NEWS

AI-IDEA: THE ROAD FROM IDEA TO REALIZATION

01 September 2021

Suppose you have an AI idea. Something that doesn't exist yet, but could definitely make a difference. So what is the path from idea to realization? Where do you start? How do you get your plan right on paper? And who do you call upon on your way to a tangible end product? We outline a possible route from concept to realization. So that your idea can eventually make a difference.

Step 1: Vision and goals
Do you want to get started with an AI idea? Then it all starts with a clear plan. Because if you don't have a clear idea of what exactly it is that needs to be developed or what it is really for, the rest of the way will be a long, drawn-out ride. It is a fact that innovative ideas are often accompanied by chaotic thoughts and concoctions. It is therefore wise to organize things like your vision and goals on paper. This way you have the big picture clear to yourself. But also for possible cooperation partners. Or those interested in its application.

So make sure you can give clear answers to the questions below regarding your AI idea:

1. What is my idea in a nutshell?
2. Am I the only one with this idea?
3. Is there already a similar project running somewhere?
4. What problem do I want to solve with it?
5. Why is this an important or interesting solution?
6. What data sources do I need to realize my idea?
7. Who will be the end user of my product/solution?
8. What problems can I not solve with it? Where are the boundaries?
9. Are there funding or grant opportunities?

Step 2: Working on your Proof of Concept (PoC)
Once it's clear what your vision is and what goals you want to achieve with your product or application, it's time to get to work on a PoC. After all, an idea remains an idea until you can demonstrate that it actually provides a solution to a particular problem. The idea behind a PoC is to demonstrate whether your idea is worth the time investment. You demonstrate what the conceived solutions can deliver and test their suitability with end users. Based on that, you scrap the things that don't work, and commit to the route with the most potential.
 

Putting together a PoC is no easy task. Certainly not where AI is concerned. You need a lot of different skills for it. It is therefore wise to have the right people on board and involve them in the process.

Again, it is important to have certain things clear for yourself. So make sure you can give clear answers to the questions below:
1. What is the specific goal of my PoC?
2. What do I need for that?
3. What will be the lead time of my PoC?
4. Who will I engage to evaluate the PoC?
5. What is the definition of a successful PoC?

Step 3: Realization
Do you have a successful PoC behind you? Then you are ready for the next phase: scaling up to production. Time to make the theoretically demonstrated value a reality.

By now you know what you are going to realize and how. In this phase you actually build your idea into something you can really use. You follow a roadmap that takes you from development, production and adoption to securing maintenance and lifecycle management. A very instructive process in which you gain knowledge that you can use in possible follow-up projects. Make sure you start small and clear. This gives you the opportunity to make adjustments when necessary.

Step 4: Feedback
Has the realization phase been completed? Then it is time for a thorough evaluation. What went well and what was more difficult? You look at what lessons you have learned and how you can apply them in the future. You may find that your vision or goals need some fine-tuning. In that case you go back to step 1 to further build your strategy.

Evaluation is not only important at this stage of the process. Be aware that each step provides new information. And that you need to learn from this. This means that sometimes you have to take a step back. So that you can then take another step forward towards an even better realization of your AI idea.

Could you use some help?
We have listed some help lines for you below; interesting things in the field of information, realization and events.

Podcast: Snoek op zolder
Every week Hennie Huijgens and Sietse van Gorkom dive into the world of artificial intelligence with a researcher or an employee of a public or private organization. Their main question is 'what is the state of the art in AI research, and what does that mean for me and for society?' There are now 10 episodes online.

The MindLabs event calendar
We organize all kinds of knowledge meetings throughout the year. So keep an eye on our calendar and save the dates.

Partnership with MindLabs
We work together with many different partners: large, medium-sized and small companies, start-ups, social institutions and governments. Together, we form the leading network in the field of innovative technology in Central Brabant and beyond. Many of these parties are active in the field of research and development of Artificial Intelligence, new technologies or innovations in a specific sector. Or they offer themselves for support. A partnership may also be of interest to you; you will be in contact with all kinds of parties who may be able to do something for you.

Looking for cooperation with TNO
This organization connects people and knowledge to create innovations that sustainably strengthen the competitiveness of companies and the welfare of society. Every day, 2,600 professionals are working to achieve this. TNO leads projects and innovation programs in a responsible way. You can contact them if you want to realize the potential of your AI idea. Together you can experiment with new AI applications. In separate projects or in joint innovation programs.

Making contact with the Dutch AI Coalition (NL AIC).
This is a public-private partnership, in which the government, business, various educational and research institutions, and civil society organizations join forces. The joint goal? To stimulate, support and where necessary organize Dutch activities in the field of AI. The NL AIC wants to function as the catalyst for AI applications in our country. For more information click here.