ELIAS NODE AMSTERDAM

About

The University of Amsterdam has a well-established ecosystem for entrepreneurship and technology transfer, which provides support for early-stage and (venture-)funded startups, as well as for public-private partnerships with more established companies.

Vision

The Amsterdam Node is envisioned as a key initiator and facilitator of AI-preneurial collaborations, establishing itself as a local touchpoint of the ELIAS Alliance. Acting as a catalyst for AI-preneurial innovation, it drives collaborative efforts that inspire new ideas and solutions. By offering concrete value while minimizing overhead associated with engagement, the ELIAS Node enhances participation. Additionally, it is designed to provide programs, funding, and sciencepreneurial training aimed at equipping AI researchers for its “valorisation” mission.

Opportunities exist to collaborate with other ELIAS Alliance partners by promoting Amsterdam’s local AI-preneurial initiatives and projects. These efforts further the goal of achieving AI ‘made in Europe,’ such as the ELLIS unit Amsterdam’s Hosting Programme, which enables MSc AI students to undertake thesis projects in Amsterdam with co-supervision from academic and industry researchers.

Activities

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Entrepreneurship

Connect young AI talents to enterpreneurs, and industry players through mentorships, internships, and thesis projects, such as Lab42’s SME Data Lab, and the ELLIS Unit Amsterdam’s MSc Honours and Hosting Programmes.

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Education

Support (open-source) foundation model projects to improve access to cutting-edge technology for aspiring young AI researchers and entrepreneurs, such as the ELLIS Winter School on Foundation Models.

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Research

Organize activities to facilitate exchange of valuable insights, networking, (research) collaboration, and co-creation between AI researchers, startups, and industry players.