Since its launch in September 2022, the NUMERIA program has been helping SMEs with their first artificial intelligence (AI) project. Created by the Centre de Recherche Informatique de Montréal (CRIM), this initiative helps companies gain a clearer understanding of AI, a field that raises many questions. CScience spoke to Mathieu Barreau, Director of Business, Communications and Partnerships at CRIM, to find out more about the program’s aims and concrete benefits.
What is NUMERIA?
NUMERIA is an acceleration program for the adoption of artificial intelligence, aimed primarily at SMEs.
What are the program’s three components?
The genesis of the program came from a study on the obstacles to the adoption of artificial intelligence. From this point of view, we wanted to address three issues. Firstly, access to knowledge: today, when you’re an SME, it’s very difficult to gain access to scientific knowledge or knowledge linked to artificial intelligence research. There’s also the question of the shortage of manpower, which is a major issue in our industry, and finally, there’s probably a lack of preliminary preparation on the part of some companies before embarking on a project.
“You may need to consult an AI expert to find out what AI could do for your company. You may want to have access to an AI professional to confirm an idea, a project, or confront your project a little bit. We’re here to frame that thinking.”
Mathieu Barreau, Director, Business Affairs, Communications and Partnerships, CRIM.
Independently, these are the three dimensions we target and address. You may need to consult an AI expert to find out what AI could do for your company. You may want to have access to an AI professional to confirm an idea, a project, or confront your project a little. We’ll help you think things through.
What kind of companies can benefit from the NUMERIA program?
Mathieu Barreau (Photo: LinkedIn)
No one industry is more targeted than another. We often help industries that are growing and need fast, agile responses. There’s a notion of agility and responsiveness that comes into play. I’d say the program was designed with this in mind: it’s accessible, light, focuses on the essentials, is personalized (tailor-made), and companies love that.
Does a company have to meet any criteria to qualify for the program?
It all depends on which track you’re talking about. If we’re talking about part 2, to have access to mentoring, you obviously need a minimum knowledge of mathematics, logic, computer science, or a good scientific culture. It’s thanks to this foundation that we can accompany someone, develop their knowledge and, above all, their know-how.
How can the integration of AI be of practical help to an SME?
Firstly, the integration of artificial intelligence can help increase productivity and competitiveness, automate tasks and so on. It can also help to alleviate the manpower problem that may be encountered in certain positions.
Another aspect that doesn’t get talked about enough is the creation of an AI-enhanced work environment for staff retention purposes. After all, it’s much more pleasant to work in an automated environment that provides a certain level of comfort, than in a workspace devoid of it.
Before embarking on an AI project, you need to ask yourself, “Is my need covered by a commercial solution?” At that point, there are AI service providers who will have ready-made solutions. Or, “Is my need really so specific that I should turn to a research center like CRIM to develop a tailor-made solution?”
What have been the reactions of the people you’ve helped since the launch last September?
What appeals to them is how simple and accessible it is. We get straight to the point, and really meet the company’s expectations. For example, just this week, I was one-on-one with a potential customer who has a great idea, but doesn’t know where to start, and wants to talk to someone without being influenced by commercial language. In such cases, it’s important to be able to talk in layman’s terms, in complete confidence, with a professional who will give the straight goods, without necessarily focusing the discussion on the big commercial issues.
Why do you think entrepreneurs are reluctant to invest in artificial intelligence?
I think our relationship with AI is biased, in fact. If, at the outset, we tell ourselves that artificial intelligence isn’t for us, that it’s only for big business, then we’re encumbered by a bias of perception.
Another bias that many people have, on the other hand, is to think that artificial intelligence can do everything. There’s a fine line to be drawn between the two. What’s certain is that, from the moment we face productivity and competitiveness challenges, and want to make better decisions, artificial intelligence is a solution to consider.
*Articlewritten by Roxanne Lachapelle and published on CScience on January 25, 2023.