SustAIn.Brussels

Project Description

Brussels is now home to its own European digital innovation hub: sustAIn.brussels. The urban initiative will support Brussels businesses in their transition to using innovative technologies and artificial intelligence. VUB, ULB, Sirris, Agoria and BeCentral will guide companies with advice on finance, education, skills training and improving processes and products or services by applying AI or other emerging technologies. Sustainability and the environment are central to this process.

The new digital innovation hub houses various players. As leading academic experts in AI and innovation, VUB and ULB support Brussels-based companies in their sustainable and digital transition. Sirris and Agoria share their expertise in business support. BeCentral provides training and networking for companies. Innoviris, Brussels Economy and Employment, finance&invest.brussels and hub.brussels monitor the hub’s activities and ensure the proper functioning of the consortium. There is also support in terms of financing, guidance within the existing digital business offer, information, animation and community awareness-raising.

SustAIn.brussels contributes to five strategic objectives:

1. Innovation to encourage and facilitate economic, social and environmental transition.
2. Economic recovery.
3. Strengthening Brussels leadership in artificial intelligence.
4. Forming a gateway to Europe for Brussels-based companies.
5. Facilitating the digitisation of Brussels industry.

SMIT will work on the creation of a Twin Transition (digitalization & sustainability) framework, impact estimation and measurement tools and a dashboard tool.