AIRE Club Brussels

3 June 2025
13:30 – 17:00 Panel discussions | 17:00 – 19:00 Networking Reception
Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU (Rue Guimard 11/13, 1040, Brussels, Belgium)

Organized by AI & Robotics Estonia (AIRE), a member of the European Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), in cooperation with the Estonian Research Council Brussels Office.

This high-level event will bring together EU policymakers, academic leaders, innovators, and top EDIHs across sectors to discuss Europe’s role in global AI development, share success stories, and shape a forward-looking vision for artificial intelligence in Europe. 

Keynote Speaker: Lucilla Sioli, Director of the EU AI Office, DG CONNECT, European Commission 

Focus Topics:

• Europe’s Role and Vision in the Global AI Landscape 
• The Impact of AI Innovation Ecosystems and EDIHs on SMEs 
• Developing AI Talent and Advancing AI Education 
• Scaling Academic Knowledge for Industrial Impact 

Preliminary Agenda

13:30 – 14:00 Doors Open & Welcome Coffee

Take time to network and settle in.

14:00 – 14:30 Opening Remarks & Keynotes

• Prof. Tiit Land, Rector, TalTech, Tallinn University of Technology
• H.E. Helen Kaljuläte, Ambassador of Estonia to Belgium and Luxembourg
• Dr Lucilla Sioli, Director for AI and Digital Industry, DG CONNECT, European Commission
• Dr Signe Ratso, Deputy Director-General, DG RTD, European Commission

14:30 – 15:15 Panel Discussion: Shaping the EU’s Next Steps in AI Innovation
Panelists:

• Dr Willem Jonker, Chairman of the Board, AIC4NL
• Dr Sigrid Rajalo, Director of Innovation and Technology Department, Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications 
• Prof. Gert Jervan, Dean of School of IT, TalTech, Tallinn University of Technology
• Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director, Milrem Robotics

15:15 – 15:45 Coffee Break

15:45 – 16:15 Flash Presentations: Innovation in Action

• Raul Rikk, Capability Development Director, Milrem Robotics
• Karl J. Pärtel, Co-Founder, Raiku Packaging
• Dr Heigo Mõlder, CEO & Founder, Mindchip
• Carlo Lustrissimi, Chief Executive Officer, 5.0 Robotics

16:15 – 16:45 Panel Discussion: From Discovery to Impact – Scaling Academic Knowledge for Industrial Success
Panelists:

• Kirke Maar, Head of Centre, AI & Robotics Estonia (AIRE)
• Ursel Velve, Chairman of the Board, Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS)
• Lise-Ann Sheahan, Senior Program Manager, Irish Manufacturing Research, FactoryXChange
• Dr Florian Vogt, Director of Innovation, ARIC Hamburg

16:45 – 17:00 Closing Remarks

17:00 – 19:00 Networking Reception
Network with fellow participants while enjoying dinner and drinks.

In case of additional questions, you will be assisted by elena.kirt@aire-edih.eu