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
- Dr. ir. Thibauld Jongen, AI, Data, and Robotics Association – Director, Common Sense Robotics – Founder
- Julien Chasserieau, Associate Director for AI & Data Policy, DigitalEurope
Moderator
- Prof. Gert Jervan, Dean of School of IT, TalTech, Tallinn University of Technology
15:15 – 15:45 Coffee Break
15:45 – 16:15 Flash Presentations: Innovation in Action
Speakers:
- 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
Moderator
- Katre Eljas, Demonstration Projects Service Manager (AIRE)
16:15 – 16:45 Panel Discussion: From Discovery to Impact – Scaling Academic Knowledge for Industrial Success
Panelists:
- Federico Menna, Chief Executive Officer, EIT Digital
- 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
Moderator
-
Innar Liiv, Professor of Big Data, TalTech, Tallinn University of Technology
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 30 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
