DIH Brain4Industry wins national round of EDIH call

Brain4Industry, a consortium led by the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, is to apply for membership of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) network as a representative of the Czech Republic. These hubs are expected to become the engines of digital transformation of small and medium enterprises as well as government institutions in the coming years. Brain4Industry is one of the winners of the national round of the EDIH call that have been announced by the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade this week.

Brain4Industry (B4I) focuses on the digitization of small and medium businesses and the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing processes. In addition, it offers expert advisory in advanced production technologies. Its key areas of expertise include additive, plasma and laser technologies; surface modification and micro machining; mathematical simulations and computing methods; topology-optimized products; development of innovative virtual management systems; and a certified manufacturing and testing process. B4I is also planning to build an innovation center with testing facilities.

“I am happy that we have managed to create a strong consortium that will offer its clients know-how in data collection and analysis in production processes including bespoke solution design, together with extensive expertise and an attractive testing infrastructure for advanced production technologies,” says Michael Prouza, Director of the Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences.

A unique European-level facility

The Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, which also operates the HiLASE laser center, possesses technology and development facilities that are unique Europe-wide. Over the past few years, it has been building strong relations with the Czech industry, proving repeatedly that technical progress needs to go hand in hand with digital transformation of businesses. Digital transformation, combined with progressive implementation of AI-based solutions in production processes, is critical for the modernization of Czech industry and for driving productivity in small and medium enterprises.

“We want to work with our business clients on a long-term, systematic basis. That is why we have prepared a project to build an independent B4I Innovation Center facility in Dolní Břežany, which will be dedicated to the needs of manufacturing companies,” explains Michael Prouza. “We have been granted financing from Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovations for Competitiveness. We would like to start the construction in the second half of this year. The center will offer cutting-edge testing facilities as well as facilities for education, seminars, networking, and awareness-building events. The center should open to industrial clients in 2023. Joining the EDIH would help us expand our services and make them more affordable for small and medium businesses,” adds Michael Prouza.

The B4I consortium is based on long-term collaboration between the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences and its research, business, and innovation partners. Within the Institute, the collaboration is primarily a domain of experts from HiLASE laser center and MATCA National Center of Competence. Other members of the consortium include the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS, CARDAM development center, the Central Bohemian Innovation Centre, and STAR Reserach & Innovation Cluster whose members include research organizations, businesses, public institutions, and investors based in the STAR region (Dolní Břežany – Vestec – Zlatníky-Hodkovice).

Source: Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Ing. Alexandr Dejneka, Ph.D.)

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