New BMBF project on AI-as-a-Service (D-AI-Y)
Together with the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and six partners from practice, we research implementation patterns and business models for AI-as-a-Service
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are recognizing the enormous potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for innovating their business models. For example, AI can be used to create and utilize more accurate forecasts than before for the maintenance of machines. However, SMEs in particular face challenges compared to large companies when implementing AI-based solutions and customer-centric offerings in terms of technical expertise, scalable infrastructure, data protection concerns, and the quantity and quality of AI training data. The potential of AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) for SMEs lies in leveraging key technical resources and implementation expertise from third parties. However, SMEs often have almost no experience with AIaaS solutions.
The aim of the project is to develop solution modules for SMEs so that they can use AIaaS solutions effectively, integrate them into their own products and services and thus implement innovative business models. The solution modules of the D-AI-Y-Toolbox include business model templates for AIaaS-based services and associated implementation concepts, which are made available to interested SMEs via low-threshold methods of knowledge transfer with an online portal, workshops, and guidelines.
In the call "Development of new digital services for data-oriented value creation (DigiLeistDAT)", the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding the project "Do AI Yourself - Development of a toolbox for the successful integration of AI-as-a-Service in SME business models (D-AI-Y)" of the TU Dortmund University, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, acp Systems AG, Actiware GmbH, B&M Industrial Services GmbH, G & O Automatisierungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Motion Miners GmbH and Westfälische Lokomotiv-Fabrik Reuschling GmbH & Co. KG with approx. 2.5 million euros until the end of 2026.
Find out more about the project here. If you have any questions, please contact Philip Stahmann, who will be supervising the project.