How can small and medium-sized manufacturing companies get started with AI without getting lost in the technical jargon? That is one of the questions IUC Syd and its partners in Poland, Estonia and Lithuania want to answer through the newly launched project BRAIN.
BRAIN is more than an international project. It is the starting point for a collaboration that aims to make AI understandable, relevant and useful for manufacturing companies. The project, funded by the Swedish Institute, aims to lay the foundation for a new network: the Baltic AI Centre.
A network for companies that want to use AI smartly
The aim is to build a transnational AI centre that focuses on the real needs of companies.
“We know that many smaller companies are curious about AI but lack the resources, time or the right knowledge to get started. This is where we want to make a difference,” says Mats Larsson, Project Manager at IUC Syd.
Together with its partners around the Baltic Sea, IUC Syd will:
Interview manufacturing companies about their needs, ambitions and challenges related to AI.
Develop a common training model for how companies can start using AI applications.
Organise workshops and seminars where the companies themselves get to have their say.
From pilot to major initiative
BRAIN is a preparatory project running from September 2025 to autumn 2026. The most important result?
An application for a larger implementation project in which more than 60 companies will receive support on their AI journey.
And it does not end there. In parallel with BRAIN, IUC Syd is preparing a new project: HumanAIze, which is planned to start in summer 2026 and run for three years. This will be the next step in scaling up support to more companies within the South Baltic Interreg programme.
Do you want to join?
Would you like help understanding how AI can create value for your company? Or contribute with your own experiences? Then now is the time to get in touch and become part of the growing Baltic AI Centre network. You do not need to know AI. You only need a desire to improve your production. We will help you with the rest.
Contact Mats Larsson at IUC Syd:
