AI for SMEs

General access to artificial intelligence. That’s the guiding idea behind the Fraunhofer Institute’s “Learning Systems” Research Center in the southwestern German state of Baden-Württemberg.

The center and its twenty researchers offer so-called quick checks about whether AI applications would be suitable for small- to medium-sized enterprises. It also holds open days where entrepreneurs can get information about AI and talk to experts. Start-ups can use its services as well.

“We overcome the entry barriers that often result from lack of knowledge and transparency for SMEs,” says Fraunhofer director and professor Wilhelm Bauer. “AI needs to be understood and integrated into business processes.”

The Fraunhofer institute and the regional government are underwriting the project with ten million euros until 2022.