Košice, 10.03.2021. The Technical University of Košice (TUKE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the technology giant Huawei. The aim of the cooperation is to build a top centre for artificial intelligence, thanks to which the Slovak academic community will research and develop new ways of using AI in practice.

The most important promise of cooperation is to build a state-of-the-art laboratory for artificial intelligence research. It will be located in the TECHNICOM University Science Park in Košice. The main purpose of the AI laboratory will be the testing of new Atlas artificial intelligence technology, the establishment of the Huawei ICT Academy for researchers and students of all TUKE faculties, as well as mutual cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and its applications.

„Once launched, the AI laboratory will intensively monitor the dynamic world trends in the field of artificial intelligence and its applications in various areas of life, which are studied and researched at TUKE. At the same time, it will be a platform for connecting academic and commercial entities in Slovakia with the aim of developing innovations and new IT solutions,“ said the cooperation coordinator for TUKE prof. Peter Sinčák from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics TUKE.

Statement of Colin Cui Yu, General Manager at Huawei Technologies (Slovak):

„This year is the 15th anniversary of Huawei Technologies in Slovakia. As part of the Huawei Group, our highest priority in relation to local communities is to help Slovakia build the most advanced telecommunications infrastructure in the world, but also to use our experience and market relations to educate Slovak IT talents. Long-term research of the Technical University of Košice in the field of artificial intelligence prepares Slovakia for success during the upcoming digital transformation and industrial evolution. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is an important step for Huawei. It will enable us to serve local communities by building the foundations of Slovak digital competitiveness for the next ten years. Thanks to the new collaboration, students, scientists, academics, but also experts from Huawei will have the chance to significantly expand their knowledge and experience in the field of artificial intelligence. Huawei Technologies (Slovak) is fully prepared to share experience and know-how from abroad with Slovak academics and the start-up community, now and in the future,“ says Colin Cui Yu, General Manager at Huawei Slovakia.

By signing the Memorandum, both parties expressed their commitment to cooperate in the field of research projects funded by the EU or the private sector. The cooperation aims to demonstrably increase the scientific level of the academic environment in Slovakia and its results. The subject of cooperation will also be joint seminars and events for students, researchers as well as for the active start-up ecosystem in the university TUKE Incubator.

Statement of prof. Stanislav Kmeť, Rector of TUKE:

„The Technical University of Košice deeply values the conclusion of cooperation with Huawei and sees it as a recognition of the results of its work, as well as a recognition of its ability to cooperate with leading world-class entities such as Huawei Technologies. We expect the cooperation to increase the quality of research results and thus also TUKE students, who will shape the future of Slovakia's top technologies. Artificial intelligence undoubtedly has a place in it.“

The memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Rector of the university prof. Stanislav Kmeť and the General Manager at Huawei Slovakia, Mr. Cui Yu. The cooperation will be coordinated by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics TUKE and the applications of these technologies will be available at all TUKE faculties.