Microsoft Opens A New AI Innovation Factory In Lisbon

Microsoft recently opened a new AI Innovation Factory in Lisbon Portugal. This center will help businesses adopt AI and understand its benefits. Microsoft partnered with Accenture, Avanade, and Unicorn Factory Lisboa to create this facility. The center is in Lisbon’s AIhub within the Unicorn Factory district in Alvalade.

The AI Innovation Factory is constructed to help businesses in both the public and private areas. The space includes open work areas for teams, brainstorming rooms, and conference facilities. Businesses can use these spaces to explore AI technologies, attend workshops, and learn from experts. Read More About: Prime Minister Calls Portuguese Businesses To Invest In Weapons Production In Portugal

Microsoft AI Innovation Factory In Lisbon

Lisbon is becoming a popular city for technology and startups. It now hosts several innovation hubs such as Beato, Baixa, and the new Unicorn Factory in Alvalade. The Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas said that the AI Innovation Factory will help Lisbon’s economy. Moedas said in the statement:

Innovation is increasingly part of life in Lisbon. In addition to hubs in Beato and Baixa, we now have two innovation centres in Alvalade, one in Saldanha, and another in Entrecampos, all launched this year. This is proof that Unicorn Factory is growing and operating as an engine for our local economy.

The new partnership with Microsoft shows that Lisbon is at the forefront of a vital, contemporary issue like artificial intelligence. Here, our youth and our talent will find the tools needed to innovate and launch new projects that will transform our city for the better.

Moedas believes it will provide tools and opportunities for the city’s youth and professionals. This center can support new projects and bring growth to Lisbon’s tech community. Microsoft chose Lisbon because the city is already focused on technology and innovation. 

AI Knowledge Gap And Microsoft Work Trend

Microsoft’s recent Work Trend Index shows a clear gap in AI understanding among business leaders. 79% believe that AI is essential for staying competitive but 60% worry they lack a plan to use it.

The AI Innovation Factory aims to bridge this gap. Microsoft, Accenture, and Avanade want to help companies create clear paths for AI adoption.

Together they will offer guidance, training, and tools to help businesses. The center also focuses on teaching companies how to use AI responsibly. It encourages businesses to develop ethical standards and governance models for AI.

The AI Innovation Factory is a learning center. Companies can attend workshops, work with AI experts, and see real examples of AI in use. The space encourages teamwork with areas for brainstorming and collaboration.

Three-Stage Process For AI Adoption

The AI Innovation Factory has a three step process for helping companies start using AI. The first step is the Envisioning Workshop which is for company leaders. They learn about AI through examples and real-world use cases. Experts answer questions and offer advice tailored to the company’s needs.

In the second stage, companies set their goals for AI. They outline their objectives with guidance from specialists. This step helps them create a plan to implement AI effectively.

The third step includes hands-on training. Businesses learn to design and test AI solutions. This phase helps companies develop a reliable AI framework that fits their specific needs.

Support Portuguese Businesses

Microsoft’s General Manager for Portugal Andrés Ortolá believes the AI Innovation Factory will drive change. He says it is not only important for Microsoft but for the entire Portuguese business community. Ortolá sees this center as where talent and technology come together to help businesses succeed in the digital age. He said:

The creation of this innovation centre marks a significant milestone, not only for Microsoft but for the Portuguese business community and the future we’re building for Portugal.

We believe that the AI Innovation Factory can be a catalyst for transformation, combining talent, ideas, and innovation to enable companies to lead, reinvent themselves, and grow in an increasingly digital business environment

Other leaders involved in the project agree. Country Managing Director for Accenture in Portugal Manuela Vaz Soares believes the AI Innovation Factory is the start of a new era. According to Soares, companies can experiment with AI, develop business goals, and learn to use AI responsibly. Manuela Vaz Soares said:

The AI Innovation Factory represents the beginning of a new chapter in our journey to transform Portugal’s business landscape. Companies will have access to leading data and AI specialists from Accenture, allowing them to experiment with new technologies and co-innovate to adopt AI on a large scale.

We’re excited to empower Portuguese organisations on a journey from interest to action and value, responsibly and with clear business cases.

Avanade’s Country Manager in Portugal Tiago Minchin also supports this view. He says that by collaborating with Microsoft, Accenture, and Unicorn Factory Lisboa, they are creating a strong foundation for AI adoption.

Minchin believes this center will not only accelerate AI adoption but also provide the governance tools companies need.

Lisbon’s Innovation Network

The AI Innovation Factory also strengthens Lisbon’s growing network of tech hubs. Executive Director of Unicorn Factory Lisboa Gil Azevedo says the center adds value to Lisbon’s innovation districts. He said:

This strategic partnership with Microsoft, focused on AI, not only reinforces Lisbon’s standing as an innovative city but also highlights the potential of the emerging innovation districts we are developing.

AIhub is part of a strategy to create spaces for high-growth industries, boosting the local economy, attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting the expansion of startups and tech companies

The AI hub and Unicorn Factory are part of a larger strategy to support high growth industries. Lisbon is quickly becoming a city known for innovation.

More companies and investors are drawn to the city’s supportive tech environment. The AI Innovation Factory makes Lisbon more attractive to international talent, startups, and investors.