VENLO - Today sees the launch of the Brightlands AI Academy. This new initiative, linked to the Brightlands AI hub, will start with the first track in North Limburg. The track is a co-production of IXT Data and Robotics Professionals, Genzai, Brightlands, Fontys Venlo, UMIO | Maastricht University and Bluehub. Brightlands AI Academy will teach 'change leaders' the knowledge and skills to achieve smart, data-driven innovations that will future-proof their organisations.
Artificial intelligence, or artificial intelligence (AI), is slowly trickling into our daily lives. From image recognition and interpretation to manufacturing robots and personalised suggestions on Netflix and self-driving cars. The application of AI is making processes smarter and more autonomous. The need for skilled workers in this technology that is developing at an unprecedented rate is great and brings with it a challenge; the war on AI talent.
Broad need
International competitions for people with AI knowledge are already in full swing and the competition for skilled AI talent will increase enormously in the coming years. Based on this growing need, entrepreneurs from IXT Data and Robotics Professionals and Genzai, UMIO | Maastricht University, Fontys Venlo and Bluehub are working together to realise the first programme and thus launch this academy. The aim of the AI Academy is to develop AI talent for the region.
Future-proof
Hans Hendrikx, initiator of Brightlands AI Academy and CEO of IXT Data and Robotics professionals, says: "The impact AI is making on business is perhaps even greater than the invention of the steam engine and certainly equal to the impact of the internet on business and society. There is a scarcity of AI knowledge, which will only increase in the coming years." Brightlands AI Academy offers knowledge modules in line with real-life situations: from idea development to business case and AI methods and techniques to be applied. Participants and employers will interact with each other, leading to cross-pollination to discover and further develop new AI opportunities.
Robust programme
Brightlands AI Academy uses real-life use cases as a starting point. The educational institutions UMIO | Maastricht University and Fontys Venlo will take charge of the 12 full-day programme. Roy Lenders, entrepreneur behind several successful AI initiatives, coaches the participants and guides them through the business case. Lenders explains: "The combination of theory and practical applicability makes this programme strong. Technological developments follow in quick succession, but it's all about how you can apply them in practice and build a successful business case. An entrepreneurial mindset is crucial here, that is how you create impact." Thanks in part to funds from the regional Investment Agenda, it has been made possible to develop this programme and keep the fee for participants limited.
Profile of candidates
The Brightlands AI Academy programme focuses on HBO and WO educated talent with a curious, creative and entrepreneurial nature. Communicatively skilled puzzle solvers who want to make a difference within their organisation with and by using data to innovate processes and business models. Preferably, the participant has an exact HBO or WO prior education such as mathematics, business informatics, information management, econometrics, computer science, statistics and physics. The first track starts in October this year, in which up to 20 participants can participate.
Workshops
Brightlands AI Academy is organising three workshops, the first of which will take place on 23 June next, where potential participants and employers can find out about the content of the 12-day programme. You can register via www.brightlandsaiacademy.com.
Brightlands is an innovation ecosystem in Limburg with four campuses. Brightlands AI Academy focuses on activities within innovation and ICT and is part of the activities within AI-hub Brightlands. Early this year, AI-hub Brightlands was launched as an alliance of companies, knowledge institutions, the four Brightlands campuses and other organisations that brings together key AI expertise in Limburg. A key objective is to accelerate developments in this field in response to the social and economic challenges of this region and beyond. With a connection from the Brightlands AI hub to the national AI coalition, this academy brings a strengthening effect in the development of this science and technology. More information about Brightlands can be found on the website www.brightlands.com.
