Since mid-2023, as an SME entrepreneur, you’ve been able to take your first steps in applying AI with the help of the SME Datalab East. This is a collaboration between Radboud University and the University of Twente, in which AI students carry out an assignment for your company under the supervision of a lecturer.
A total of 1,000 students are studying AI across the two faculties, and many are interested in this lab. For them, it’s a high-calibre way to earn extra income, and they really enjoy applying their knowledge. What’s more, it allows them to build a network and develop their business skills.
The offer: from small to large
If you’d like to delve deeper into the world of AI and data, there are various steps you can take at the datalab.
To start with, you can attend a masterclass developed by the lab in collaboration with Radboud Academy. The aim of this masterclass is to show you, a 
as an SME owner, what AI is and what you might consider when it comes to AI for SMEs.
The masterclass lasts half a day, during which a professor from Radboud University gives a lecture on AI, explaining concepts such as machine learning and deep learning. This is followed by practical examples and an explanation of how the SME Datalab can support entrepreneurs.
If you’ve been inspired, you can take part in a workshop at the SME Datalab. In this workshop, a group of two to three students will analyse the business processes, market and business model of three to five participating companies. These students then organise a brainstorming session using a canvas model, during which various ideas emerge for the entrepreneurs on how to apply AI. The focus is therefore on defining the problem: where does AI offer added value for your business? This can lead to a bespoke project or assignment.
The mission
An assignment to the SME Datalab is very defined; one student works six to 10 weeks, 80 hours, on the assignment, under the guidance of an AI tutor, who monitors. The assignment concludes with the delivery of a piece of software that the student has programmed and which the entrepreneur can immediately use. This is still a proof of concept, which can be worked on further as a company.
Interest
There is plenty of interest in the lab: there are already seven clients, including estate agent Kolmeijer, EnginX, Dar, IT firm PTI, Bovemij and housing association Mooiland.
Discussions are also underway with many more interested parties, such as Radboud’s procurement department, Radboud Into Languages and Alewijnse.
Inspirational sessions are also planned, during which entrepreneurs will take to the stage to share their own experiences.
Kolmeijer
Broker Kolmeijer developed with students a predictive algorithm that helps the broker find those houses that will be sold within a year. Now he can recruit very specifically, which is much cheaper than having to advertise very widely.
EnginX
The student who developed a fast way of using natural language processing to find a machine part among thousands of products at EnginX was immediately able to start working for the company. So it is also a way of recruiting talent for entrepreneurs.
Meet us and find out more?
Contact Dirk van Schaijk, tel 06-31132103 or e-mail: dirk.vanschaijk@ru.nl
