Vilnius is stepping up efforts to attract major
international AI and machine-learning conferences as it seeks to strengthen its
position as a hub for AI research and development.
The Lithuanian capital is building a portfolio of
international technology events, with the European Conference on Algorithmic
Fairness (ECAF) due to take place in 2027 and further AI and machine-learning
conferences in the bidding pipeline.
This year, the Probabilistic AI School brought around 140
researchers, PhD students, engineers and AI practitioners to Vilnius.
Declarative AI 2026 subsequently brought together researchers and practitioners
examining ways to make AI systems more reliable, explainable and controllable,
including applications in healthcare, finance, energy and the public sector.
Investing in an AI future
A consortium led Lithuania’s top universities is
co-financing a €130m national ‘AI Factory’, called LitAI,
which will be based at Vilnius’ landmark Radio and Television Tower.
Led by Vilnius University, the facility will provide
researchers, businesses and public-sector organisations with access to
AI-optimised computing infrastructure and expertise.
The combination of infrastructure and international
connections is intended to strengthen the wider AI ecosystem, bringing
researchers, engineers, companies and students into contact with international
experts and potential collaborators.
Global expertise
Dr Linas Petkevičius, president of the Artificial
Intelligence Association of Lithuania and director of the Institute of Computer
Science at Vilnius University, said infrastructure alone would not be enough to
drive innovation.
“Powerful computing infrastructure is a major step forward,
but it will not create innovation on its own. We need the talent capable of
using it – researchers, engineers, PhD students and companies developing new AI
solutions.
“International conferences allow us to bring some of that
global expertise to Vilnius, connecting people developing cutting-edge
technologies with the local community that can absorb and apply that
knowledge,” he said.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
