Full house at the KI-løftet: A technological boost for Møre and Romsdal

— I came here primarily to learn more about AI and see if it can help us in the company to become more efficient – not just as a tool on the side, but as an integrated part of what we are already using, says Trond Gran Andreassen in Nyborg.

On April 9th, a fully booked seminar on artificial intelligence, "The AI Promise," was organized by GCE Blue Maritime and NCE Blue Legasea together with Norwegian Katapult Digital. The goal of the event was to make artificial intelligence understandable and accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.

Learned how companies can get started with AI

The day began with the basic course "AI ABC," led by Anders Hamstad from Digital Norway. Here, the participants received a practical and comprehensible introduction to what artificial intelligence is, how it works, and how it can be used in a safe and effective manner in the company’s existing processes.

Among the contributors was also Hallvard Almestad from Tussa IKT, who spoke about their work to make Microsoft 365 Copilot available to companies in a secure and ethical manner. This involves awareness of data access, rights, and how the technology is used in practice.

After the presentations, the participants had the opportunity to meet experts from Nemonoor for one-on-one consulting, also known as speed dating. Here, they discussed opportunities for their own business and received specific guidance on tools, technical support, and relevant offers.

— I spoke with two experts, one from the Energy Institute and one from Digital Norway. They were particularly relevant for what we are working on at Hexagon Purus Maritime. I wanted to hear their expert assessments on how we can implement AI in the company and how we can get started with it, tells Wajeeha Nasar from Hexagon Purus Maritime.

Many pointed out that artificial intelligence is no longer just for technology giants, but has become relevant for everyone – including in the maritime sector.

— I have a natural curiosity for technology – I would gladly call myself a gadget freak – and I believe artificial intelligence like Copilot can provide enormous benefits for companies, as long as it is used correctly and with the right expertise, says Hallvard Almestad from Tussa IKT.

A sought-after meeting place

The event was free and open to both members and non-members of the clusters. The interest was high, and all spots were filled shortly after registration opened. This shows a clear need for meeting places where the business community can access competence, tools, and advice related to new technology.

— Our goal was to lower the barrier to getting started with AI. It’s heating up now, which is good – people feel a sense of urgency. We have had everything from uncertain questions to concrete cases, and that is one of the most enjoyable aspects of this. But we keep our feet on the ground – this is not about hype, but about creating actual value. If not, we’ll leave it be, says Pål Haugen, senior advisor at Norwegian Katapult Digital.

The seminar was organized in collaboration with ÅKP NK Digital, which is also one of the partners in Nemonoor. Nemonoor is the national AI hub, offering customized AI services at heavily discounted prices through its collaboration with the EU and Innovation Norway. Participants were offered, among other things, free digital maturity analyses and access to consulting services from environments such as ÅKP NK Digital, Smart Innovation Norway, Digital Norway, NORA, and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE).

— Many people know they want to use artificial intelligence, but they don’t really know where to start. That’s where we can help – by being a good start for the companies, says Anders Hamstad, who held the course "AI ABC".

A personal perspective on artificial intelligence

Towards the end of the day, Pål Haugen gave the presentation "AI AI Captain," where he shared his reflections on artificial intelligence and how the technology can contribute to increased value creation in Norwegian companies. With an engaging perspective on both opportunities and pitfalls, he gave participants valuable advice on how to use artificial intelligence – especially ChatGPT – in the most efficient and responsible way possible.

See the pictures from the day here

The way forward

After the high interest in this first seminar, the organizers are now working to set up more similar courses and meeting places in the time to come.
Companies wishing to participate can register their interest via the clusters' websites. They will be notified as soon as the next event is ready.