The project addresses industrial and institutional digitization and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in business processes with the aim of strengthening innovation and competitiveness in Czech industry. The consortium consists of renowned partners: INTEMAC Brno, UTB in Zlín (Faculties of FaME, FAI, FLKŘ), VUT Brno, EFFECTIVITY, and JIC Brno.
The project enables companies to use the "Test Before Invest – Proof of Concept" service, i.e., to verify innovative solutions in practice before investing. The activities offered include:
- flexible manufacturing systems with AI and automated manufacturing cells,
- AI design and process simulation, optimization of production and administrative activities,
- cost and performance management in relation to management accounting and controlling,
- data analysis and use of AI in predictive models and reporting.
The project provides financial support of up to 85% of costs for SMEs and 50% for large companies, with part of the support falling outside the de minimis regime. The total budget is EUR 2.5 million, of which TBU's share is EUR 250,000. Implementation is planned for the period June 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029.
A key partner in the project is the FAI UTB Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, which develops the principles of local AI – i.e., the secure and independent use of AI models without the need for an external cloud connection. The technologies used (GPT4All, LM-Studio, Ollama, Llamafile) enable the deployment of AI even in sensitive corporate operations in accordance with the requirements of the GDPR and the European AI Act.
The significance of the project lies not only in the technological support it provides to companies, but also in the development of new competencies and the transfer of research findings into practice. The faculty is involved in innovative activities that strengthen its links to the regional and European economic ecosystem.