Project: AI Incubator
AIStart – Artificial Intelligence Incubator provides practical advice and training for SMEs on how to apply AI in different areas of business.
The project aims to strengthen companies’ digital skills and improve their competitiveness by offering concrete tools and resources. Through the incubator program, participating companies can develop their capabilities for the safe and responsible adoption of AI solutions, taking data protection and cybersecurity into account.
At the heart of the project is promoting collaboration. Networks will be created for SMEs that connect city business service experts with actors in the SME sector. Through these networks, companies can receive support and guidance for developing and testing AI-based innovations. The project also builds test environments and pilot platforms where companies can experiment with and validate their AI-based solutions before wider implementation.
The AI incubator supports the development of the innovation ecosystem in the Helsinki metropolitan area and promotes companies’ digital transformation. The project’s results are expected to strengthen SMEs’ competitive position, create new growth opportunities, and encourage broader use of AI in the region’s business environment.
The City of Espoo is an active co-implementer in the AIStart project, meaning the city participates in planning and executing different parts of the project in cooperation with other organizations. Espoo also focuses on developing public business advisory services for companies and integrating AI into these services.
Espoo is responsible for developing a network of business advisors and other business experts in the metropolitan area and offers advisors the opportunity to participate in co-creating AI-enabled advisory services.
