Insights

European Commission shifts into high gear in its popular funding scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises. Preparing for Horizon Europe, the upcoming ninth framework programme for funding innovation, the European Innovation Council is rolling out the Accelerator Pilot during 2019 and 2020. Combining grant and equity funding, the EIC Accelerator Pilot replaces the SME Instrument Phase II with its first cut-off on October 9th. The SME Instrument Phase I, the 50,000 € grant for a feasibility study, will no longer be available after the September 5th cut-off.  

The Digital Fiber Ecosystem, jointly organized by Siemens and Spinverse, has finalized its Bio-Based Industry IoT Innovation Challenge. Top Data Science won the competition with an AI solution for product quality prediction and process optimization. The winner receives an opportunity to collaborate with Siemens in IoT industrial solution development.

CSC datacenter in Kajaani will host a pan-European high-performance supercomputer. The machine will be about ten times more powerful than the most powerful supercomputer currently in Europe. The decision was made by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, a high performance computing (HPC) initiative supported by the European countries and the European Union. This decision will provide highly competitive HPC resources for Europe's scientific, industrial and public users. In addition, it will provide a framework for Europe to strengthen its position as one of the pioneers of the data-driven economy. Spinverse supported CSC and the consortium in the EuroHPC application process. 

Innovation is a generic term for all new business creation. Right now, the need for innovation is accelerated by the fastest technological development taking place in history. Artificial intelligence, other digitalization, alternative energy, material recycling and other trends are affecting all industries. 

Nokia Bell Labs driven industry group is building key enablers for fast 5G network based on smart light poles, which will form the digital backbone of future smart cities. The LuxTurrim5G ecosystem project has developed the 5G smart pole concept where 5G base stations, a variety of different sensors, video cameras, displays and other devices have been integrated to light poles. This creates a novel platform providing fast, low latency mobile communications and possibilities to exploit huge amount of data to make new digital services for smart cities. The solutions have been piloted already during last two years at Nokia Campus in Espoo, Finland, and now the plans are to expand the piloting to real environment in Kera region of Espoo.

For those of us who work with EU projects, it feels quite natural, after a while, to talk in terms of milestones, work packages and deliverables. For those who really will benefit from the results of the projects – the market – this is all Greek."I am a work package leader in the projects IRIS and United-Grid. In addition, I am responsible for certain specific tasks, milestones and deliverables," Ulrika Wahlström, Innovation Project Manager at IMCG says and laughs, well aware that this is gibberish for ordinary people.   

Entrepreneurship is perceived as an important tool for quickly reaching the UN's targets for sustainable development (SDG). In a feasibility study, IMCG will investigate how we can get more motivated intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs, who want to build and develop long-term businesses that address the sustainability targets – so-called "Impact Entrepreneurs".   

CHRONICLE: I drive French. When it comes to cars, that is. A Renault. The model is called Grand Scenic and in a Blocket advert that attracted much attention, it is claimed that it means Serious Stroke, but I don't agree. For me, it means the great love affair. Like a pair of old tennis shoes. Or a pair of really worn-out jeans. A relationship that others can look down their noses at, but for oneself is deep, intimate and... yes, beautiful.

Text: Johan Emanuel, Project Manager, IMCG   

 "It is not unusual for tools and toolboxes to be used in a company's change process. In which case, it is particularly important for everybody involved to understand what is intended with these tools and where they can be found," Ulrika Wahlström, Innovation Project Manager, IMCG, says. 

The CTO of the Year Europe 2018 awards were announced today during EU Industry Days in Brussels. The winners in both categories excel in driving sustainability through innovative use of technology in their companies and surrounding ecosystem.