Karim Lekadir, ICREA researcher at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Barcelona and leader of the BCN-AIM research group, has obtained a Proof of Concept grant from the European Research Council (ERC) in the latest ERC call, as announced today. With funding of 150,000 euros, the AIFIX project aims to revolutionize the application of artificial intelligence (AI) globally through a federated platform that unlocks the training of advanced AI models while preserving data privacy.
Lekadir stresses that AIFIX will "overcome data access barriers in low and high resource environments" through an adaptive federated intelligence architecture. This platform will enable the connection of distributed data nodes around the world, with special emphasis on regions in Africa and Asia, such as Morocco, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates and Nepal, as well as Spain. "The integration of artificial intelligence models in central systems will be achieved without compromising privacy, which opens up new opportunities for research and the application of AI in various fields", notes the researcher.
One of the most innovative aspects of the AIFIX project is the ability to adapt to different technological environments, overcoming limitations of computer hardware, connectivity and technical training. "We have created an inclusive tool that democratizes access to advanced technologies: it allows regions with limited resources to contribute to the global development of AI and benefit from it", says Lekadir.
