The BiCoNet project aims to support SMEs in using AI to modernize their existing business areas in order to make them more sustainable and improve their carbon footprint.
BiCoNet runs in 2 phases: The first phase lasts 1 year and runs until milestone 1. This phase is a “proof of concept”. The aim of the first phase is to demonstrate how BiCoNet works and the quality of its results. To achieve this, an AI-supported business area will be developed for each of three sectors of the manufacturing industry until milestone 1 is reached. The use of AI in production is implemented for three companies in the form of testable prototypes. In addition, in the proof of concept phase, intensive consultations on the use of AI in production will be carried out with 10 SMEs in order to illustrate the transfer performance of BiCoNet. If BiCoNet does not achieve its goals by December 31, 2024, the project can be canceled after one year – go/no-go decision.
If the project continues, BiCoNet will develop a further 9 sustainable business areas for SMEs and carry out intensive consultations with a further 40 companies. BiCoNet connects with all ongoing sustainability and AI programs and projects, e.g. Oost-NL and CESI-ON. In order to improve the cost-benefit ratio of BiCoNet, the project amount has been reduced to 6.905 million euros.
BiCoNet includes four educational institutions and five other entrepreneurial project partners. Each partner has specific skills required to develop AI-powered sustainable business models. The nine project partners work together across borders. Furthermore, other 9 SMEs will be integrated into BiCoNet via pilot projects. Transfer events on the use of AI to improve the sustainability of existing business models are being held for more than 1,000 companies.
