THIS WEEK, IN THE ‘BEHIND THE SCENES’ SERIES, WE’RE SPEAKING WITH chief ai officer, AT THE U-Hopper (UH), Daniele miorandi. daniele WILL BE TELLING US ABOUT HIS ROLE AND THE ROLE OF u-hopper WITHIN THE TANGO PROJECT.

Thank you for speaking to us today. Could you start by introducing yourself and telling us where you are based?

My name is Daniele Miorandi and I am the Chief AI Officer of U-Hopper, a deep-tech SME headquartered in Trento, northern Italy.

 How would you describe TANGO with three words only?

AI co-pilots on steroids (I know, it’s four words, but..).

What is your main task in the TANGO project?

Within the TANGO project I am leading WP4, where we take research results (mostly in terms of AI models and methods) and turn them into working software systems that will be used throughout the project’s pilots in Italy, Germany and Serbia. We are effectively serving as a bridge, connecting science with applications and use cases. On the one side we have indeed scientists working on advancing our understanding of how to build AIs that can better support individuals and teams in making decisions. On the other one we have real-world, concrete use cases with applications and actual users. And we need to make sure that this transmission chain from-the-lab-to-the-real-world works like a charm.

 What do you like most about your role?

I find my role as a “bridge” particularly fulfilling. It’s exciting to collaborate with top-tier AI scientists, while simultaneously being able to directly influence the TANGO use cases. Admittedly, this bridge position comes with its challenges. I may occasionally ruffle feathers among both the scientists and the use case leaders. However, navigating these complexities is precisely what makes this role rewarding for me.

 How do your professional interests match the objectives of TANGO?

At U-Hopper our goal is to help our clients create value out of data. AI is central to achieving this goal, and staying ahead with innovative models and techniques for hybrid decision-making positions us competitively. Our vested interests lie in leveraging the outcomes of the TANGO project to develop new products and services and bring them to market.

What makes your organisation ideal for participating in the research/activities of TANGO?

U-Hopper was born in 2010 as a tech transfer initiative, to market a research prototype developed by the research group I was heading at the time at CREATE-NET/FBK. So in a sense this whole dynamic of taking tech from the lab to the market is really part of our DNA – and it’s actually quite unique!

What do you see as the biggest challenge for TANGO?

I believe the greatest challenge for the TANGO leadership lies in ensuring alignment throughout the project. With a diverse consortium encompassing varied backgrounds, aspirations, and goals, maintaining cohesion and a unified direction will be arduous. However, it’s imperative for the project’s success that everyone remains on the same page and works towards shared objectives.

What would be your advice to anyone interested in getting involved with a Horizon Europe project?

To all young tech SMEs considering involvement in a Horizon Europe project, heed this crucial advice. While it may seem like an opportunity for “easy money,” the reality is far from it. Participating in R&D&I collaborative projects demands dedication, investment, and a healthy dose of patience and perseverance. It’s a worthwhile pursuit only if it aligns perfectly with your company’s roadmap, particularly in terms of developing and launching new products or services. Otherwise, it’s wise to steer clear to avoid unnecessary frustration and instead focus on enhancing your business’s key performance indicators (KPIs).

Thank you for taking the time to speak to us, Daniele. We look forward to more updates from the team at U-Hopper. 

To keep up to date with the Behind the Scenes series and all TANGO updates, make sure to follow us on TANGO (@TANGO_horizon) / X (twitter.com) and TANGO LinkedIn