On January 11th, 2024, representatives of the consortium members convened in Brussels at the Confederation of European Businesses (BusinessEurope) headquarters for INAIR's kick-off meeting. 

The INAIR project, funded by the European Union's Research and Innovation Framework Programme, Horizon Europe, brings together a consortium of experts from diverse fields. The meeting in Brussels was not just a formal gathering but a vibrant confluence of ideas, visions, and aspirations, setting the stage for the project's innovative developments to support the retail industry in adopting AI technology.

Paving the Way for AI in Retail MSMEs

The meeting, also attended by INAIR's Project Adviser in the funding authority, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA), represented an opportunity to discuss the project roadmap, work plan and next steps, and learn more about the role of HADEA, the executive agency in charge of managing European programs and initiatives on behalf of the European Commission in diverse sectors, including health, digital, food safety, industry, and space. 

Collaboration and Future Steps

The meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the project's ambitious goals. It set the roadmap for the upcoming phases, focusing on researching AI skills needs and gaps for micro, small and medium-sized retailers.

Looking Forward

This inaugural meeting in Brussels was not just a start but a leap into the project's future, towards more efficient, personalised, and greener experiences for retail owners, employees and customers.