AI Congress Reflection

The annual AI Netherlands congress is perhaps the Dutch place where AI experts, companies, and policymakers come together to discover the latest insights and applications. A few colleagues stepped out of their daily routines and took in all the congress had to offer. What we heard, saw, and experienced gives food for thought.

AI is the engine behind innovation and economic growth, and the Netherlands supposedly has everything it needs to play a leading role in the application of AI? Given the LLM developments of recent years, many experts know that this is currently more hope than reality. After all, we are lagging behind in Europe and the Netherlands, apart from a few bright spots.

As Sobolt, we’ll be/become/remain one of those bright spots. After all, accelerating sustainability with smart software and AI is our quest. Switching between fundamental development, models, applications, and the use of AI is rather heavy as an SME. Fortunately, policymakers also see the gap, and efforts are being made with (wo)manpower and European power to close the ground lost. How? Focus on models and applications that are less ephemeral. The swarm of AI agents is what is taking shape, and many positions are valuable in the value chain.

This combination of realism and combativeness resonated throughout the congress. The CEO of Ahold Delhaize, Frans Muller, is strongly committed to digital transformation within the organization, with data and AI as important drivers. An appeal for genuine collaboration was met with approval from the entire room. Overcome the feeling of competition and work together fundamentally.

Around 3:30 PM, there was enough AI policy and cheerfulness. Time to leave, full of impressions, renewed energy and new contacts in the search for valuable AI solutions.

Let's shape the future of AI together. Connect with Danny Hetharia at d.hetharia@sobolt.com to discuss your AI ambitions.