The ELIAS Project, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and sustainability, held its official kick-off meeting in Trento, Italy, on September 6-7, 2023. Hosted by the University of Trento, this event marked the commencement of a four-year journey encompassing Sustainable AI, Trustworthy AI, and Nurturing Excellence in AI.

Artificial intelligence has become a ubiquitous topic of conversation, with numerous research groups around the world actively engaged in advancing cutting-edge technologies across various domains. Yet, true competitiveness in this field requires aspiring to broader and more ambitious goals, particularly for those seeking to establish European leadership in this domain. Such an achievement can only be realised through collaborative networking, and this is where the ELIAS project truly shines.

ELIAS, an acronym for “European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability,” stands out as a pioneering endeavour due to both its scope and innovative approach. With a mission to galvanize the field of machine learning, ELIAS aims to establish itself as a central reference point by fostering collaboration among 34 active affiliates in this sector, along with a cohort of associated partners hailing from 17 different countries.

Over the next four years, researchers will be dedicated to developing new computational systems and mathematical models to provide original and achievable solutions to urgent contemporary issues. Elias’ challenge is to bridge the academic and business worlds at the European level. The tools to achieve this include research, the mobility of doctoral students, and support for young talents who, upon completing their studies, can establish innovative startups. The research areas are diverse but interconnected. For instance, artificial intelligence can be used to identify the best materials for constructing green buildings or environmentally friendly industrial components. It can also be employed to monitor the migration of people arriving in Europe and investigate the motivations behind their journeys. Additionally, AI can be applied to develop cybersecurity prevention systems and models for analysing climate change.

ELIAS will embark on collaborative initiatives in tandem with other European Network of Excellence (NoE) projects, such as AI4Media, TAILOR, and HUMANE AI NET, as well as European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) units. This collaborative effort establishes a comprehensive ecosystem for the advancement of artificial intelligence. Representatives from ELLIS, ELISE, and ELSA offered insights into ELIAS’s role within the broader AI research community.