A Testing and Experimentation Facility (TEF) node has been established on the University of Patras campus, one of only eight such nodes in Europe. This TEF, part of the EU project AI-MATTERS, aims to advance the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) products. It is the result of a collaborative effort between the Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems and Automation (LMS) and the Teaching Factory Competence Center (TF-CC), both esteemed partners of EIT Manufacturing South East.

EIT Manufacturing offers various forms of support to new manufacturing companies. One notable initiative from EIT Manufacturing South East is the AI-IGNITE competition, organized in collaboration with the Greek TEF of AI-MATTERS. This competition is designed to assist SMEs and startup companies in testing and refining their AI products.

It offers the opportunity for startups/SMEs to receive both cash prize for their innovation but also access to the Greek TEF for further maturation of their solution. The Grand Final will take place in September 2024.

On May 21, 2024, an engaging and interactive online event unveiled the details and context of the AI-IGNITE competition. The event featured guests from the government, various ministries, and companies. During the event, the TEF capabilities were introduced along with a comprehensive list of services available to SMEs through the AI-Matters project.

Dr Kosmas Alexopoulos, a member of LMS, Dr Sotiris Makris, Executive Director of the TF-CC, Dr Niki Kousi, Managing Director of EIT Manufacturing South East and Dr Vivian Sophou, Sr. Business Development Manager of EIT Manufacturing South East were some of the speakers in the event.

More information about the competition will come soon. Contact us at southeast@eitmanufacturing.eu