The platform AI JKPG launched at AI Day

Around 240 participants attended the AI Day at Science Park Towers in Jönköping on 1 October. One of the main attractions was Evelina Attilla, CEO of Wellstreet and one of the dragons in SVT's the Dragon's Den (Draknästet). Her best pitch tip is to dare.

"Attitude and mindset come before a good CV for me," says Evelina Anttila.

During AI Day, the AI JKPG collaboration platform was launched, which will promote cooperation, strengthen expertise, drive innovation and contribute to sustainable development in AI in the Jönköping region.

The AI Day, which this year focused on AI as a business tool for a more sustainable world, is organised by Science Park in Jönköping County and Jönköping University (JU). Evelina Anttila was one of nine lecturers and her message was that the best time to jump on the AI train is now.

"A lot has happened in a short time and now we are starting to see the value of what AI technology can do in a way that we have not done before. In addition, the AI market has matured. However, you should remember to focus on what problems you want to solve with AI and not what technology you are most excited about," says Evelina Anttila.

"Always looking at new opportunities"

Evelina thinks it is exciting when AI Day brings together start-up companies with established industry. She believes that this type of collaboration is crucial for future innovation and for finding sustainable business models.

‘It is fun and exciting for me to come here. I am always looking for new investment opportunities and I have discovered some gems at this type of event," says Evelina Anttila.

Many people recognise her as one of the dragons in this year's edition of the SVT program the Dragon's Den. Her advice to students and others who want to pitch an idea is to take the plunge.

"I'm a Tottenham fan and I think their motto ‘To dare is to do’ is applicable to everything in life. You should focus on the problem you want to solve, because it is crucial, and you have to convince me that you are the right person for the job. I want to see that there is great potential for your product and that the best time to invest is now. Investments don't usually work like in Dragon's Den, but you will get tough questions regardless.

"One of the most fun things I have done"

She is in her first year as a dragon and says it's one of the most fun things she has done.

"What I love about the Dragon's Den is that it teaches people about entrepreneurship and at the same time it is very entertainment. Many young girls have contacted me and told me that they are excited about starting a business and investing after seeing me on the program. Getting that feedback has been both amazing and overwhelming for me. I would have liked to continue in Dragon's Den, but it's up to SVT and the production company to decide."

Creating social benefit

Anette Johansson, Head of Department for Product Development, Production and Design at the School of Engineering (JTH) at JU, was one of the moderators during the AI Day. What she thought was special about this year's AI Day was how AI technology can be used to create societal benefits while also being good business.

"The biggest benefits for the business community of the AI Day are to get inspiration from other people and areas. It is when you get outside your comfort zone that magic happens and through AI JKPG we can help companies get in touch with researchers, students, AI coaches and other companies in AI, says Anette Johansson.

Ronny Norberg, from Siemens Energy, which is part of the PropAIr research project at JTH, came to the AI day to get inspiration and hear how other companies work with AI.

"We understand our AI technology quiet good and know that we need it, but not quite how. It would be great if we could use AI to predict service points on our equipment and disruptions in our supply chain in our company," says Ronny Norberg.

On 18 October all researchers at JU are invited to a workshop at Science Park to discuss how they can collaborate with each other and other actors in society in AI-related issues within the framework of AI JKPG.

Read more about AI JKGP here