prg.ai newsletter #45
prg.ai newsletter is back! Days of AI 2024 are fast approaching, and we're excited to announce its expansion to a national format! This year, we're bringing the fascinating world of AI to every regional city. In Prague, expect over 35 events, including AI 4 Gov, AI Tinkerers, Young AI Research Forum, AI 4 Business, and AI 4 All. We've also welcomed five new partners who will enrich the Czech AI scene. Learn about CTU's fight against misinformation with CEDMO 2.0, their students' victory in the autonomous drone competition, and FIT CTU's course on Progressive Technologies in Informatics. This is just a glimpse of Prague's AI successes, detailed in this newsletter. Enjoy!
🏡 What’s new at prg․ai
Days of AI 2024 are almost here!
This year, the event is expanding nationwide, bringing the excitement of AI to your regional city! From 14 to 27 October, you can look forward to an even busier program of lectures, workshops, presentations, and other events that will introduce you to AI in all its forms. This year, an exceptional program full of inspiration awaits you, with more than 30 events in Prague!
Don’t miss these exciting events:
- AI 4 Gov (14 October) – We will present interesting examples of the use of artificial intelligence in public administration, especially suitable for middle and senior management of public administration.
- AI Tinkerers (15 Oct) – For AI enthusiasts and innovators to connect, learn and collaborate.
- Young AI Research Forum (16 Oct) – An event especially for PhD students and young researchers.
- Is AI the key to innovation in Czech healthcare? (17 Oct) – We will explore how AI can transform Czech healthcare.
- AI 4 All (18 – 19 Oct) – Lectures on the use of AI in the world from healthcare to religion. Accompanying program for all ages: creation of visual and textual works with AI, discussions with experts, AI quiz and cryptography, robot demonstrations, thematic cinema screenings. Events for the public.
- Václav Moravec: Artificial Intelligence in the Czech Republic (18 Oct) – A panel of experts led by Václav Moravec will present current trends in the perception of artificial intelligence by the Czech public based on a comparison of data from the last three waves of sociological surveys.
- AI 4 Edu (21 Oct) – Aimed at all primary and secondary school teachers who want to integrate AI into their teaching.
- AI 4 Business (22 Oct) – A conference on the practical use of AI in businesses. Executives and decision-makers will learn how to avoid mistakes and achieve real results with AI. Starting with a Fireside chat “Where we are and where we are going” with Michal Pěchouček and Jan Romportl.
- Afternoon program at the Kampus Hybernská (23 Oct) – Series of lectures and workshops: AI in practice – intellectual property and security; Does the Czech Republic need its own LLM?; AI Horizons: AGI (general artificial intelligence).
Visit the Days of AI website for detailed information and registration.
We are expanding our partner base!
We’re thrilled to welcome a whole bunch of awesome new partners to prg.ai! First up, we have ČEPS Group, responsible for maintaining and developing the Czech transmission system. With their own AI team creating custom applications, they’re set to leverage AI for grid stability and innovation. Next, we have Dataclair, O2 CZ’s AI center, focusing on big data processing and applied AI in telecommunications. They handle a major chunk of O2 Czech Republic’s internal projects, alongside commercial ones involving data-analytical products, campaigns through O2 Media, and geolocation projects with O2 Geodata. Then there’s HPE enhancing product/service features and performance with AI. They provide the powerful infrastructure and tools that enable AI development and deployment, including HPE Apollo systems and Ezmeral software platform. They’re keen to network, share knowledge, and explore cooperation opportunities within the prg.ai community. We also welcome MSD, a leading research-intensive biopharmaceutical company committed to innovative health solutions. They’re integrating data sciences and applying AI/ML technologies across drug discovery, development, and regulation to fight serious health concerns. Last but not least, we have Sympulse, a young tech company bringing their AI/ML expertise to complex implementations for large clients. With a wealth of experience and their own assets, they’re ready to push the boundaries of AI innovation. Welcome on board!
prg.ai Minor celebrates 74 graduates!
The prg.ai Minor program is proud to announce its 74th graduate! This year, 27 students successfully completed the program, bringing the total number of graduates to 74 since its inception. Among this year’s graduates, we are pleased to include 4 women. This unique inter-university program combines the best AI education that CTU and Charles University have to offer, equipping students with state-of-the-art knowledge. This year’s graduating class included representatives from all five participating faculties. A celebratory ceremony was held at the Mayor’s residence, attended by 21 graduates and faculty leadership. With 140 active students and a growing cohort, the future of AI in Czechia is bright!
AI Tinkerers Prague Launched with a Bang!
AI Tinkerers Prague kicked off with an inspiring launch event, showcasing the potential of AI across various fields. Special guest Joe Heitzeberg, founder of AI Tinkerers, shared his insights, while local innovators presented cutting-edge AI demos. The event fostered connections and collaboration among AI enthusiasts and innovators. We’re proud to support this initiative from the start and contribute to Prague’s growing AI ecosystem. The next AI Tinkerers event is coming up on 15th October as part of Days of AI!
Startups, Have Global Ambitions? Ment2Grow is Here for You!
The 7th edition of the accelerator, which will help you break through in the world, is just starting, and as a long-term partner, we can vouch for it. Our members Rossum and Recombee, among others, have gone through it. And why join? Mentoring from top experts, investments and contacts, know-how in the areas of business, talent and finance, space for sharing experiences with other founders. Don’t wait! Applications for Ment2Grow are open!
New AI-Powered Program at NEWTON University
Boost your project management and business skills with NEWTON University’s multidisciplinary AI program! This hybrid, English-taught course blends artificial intelligence with traditional business education. It’s designed for professionals seeking to leverage AI’s power in their field without becoming tech specialists. Learn to effectively combine AI with essential management skills like HR and project management. Focus on the entire AI project lifecycle, from process analysis and tool selection to business strategy integration. Practical workshops will enhance your productivity and prepare you to lead AI transformations in companies.
Ignite your innovative spirit with Demola!
Demola, the award-winning Finnish programme, is coming to Prague! Students from different disciplines collaborate on real-world challenges in sustainability, entrepreneurship, social change and emerging technologies. Gain hands-on experience, develop key skills, and potentially retain the intellectual property rights to your innovations. Don’t miss out! Apply by 13 October and embark on this exciting journey with Demola!
Signal Forum: Where Art, Tech & Science Converge
Signal Festival is expanding its horizons with the launch of Signal Forum, an innovative educational and networking platform. Join us on October 11-12, 2024, at the Centre for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP) in Prague for an exploration of the intersection between art, technology, and science. We’re bringing together some of the most creative minds from around the world and locally, many of whom will be speaking in the Czech Republic for the first time.
👏 Local AI scene news that makes us proud
CEDMO 2.0: AI Fights Disinformation
Backed by 175 million crowns from the National Recovery Plan, the CEDMO 2.0 project unites top Czech universities to bolster societal resilience against disinformation. It will focus on developing AI tools to detect manipulative claims and enhance media literacy. The main investigator is the Czech Technical University in Prague. AI experts from the Departments of Cybernetics and Computer Science at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC) of CTU will participate in the project.
Czech drone conquers the skies!
The Czech team, comprised of experts from the FEE of CTU and Fly4Future, triumphed in the demanding international SPRIND Funke Fully Autonomous Flight competition in Germany. Their drone flawlessly navigated and performed tasks in a challenging environment without relying on GPS, defeating competitors from around the globe. This victory exemplifies Czech innovation and cutting-edge research in robotics and autonomous systems.
Master the Technologies of Tomorrow!
Struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of IT advancements? FIT CTU has the answer! The Progressive Technologies in Computer Science course will introduce you to the latest trends in fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more.
AI in the Hands of Youth: A Safer Online World
FIT CTU’s summer school proved that the future of online safety is in capable hands. High school students embraced the challenge and designed innovative AI solutions to combat misinformation, improve learning efficiency, and protect against cyberattacks. An inspiring demonstration of how technology can be used for good.
FIT CTU shines on the global AI stage
Researchers from FIT CTU have once again proven they are among the world’s best in artificial intelligence. Their work impressed at the prestigious IJCAI 2024 conference, where they presented their latest discoveries. A fantastic representation of Czech science!
Young Curators Go Global
Thanks to a collaboration between FIT CTU and the House of Lobkowicz, the Young Curator educational program is going online. Students from all over the world will now have the opportunity to discover and document the treasures of the Lobkowicz Collections. Great news for all aspiring historians and art enthusiasts!
Inspiring Women in Tech
Check out the aftermovie from the SheCodes MeetUp event at RICAIP Testbed Prague! Thanks to the VISION, RICAIP and ROBOPROX projects, CIIRC CTU is actively supporting the conversation about women and girls in STEM.
European Networks of Excellence Centres in AI
CIIRC CTU has actively participated in European research on artificial intelligence and robotics. The first phase of the ICT-48 projects, including ELISE, TAILOR and VISION, where CIIRC played a key role, has just ended. A new generation of projects, such as euROBIN and ELIAS, with the participation of CIIRC, continues. CIIRC is coordinating the creation of videos that showcase the entire ecosystem and the successes of these projects.
Global recognition for CIIRC CTU
Torsten Sattler from CIIRC CTU contributed to research that won the prestigious Best Student Paper Award at the CVPR 2024 conference. Their work “Mip-Splatting: Alias-free 3D Gaussian Splatting” was selected as one of the top ten out of more than 11,500 submissions.
QSynt from CTU Amazes the World of Mathematics at AGI 2024
Researchers from CIIRC CTU, Thibault Gauthier and Josef Urban, along with Mirek Olsak from Cambridge, presented their groundbreaking system QSynt at the AGI 2024 conference in Seattle. This system, capable of learning and solving complex mathematical problems without prior knowledge, captivated experts from around the world. QSynt has already successfully solved over 125,000 mathematical sequences in the OEIS database, marking a significant step forward in the development of artificial intelligence.
Industry 4.0: A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Transformation
The new book “Industry 4.0 – The Foundation of the Czech Republic’s Economic Transformation” offers a comprehensive look at the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution. 76 experts, led by Prof. Vladimír Mařík from CIIRC CTU and Robert Keil from the National Center for Industry 4.0, provide practical advice and visions for the successful transformation of Czech industry.
From America to Prague with a Mission to Democratize AI
After a decade spent abroad, working for tech giants and prestigious research institutions, AI expert Filip Dvořák returns to Prague. He now leads the startup Filuta AI, whose goal is to make artificial intelligence accessible to everyone. Dvořák’s rich experience, including projects for the American research agency DARPA, promises an exciting future for the Czech AI scene.
Video Hunters at Matfyz
The summer workshop VideoHunter revealed the secrets of modern technologies to high school students. How does artificial intelligence help translate texts, what can programmers do with AI tools today, and how does a smart video search engine work? Participants of the workshop at Matfyz learned all this and much more.
Revolution in Machine Translation
Ondřej Bojar and Dominik Macháček from the Institute of Formal and Applied Linguistics (ÚFAL), Faculty of Mathematics and Physics (MFF UK), Charles University, have obtained a US patent for simultaneous machine translation of speech from multiple language sources. This grants Matfyz the exclusive right to commercially exploit the results of their research in the USA. The authors are currently seeking a suitable application partner.
Israeli Students Intern at Charles University
Neuron Foundation and IOCB Tech Foundation enable first-ever internships for talented Israeli students at Charles University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Physics. The students focused their research on artificial intelligence and cultural heritage preservation.
Deep Dive into Search Results with Apify’s RAG Web Browser
Apify has launched a powerful tool to elevate your Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) applications. The RAG Web Browser actor goes beyond surface-level searches, enabling deep crawling and precise extraction of relevant content from top Google search results. Now you can ensure your RAG models are fueled with the freshest, most pertinent data available.
Czech Startups Conquering the World
Artificial intelligence is hot, and Czech startups are on fire! CzechCrunch has compiled a list of the 10 hottest Czech startups to watch. Most of them are betting on AI, including our members Rossum, Apify, and Resistant AI. Other rising stars like Better Stack, Keboola, Upheal, Deepnote, and Oddin.gg are also aiming high.
Why are Companies Struggling to Utilize AI?
Two years ago, the public version of ChatGPT was born, launching the era of artificial intelligence. Companies are trying to harness its potential, but many are struggling. Check out why with Ondřej Vaněk, Chief AI Officer at Adastra, who has extensive experience applying AI to clients.
Adastra Confirms AI Expertise
Adastra Group has been awarded the prestigious AWS Generative AI Competency, positioning it as a leading player in the field of artificial intelligence. This recognition underscores Adastra’s commitment to delivering innovative AI solutions and strengthens its position as a trusted partner for companies looking to harness the potential of generative AI.
No-code Entrepreneur Leverages AI for Small Business Marketing
Content marketing is essential for business growth but can be time-consuming for small businesses. Entrepreneur James David found a solution – using the Make platform and artificial intelligence, he created a tool that helps small businesses create and promote engaging content.
Aricoma expands to Western markets with acquisition of Neofacto
Aricoma, a Czech IT leader, has acquired Luxembourg-based software developer Neofacto, strengthening its presence in Western Europe. Neofacto, founded in 2000, provides software services for financial institutions, notably the European Investment Bank. This acquisition marks a significant step in Aricoma’s expansion strategy.
Artificial Intelligence: 2023 and Beyond
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, brings many opportunities but also risks. How will AI affect the world of work and should we be afraid of general artificial intelligence? An interview with Petr Hirš from dataclair.ai by Radek Šichtanc offers insights into these questions.
The AI curriculum for schools
Eva Nečasová, co-founder of the AI dětem initiative, presented details about the unique Czech curriculum for teaching artificial intelligence in schools. She talked about its content and goals in an interview for Wired and also in Studio 6 of Czech Television. The methodology is currently being piloted in selected schools, which was also the subject of a report in Události on ČT.
A creative tool, not a bogeyman
Aignos is breaking down myths about artificial intelligence and showing students that AI is not just a technology of the future, but also a tool for creativity and learning. At Tvoříme s AI, Robopis or DigiUm workshops, teenagers learn how to use AI for writing, creating art and even streamlining their studies. Aignos thus shows that AI can be a great helper if used responsibly. You can find out more about their inspiring work in Deník N or in the Jazykobraní podcast on Spotify.
From Industry to AI in Education
Daria Hvížďalová shares her journey from studying abroad through the corporate world to artificial intelligence in education. In a podcast with Jirka Vicherek, she describes her experiences from GoodAI, the family business JHV, and the 42 network programming school. She now works in London and Pardubice, where she helps integrate AI into teaching.
Games with Artificial Intelligence: Revolution or Just Hype?
Marek Rosa, founder of GoodAI, believes their new game AI People with advanced artificial intelligence will change the gaming industry. Is this a real revolution or just another hype? You can read about this, as well as the Nintendo lawsuit, the return of the Level podcast, and the problems of the gaming industry, in the Good Game newsletter. Sign up and make up your own mind!
🎭 Events we’re excited about
- 8 October – Innovation week
- 8 – 9 October – Introduction to Ambient Intelligence
- 10 October – AI Act and how to get started and AI literacy
- 10 October – Kateřina Lesch (EmbedIT): AI in the context of forensic investigation
- 10 October – Beer with the Boys from Matfyz, vol. 7
- 14 – 27 October – Days of AI 2024: Praha, Brno, Plzeň, Ostrava and other cities
- 13 October – Days of AI: Dreams of AI
- 14 October – Dny AI: AI 4 Gov
- 15 October – Dny AI: AI Tinkerers
- 16 October – Dny AI: Young AI Research Forum
- 18 – 19 October – Dny AI: AI 4 All
- 18 October – Dny AI: AI 4 Talents
- 23 October – AI Horizons l AGI (General Artificial Intelligence)
- 18 – 20 October – Hackathon: when data speaks
- 22 October – Tech Happy Hours
- 23 October – AI Days 2024
- 24 October – Štěpán Ondrus (Alimex Nezvěstice) AI in the context of agriculture
- 4 – 10 November – Week of Science and Technology of the CAS
- 5 November – Czech Internet Forum
- 5 November – KPMG Data Festival 2024: Data on a Plate
- 9 November – Open Day of FIT CTU
- 14 November – AI HotSpot: Innovate, Implement, Inspire
You can find all the events we find interesting in our Google Calendar.
🧩 Stuff that interests us
Risks of Artificial Intelligence: New publication reveals hidden dangers
Artificial intelligence is not just an almighty helper, but also a source of potential risks. The new publication “Risks Associated with Generative Artificial Intelligence” from the E-Bezpečí CEDMO team focuses on the issue of hallucination and distortion of information, which can lead to the spread of stereotypes and disinformation.
Heart disease prevention revolution
The Olomouc-based startup Kardi AI brings groundbreaking technology for heart monitoring. Thanks to a smart belt and artificial intelligence, everyone can easily monitor their heart condition in real time. What’s more, this innovative method has now received pan-European certification, opening the door to wider use and improved prevention of heart disease.
Useful helper?
While schools are frantically changing rules due to fears of AI misuse, Swedish scientists are bringing the first data on how students actually work with artificial intelligence. And surprisingly, they find that students with learning difficulties are more likely to reach for it. Is AI therefore more of a helper or a crutch? And how to set the boundaries of its use in schools? These are the questions that this study opens.
Czech High School Students’ Satellite Heads to Space with SpaceX
The Lasar high school team, winners of the prestigious NASA competition, is heading to space! Their satellite, which will help clean up orbital debris and even carry beer, will be launched this year on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. These young scientists show that even high school students can achieve incredible things. We are proud of them!
📢 Community calls
Europe is looking for AI leaders
The European Commission, through the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, is calling for proposals to create AI factories. This unique opportunity offers funding of up to €200 million for new or upgraded supercomputers and up to €15 million for the actual set-up of the factory. Get access to cutting-edge technologies, foster innovation and strengthen Europe’s position in the AI field. Don’t hesitate to submit your proposal by 4 November 2024!
Call for workshop proposals for ML Prague 2025
Do you have expertise to share with the machine learning community? ML Prague 2025 is looking for experts to lead 3-hour hands-on workshops or tutorials for their advanced technical audience. The deadline for submissions is October 15th, 2024. Submit your proposal and help shape the future of ML!
💼 Open job positions
Artificial Intelligence Center FEE CTU
- LLM Agents Researcher
- Six new positions in specific fields: AI & Cybersecurity, AI Safety, AI for Safe and Trusted Media and Language Applications, Computational Robotics, Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems, and AI & Energy
CIIRC
Apify
ententee
Datamole
DNAi
Make
MAMA AI
Qminers
Recombee
Rossum
Aricoma
Dataclair.ai
EY
KPMG
MSD
Next up from prg.ai
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prg․ai meetup: The Evolving Role of Games in AI by Murray Campbell
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prg.ai newsletter #44
The last prg.ai newsletter before the holiday break is filled with exciting news from the Czech world of artificial intelligence! We're launching the Czech National AI Platform, aiming to propel the Czech Republic to the forefront of European AI leadership. We'll also reveal the winner of our Nakopni Prahu award for the best AI project. You'll find research updates, stories about AI in healthcare, and more. Plus, don't miss the open AI positions in European institutions! Let's explore together how AI is shaping a better future for the Czech Republic.