As June is approaching, Vienna is already preparing to bring over 10,000 founders, investors and tech enthusiasts from all over the world for one of the largest startup festivals in Europe – ViennaUP 2024. More than 35 partner organisations from the local and international startup community are working actively today to deliver over 50 events spread across the city.
This year the programme features a number of AI-focused events, although the organizers look to go beyond the hype and explore the real impact of artificial intelligence on society, businesses, healthcare, media, and other industries.
AI is nothing new for the Viennese economy, according to the Vienna Business Agency. Such systems have been used in many sectors for decades, with use cases varying from illness diagnostics through facility production optimization to traffic flow improvement. Until recently, however, it was primarily specialists who worked with AI systems, often in the field of machine learning.
“Generative AI is a groundbreaking new development that gives us all very low-threshold access to AI. These new developments make completely new use cases possible that will change our daily work. Employees can hire their own digital assistants. Companies are called upon to support their teams in the competent use of AI and to realise innovation potential,” shares Eva Czernohorszky, Head of Department Technology Services at Vienna Business Agency.
Building Upon The Vienna Manifesto on Digital Humanism
With the rapid advances in generative AI, ethical questions are taking centre stage. Are AI systems hallucinating? Do they reproduce prejudices and lead to discrimination against disadvantaged groups? Are AI systems being used to produce fake news and undermine democracy? Many researchers and entrepreneurs in Vienna are working on these questions. The Vienna Manifesto on Digital Humanism has attracted international attention, because it promotes centering human needs within technological progress.
“Many experts from abroad ask us how we in Vienna support companies in anchoring digital humanism in business practice and in products made in Vienna. We are proud that the Viennese business information scientist Sarah Spiekermann played a leading role in the development of the first global standard for value-based engineering. The fact that Vienna plays an international pioneering role in the development of human-centred AI solutions is also confirmed by the high number of projects and startups in the healthcare sector and in the field of sustainable development towards climate neutrality,” Czernohorszky asserts.
AI Events to Visit at ViennaUP 2024
AI for Good: Leveraging AI for Environmental and Social Progress: Mon. 3 June 2024, 15:00 – 19:00 Am Stadtpark 9, 1030 Vienna
Raiffeisen Bank International AG, in collaboration with Mastercard and Fintech Ladies, is hosting an event dedicated to exploring the impact of AI technology on sustainability and ESG. The agenda includes discussions about the broad applications of AI across diverse ESG scenarios, examining its potential to drive innovation and enhance efficiencies in various industries.
AI in Healthcare – Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions: Thu. 6 June 2024, 16:30 – 21:00, TUtheSky, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, BA building, 11th floor
At this noteworthy ViennaUP event, the emphasis will be on the significance and capabilities of AI in healthcare. Leading AI experts, up-and-coming AI startups, and healthcare practitioners will converge to explore AI’s transformative potential in the healthcare sector. Discussion topics will cover enhancing and personalizing patient care, leveraging AI to advance diagnostic methods, and boosting efficiency within healthcare systems.
AI and the Evolution of Creativity: Tue. 4.June 2024, 17:00 – 21:00, Haus der Musik, Seilerstätte 30, 1010
Countless technologies have significantly impacted culture, from the printing press to the phonograph, to the GIF. Which technologies are currently reshaping the cultural landscape? If it’s AI, how can it be effectively harnessed in creative industries? What strategies should be explored, and is there cause for concern about the future role of human intelligence?
Open Link Day – Bridging Communities with Open Source, Open Data, and Open Standards: Wed. 5 June 2024, 10:00 – 17:30 Impact Hub, Lindengasse 56, 1070 Vienna
In our highly connected global landscape, the significance of open-source technologies, open data, and open standards is immense. This event acts as a central point for professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators to gather and delve into the newest trends, developments, and opportunities within the realm of openness.
