This two-day yearly event offers participants the opportunity to strengthen their digital knowledge, explore developments in FinTech, and experience new advancements in Space technology.

New paths forged by innovation

As an influential voice in the world of the tech and digital community, ICT Spring 2019 offered the perfect setting for both established and startup businesses to exhibit and share their latest innovative ideas and creations in the business sphere of AI & digital, FinTech and Space technology. Throughout the day, attendees were invited to browse the stands and attend seminars. Deloitte Luxembourg’s Marc Sniukas, Director in Strategy Regulatory & Corporate Finance, stepped into the role of Master of Ceremonies and moderator for several presentation and roundtables in the context of the AI/Digital summit.

“Each speaker brought a unique and important point of view to the discussion. Education and sharing of knowledge should be at the heart of the Artificial Intelligence evolution. Through the immersive experience of each presentation, we were able to understand common concerns, possible outcomes, and how to prepare for the future,” explained Ronan Vander Elst, Partner and Digital Co-Leader, Deloitte Luxembourg.

The sessions enabled the audience to investigate and understand the potential of Artificial Intelligence and new technologies across a panoply of industries and domains. Deloitte Germany’s Benjamin Schulz, Director in Financial Services Business Transformation, elaborated on how the banking and financial industry’s relationship with AI is at the tipping point of a paradigm shift and how customer information and data intelligence are key success factors for the future.

Other presentations touched upon the impact this technology evolution will have on sectors such as mobility and employment, and Europe’s commitment to the Digital Europe project – putting the EU at the forefront of the emerging global digital era.

New perspectives and space to explore

During the day’s event on Tuesday, 60 startups were invited to the fifth edition of Pitch Your Startup, an initiative that aims to foster support from Luxembourg’s local players, attract international attention, and encourage innovative thinking. Each startup was assigned to one of the following categories: FinTech and RegTech; AI, Machine Learning & Big Data; Smart Living; or Cybersecurity.

The project owners were given the opportunity to present their concept facing a time limit of 3 minutes and 33 seconds, followed by a Q&A session of 2 minutes with the jury members. Marc Sniukas led the jury of experts for AI, Machine Learning & Big Data. The panel offered words of advice and feedback to each group of contestants before deciding among themselves who would be crowned winner, achieving the ultimate goal of winning up to €20,000 in each category to develop their business idea. Congratulations to the winners of this year edition in this vertical, PatchAI and Seeing is hearing who won Deloitte’s Coup de Cœur prize.

“It was a great honor to be part of such an event. Each contestant demonstrated the essence of innovation, which is why we are here today. Without individuals so motivated to break down barriers and explore the next chapter, events like this would not be possible. We must be willing to test the waters of the unknown to find the great industry pioneers of tomorrow,” said Marc Sniukas, Director in Innovation at Deloitte Luxembourg.

Deloitte Luxembourg also took the event as an opportunity to showcase their new working space in the shape of the Deloitte Greenhouse. The Greenhouse is designed to facilitate and expedite group problem-solving processes. Its aim is to encourage a think outside the box environment in which individuals can face challenges and achieve the desired outcome. With a shift in thinking, mindset and perspective, the Deloitte Greenhouse seeks to unlock the potential in all its users. The Deloitte Luxembourg stand, along with that of fellow organizations and startups demonstrated the plethora of tech services and digital designs available. The access is clear, now it is a question of adoption.