How Nordic Companies Can Supercharge AI

Employees may hold the key to taking advantage of AI throughout your organisation

Author

Peter Juel Jensen
September 19, 2023

Peter’s Pioneers: Checking the Nordic AI Pulse.
Welcome to the second edition of Peter’s AI Pioneers newsletter. Dive in for a roundup of this week's AI news, deals and insights covering the Nordic region.

📚 In This Issue:

  1. How Nordic Companies Can Supercharge AI

  2. Nordic Start-up Get Backing From Google

  3. Student Creates AI Podcast Solution While on the Train

  4. News Roundup

  5. Cool Tools and Companies

  6. Podcast Insights: Three New Podcast Series

  7. Upcoming: Nordic AI Events You Shouldn't Miss

Top Three News Stories

💼 How Nordic Companies Can Supercharge AI
Is your company in the Nordics working actively with AI? A recent Norwegian study suggests that the answer is often “sort of.”

The study shows that many companies are leaning toward a wait-and-see attitude towards AI, with only 15 per cent of Norwegian companies responding that they use AI in their daily operations. According to Danish reports from the spring of 2023, 17 % of companies responded that they use AI.

A lack of clarity about AI’s capabilities, data security concerns, and a shortage of in-house AI talent all contribute to slowing the pace of AI in companies.

However, there are positive examples and inspiration to find from other companies and the rapidly growing ecosystem of Nordic AI start-ups.

My take: To be blunt - if you wait on AI, your competitors are going to leave you in the dust. Your employees are likely the key to supercharging the use of AI. For example, Danish company Topsoe recently encouraged its 2,900 employees to explore ways to integrate artificial intelligence into their respective departments. The company has collected 158 proposals, and 15 pilot tests are underway.

The findings indicate that employees can see ways that AI as a tool can enhance efficiency and innovation in their work, thereby benefiting the business's bottom line.

Consider Nordic AI start-ups for tailored solutions tuned to your business environment, given their rapid growth and more flexible approach compared to international tech giants.

🎓 Nordic Start-up Gets Backing From Google

Empire AI, a start-up founded in 2022 by Marlene Dahle and Hodan Aden, leverages artificial intelligence to help tenants find the optimal office space.

The company recently secured a million-dollar contract with Google, being the sole Nordic firm to reach this round from over 4,000 applicants. The award entails NOK 3.8 million in grants and Google credits, along with mentorship and networking opportunities through Google.

My take: Empire AI getting recognition from Google showcases how Nordic innovation and entrepreneurship can have an international reach. The company has a dual base in Denmark and Norway, underlining how the close relations between Nordic countries can enable companies to grow.

Being able to leverage Google’s global network and mentorship is a dream scenario for any start-up. I want to say a big congratulations to founders Marlene Dahle and Hodan Aden for their amazing work and results!  

🔍 Student Creates AI Podcast Solution While on the Train
Snipcast is the creation of Mikkel Svartveit, a fourth-year computer technology student at NTNU and currently an exchange student at UC Berkeley.

Snipcast provides written summaries of podcasts sent via email, helping users decide whether to listen to an episode or recall the contents of podcasts they have previously heard.

Svartveit developed Snipcast as a hobby project. Much of the work was completed during train rides between Moss and Oslo.

My take: Mikkel’s story shows how low the barrier to creating AI tools can be. My advice to him would be to turn his solution into a company before someone else does!  

Given the historic level of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Nordic region, a lower technical innovation barrier is a huge advantage. It enables entrepreneurs to create and bootstrap new companies with little or no technical expertise. 

🎙Nordic News Roundup

  • The Norwegian Investment fund recommends companies focus on AI board accountability, transparency, and verfication (Financial Times)

  • AI can be the key to promoting and supporting sustainable manufacturing [DK] (Dansk Industri)

  • Investment group launches publication with most content, images and layout generated with the help of AI [SE] (Cision)

  • News media Breakit is betting big in AI-produced articles [SE] (Dagens Media)

🛠️ Cool Tools & Companies

  • Teton.ai from Denmark utilizes computer vision technology to assist care staff in delivering optimal patient care.

  • Databutton from Norway offers an online platform with an AI-driven assistant that enables individuals, including those without technical expertise, to effortlessly develop interactive web applications.

  • Buddywise from Sweden uses AI to analyze on-site camera images and identify - and thereby prevent - common safety risks.

🎧 Listen To

  • AI Denmark [DK] - Podcast series on AI from a Danish perspective. The latest episode focuses on generative AI’s role in the future of education.

  • AI för CxO:er & ledare [SE] - Podcast series where AI experts wheigh in on what managers and leaders should know about AI.

  • NORA AI [UK] - Norwegian research institute’s podcast series where AI experts deep-dive on the technical details and theories of AI.

📅 Training, Meetups & Conferences

Got an AI story or insight from the Nordics? Share it with me!

Reply to this email or connect on LinkedIn.

Until next time,

Peter