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AIRE Club Brussels – Shaping the Future of AI in Europe

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.

Registration is open till 27 May.

Entry upon for registered participants with ID card/passport only.

We look forward to welcoming you to the AIRE Club in Brussels. AIRE Club Brussels, like other EDIH Clubs across Europe, is a curated community of AI leaders, thinkers, and changemakers working at the forefront of technological transformation in Europe. Your presence will enrich the dialogue and contribute to shaping the trajectory of European AI innovation!

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