event. Over the past four years, over 120 women from EIT RIS countries have been actively involved in this initiative. Selen ŞENAL, PhD C., Founder, CEO and Biotechnologist at BioFlocean developed by Algbio, Julia WILK, neenCare CEO, and sharing the third place Mariia ALIPATOVA, CEO and Co-founder of Solar Optic, and Šarlota KAŇUKOVÁ, PhD, Co-founder and Scientist at Spicy Cells, secured the top three positions of this year’s edition and were awarded 10,000 EUR, 7,500 EUR, and 5,000 EUR.
Winners of the RIS LEADERS 2024 Competition
“As the 1st winner, I am deeply honoured to represent the incredible potential of women leaders in manufacturing. This award was achieved through our BioFlocean project, and it is a source of great pride for me to bring an innovative approach to algae-based bioplastic production through this initiative developed by my company. EIT has always felt like a family to me, returning to this community feels like coming home, and their unwavering support has been invaluable.”
Selen ŞENAL, PhD C., Founder, CEO and Biotechnologist at BioFlocean developed by Algbio
The conference concluded with an award presented by Dr Konstantinos GEORGOULIAS to Iceberg Plus, the EIT Manufacturing RIS HUB in Romania, named the “Best performing EIT RIS Hub 2023”.
Iceberg Plus awarded “Best performing EIT RIS Hub 2023”
“I am deeply honoured and grateful for this recognition, which reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire Iceberg Plus team. This award is proof of the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to driving innovation and growth through our RIS HUB. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our team, and to the EIT Manufacturing RIS team, respectively EIT Manufacturing South East team, for their support and collaboration. Together, we are making a lasting impact.”
Raluca LUCĂȚ, Manager of Iceberg Plus, EIT Manufacturing RIS HUB Romania
Recognised for its significant impact on innovation and regional development, Iceberg Plus, an innovation consulting and tech transfer company representing EIT Manufacturing in Romania since June 2020, demonstrated outstanding contributions in advancing the EIT RIS initiative and fostering collaboration within its ecosystem. This award underscores the vital role of innovation-driven partnerships in regional and international progress.
Future prospects for the Regional Innovation Scheme
The EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference 2024 delivered actionable insights and tangible outcomes for stakeholders in the manufacturing and innovation ecosystem from policy to inclusiveness by bridging education with innovation and business creation. The recognition of trailblazing innovators with success stories demonstrated the success of EIT Manufacturing RIS programmes.
“EIT Manufacturing RIS Hubs Conference highlights the remarkable achievements of innovators in the RIS countries, underlining the tremendous potential for growth in these regions. We are committed to supporting and advancing this growth moving forward.”
Dr Verónica RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, RIS Strategy and Impact Manager at EIT Manufacturing