Meaningful applications in education, care and media
The first spearhead is about the use of virtual humans (AI-controlled, digital persons) in different sectors of society such as education, healthcare and media. Labor shortages affect all sectors and the deployment of AI and virtual humans can contribute to solutions. Think of a virtual 'buddy' for lonely elderly people, a virtual teacher for education and training of digital coaches and assistants. But also serious games that measure or influence behavior and digital twins (digital copies of objects, systems or plans) for better decision-making. Countering a digital divide so that (digital) society remains accessible and fair for everyone - even if you are not so technically inclined - is also a spearhead. The suspected possibilities of using AI and virtual humans to solve social issues are endless.
Playing soccer with virtual human MAI
During Dutch Design Week, which takes place from Oct. 19 to 26 in Eindhoven, a preview will be given. Visitors can get acquainted with the 'lifelike' MAI, the virtual human from MindLabs that saw the 'light of day' last year and has now been further developed. At DDW, these new techniques will be on display. For example, you can have a conversation with MAI. Or play a game of soccer.
Accelerating broad prosperity, digitalization and sustainability
The second pillar of the project focuses on the further growth of the Spoorzone as an innovation district. To this end, collaborations between knowledge institutions, organizations and companies located in the Spoorzone are stimulated. For MindLabs, this is familiar territory. Our ecosystem has long functioned as a magnet for experts from knowledge institutions and companies. Companies that settle here benefit from the proximity of fresh talent and the opportunity to do research and development. Students and young talent are continuously challenged to develop new solutions and entrepreneurship. The result is that (young) talent bonds to the region; also one of the goals of the Region Deal Midden-Brabant.
The subsidy
The awarding of the eight Regio Deal projects - some of which are 'ours' - involves a million subsidy. Part of it is government subsidy, the other part comes from funding by the participating partners themselves.
To be continued...
In the near future we will closely follow the developments of the Digital Innovation District for Society project plan. Keep an eye on our channels for the latest news.