Its objective is to be a support tool for SMEs and public administrations in terms of technology and innovation.
This consortium, of which Málaga TechPark is a member, is constituted as a representation of the entire Andalusian ecosystem: from universities or research centers, to business associations, chambers of commerce, parks, European business and innovation centers (CEEIs / BICS), companies and technology clusters
The rector of the University of Granada, Pilar Aranda; the Minister of Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge and Universities of the Junta de Andalucía, Rogelio Velasco; The Mayor of Granada, Francisco Cuenca, and the President of the Spanish Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CEPYME), Gerardo Cuerva, have presented the Andalusian Digital Innovation Center AIR-Andalusia, of which Málaga TechPark is a member, along with representatives of all the entities that make up the consortium.
AIR-Andalusia is a center specialized in applied artificial intelligence and robotics. This body was born as a tool to support small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and public administrations to improve their efficiency and competitiveness, providing them with access to different digitization services focused on the optimization of business / production processes, products or services. using digital technologies.
The aim of the center is also to facilitate access to technical knowledge and experimentation, so that companies can test before investing (“test before invest”). The consortium will combine the power of artificial intelligence, robotics and data as the main drivers of innovation and economic growth. Promoted by the University of Granada and the regional Ministry of Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge and Universities, AIR-Andalusia is constituted as a representation of the entire Andalusian ecosystem: from universities or research centers, to business associations, chambers of commerce, parks , European business and innovation centers (CEEIs / BICS), companies and technology clusters.
All the entities that make up AIR-Andalusia are benchmarks in the areas of knowledge of artificial intelligence and applied robotics, currently identified as those with the greatest impact and relevance for the digitization of the Andalusian industry.
AIR-Andalusia has been recognized by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism as a ‘European Digital Innovation Hub’ (EDIH) candidate to participate in the European call for the Initial Network of EDIHs1 of the Digital Europe2 program. This call will entail recognition by the European Union. Each EDIH will act as an access point to the European network of EDIHs, helping local companies and / or public agents to obtain support from other EDIHs in the event that the necessary competencies are outside its scope of competence, ensuring that each party interested party get the necessary support wherever it is available in Europe. Conversely, each EDIH will support companies and public agents from other regions and countries presented by other EDIH that need its expertise.
The Digital Europe Program, with a total budget of 7,610 million euros for the period 2021-2027, will finance investment and development of applications in five key areas of the digital transformation process: supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, generalization of the use of digital technologies in all sectors of the economy and society. One of the priorities of the Digital Europe Program is to support the EDIH network to ensure that all industrial companies in Europe can take advantage of digital opportunities, as essential catalysts for the digital transformation of European industry. The program is designed to bridge the gap between digital technology research and market deployment. It will benefit Europe’s citizens and businesses, especially SMEs.
AIR-Andalusia entities have a sufficient critical mass of resources and capacities to undertake effective and efficient research, development and innovation processes that allow supporting SMEs in the region in their digitization processes. The institutions that make up the consortium have the objective of strengthening the Andalusian industrial ecosystem to place it at the forefront of technological advances, promoting and accelerating innovation in artificial intelligence and robotics in all areas of the market, establishing clear objectives oriented to impact and creating a vivid ecosystem of researchers, companies and investors to achieve these goals: train students, attract talented people and create “innovation ecosystems” in which companies, technology centers, universities and investors interact. In addition, AIR-Andalusia will take advantage of the strengths of dynamic agents to connect with agents from other regions.