Driving Brussels' Digital Future with AI and Emerging Technologies

forthcoming

"The Brussels-Capital Region (BCR) is a service-dominated economy where 99% of companies are SMEs. It boasts a vibrant digital sector supported by one of the highest concentrations of ICT specialists in Europe. Yet, despite being an EU ""Innovation Leader"", many Brussels SMEs remain hesitant about advanced digitalization and AI adoption. Recent uptake of generative AI shows promise, but barriers such as lack of skills, strategic clarity, and access to infrastructure persist. To address this, sustAIn.brussels will continue as the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) in Brussels. It serves as a multilingual (FR-NL-EN), cross-sectoral, one-stop shop guiding regional SMEs through sustainable digital innovation, with a reinforced focus on AI, including generative and agentic AI. Strategic objectives: • Positioning Brussels as a leading AI hub. • Helping SMEs adopt AI through funding and expertise. • Assisting businesses with EU AI funding and partnerships. • Supporting high-risk AI research in key areas. • Expanding access to high-performance computing. Key enablers of success: • A mature and synergistic consortium: Sirris, Agoria, BeCentral, ULB, VUB • Proven service framework supporting SMEs from inspiration to scale-up • Service offer across 4 pillars: Test Before Invest, Skills and Training, Support to Find Investment, and Innovation Ecosystem and Networking • Co-financing by the Brussels Region: 50% match • Strong ecosystem engagement with over 30 regional and EU partners sustAIn.brussels aims to impact 2000 companies through tailored digital innovationservices, acting as a catalyst for a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive Brussels economy. "