Microsoft launches AI innovation factory in Portugal — DNOTICIAS.PT

Microsoft today announced the launch of the AI ​​Innovation Factory in Portugal, in partnership with Accenture, Avanade and Unicorn Factory Lisbon, with the aim of accelerating the adoption of the technology by companies.

This announcement came during the opening session of the “Building the Future” conference, which was held in Lisbon.

The goal is to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by public and private companies in Portugal, “in various industries and sectors, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the country” through new digital innovation scenarios, which are accelerated through connection to the startup ecosystem. and digital natives.”

According to the technology company, the AI ​​Innovation Factory will be integrated into the Unicorn Factory's AI center in Alvalade, scheduled to open in November 2024.

Until that date, “the entire AI Innovation Factory program will be implemented at Microsoft’s facilities in Parque das Nações or at one of the partners’ headquarters.”

Over the next few months, together they will provide companies with a platform for inspiration and ideation, with access to demos and real cases, where industry and technology experts will facilitate identifying opportunities and prioritizing use cases, following market best practices. Backed by proven ‘Design Thinking’ methodologies,” says the technology company.

Microsoft also presented the results of a study it conducted with consulting firm IDC, which revealed that 62% of Portuguese companies are already using artificial intelligence and 25% of companies that do not use it expect to implement it in the next 24 months.

This study reflects “how companies can make the most of their investments in artificial intelligence.”

The IDC conference was attended by more than 2,000 business leaders and decision makers from around the world, 500 of whom were from the EMEA region. [Europa, Médio Oriente e África]responsible for reviving the AI ​​transformation in their organizations, after conducting specific interviews with Portuguese decision-makers.”

Currently, the three main “use cases”. [estudos de caso] The ones verified in Portugal rely on advanced “data analytics”, virtual assistants or “chatbots”, such as the project developed by the Administrative Modernization Agency. [AMA]and improve the process.”

According to the data, “40% of organizations in Portugal use public cloud platforms to pilot, develop and test AI” and nearly a quarter (26%) “use public cloud platforms throughout the entire AI implementation cycle, from end to end, making Portugal a market aligned with Western Europe”.

More than a third (36%) of organizations “have a governance body that oversees responsible AI” and “77% of organizations say it is important or very important for AI vendors to have a responsible AI strategy.”

In an analysis for Europe, IDC data shows that “businesses are keen to adopt AI technology, with 67% of respondents currently using AI tools in their organizations and 21% planning to do so in the next 12 months.”

Companies that have already implemented “get a return on their AI investments within 14 months, and for every €0.91 they invest in AI, they get an average of €3.06 in return.”

However, “a shortage of qualified professionals prevents 54% of companies from accelerating their AI-based innovations.”