Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 11 | Page 84

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology Innovators challenged to use AI to boost aircraft performance ///////////////////////////// that this innovation, combined with Canadian expertise, can produce yet another innovative step forward in the aerospace industry. Dr Jeremy Silver, CEO Digital Catapult, said: “This is a unique opportunity for cutting- edge tech start-ups to tackle a serious challenge faced by the aviation industry and apply innovative new approaches to a real- world problem. We’re proud to be working with Bombardier, the UK government and the British Consulate in Montreal to launch this exciting Open Call to top tech talent and we urge companies from across the UK and Canada to apply.” I nnovators in the UK and Canada have been challenged to help aircraft reach unprecedented levels of performance in extreme weather and make them eco- friendlier by using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Start-ups and researchers will need to showcase ideas as to how AI could make aircraft more aerodynamic and cut down on ice build-up on the ground and in flight. It is hoped that the new solutions, part of the UK-Canada AI Innovation Challenge, could cut costs for operators and make aircraft eco-friendlier by burning less fuel. Applicants will be invited to pitch their ideas directly to Bombardier and industry experts. The winner will have the opportunity to meet with Bombardier to explore a potential future collaboration. Business Secretary, Greg Clark, said: “This is a unique chance for the best and the brightest minds in Artificial Intelligence to come up with revolutionary ways to help aircraft operators burn less fuel and cut costs. The UK has unrivalled heritage and 84 INTELLIGENTCIO world-leading expertise in both aerospace and AI, and our Industrial Strategy aims to build on that success in aerospace and make the UK a global centre for AI and data-driven innovation. “Science and innovation has no borders, with most of the world’s best discoveries made through international and interdisciplinary collaborations. I have no doubt that working alongside Canadian researchers and innovators, UK experts will generate inspiring new approaches to this emerging technology.” Minister of State for the Department for International Trade, Baroness Fairhead, said: “The UK and Canada already enjoy a fantastic trading relationship which increased to £17.4 billion last year. I am therefore delighted to see initiatives such as this which will only help to further boost this relationship.” British businesses are quickly earning a reputation as a world leader in AI and it is clear Industries across the UK and Canada use AI to boost productivity and create high-value jobs. The modern Industrial Strategy sets out plans to make the UK a global centre for AI and data-driven innovation and the government has recognised the benefits of this growing sector in the Artificial Intelligence Sector Deal through the creation of the Office for AI. n THIS IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR CUTTING- EDGE TECH START-UPS TO TACKLE A SERIOUS CHALLENGE FACED BY THE AVIATION INDUSTRY. www.intelligentcio.com