How does DEX IC connect AI and sustainability?
The first days of September in Prague were dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. DEX Innovation Centre hosted the second international meeting of the project SMART CIRCLE – AI for Smart Circular Entrepreneurship, welcoming partners from Romania, Turkey, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain.
The common goal was to find an answer to the question: How can artificial intelligence help small businesses and vocational education students operate smarter and more sustainably?
What are we working on?
During the meeting, partners focused mainly on:
- developing circular roadmaps for small businesses,
preparing a new curriculum and digital learning materials,
and linking modern technologies with the principles of the circular economy.
A major topic was also the upcoming project website, which will soon become the central hub for all outputs. It will feature an AI database with practical tools for small businesses and VET students, as well as a gradually released e-learning platform, which is currently under intensive development.
Inspiration from practice: Healthy Longevity Café
Another highlight of the program was the filming of an inspiring story by our partners from InTheCity Studio. Their cameras visited the Healthy Longevity Café in Prague – a unique place where technology meets sustainability.
Visitors can enjoy superfood meals, antioxidant-rich smoothies, and “longevity mocktails”, all served in an environment with circadian lighting that supports the body’s natural rhythm. But the café is not only about food – it also offers a Longevity Lab with advanced diagnostics (biological age, stress levels, cardiovascular health) and personalized consultations.
One of the biggest attractions is the CAROL Bike – an AI-powered exercise bike that, thanks to advanced algorithms, can replace a 45-minute aerobic workout in just 10 minutes. A perfect example of how AI can save time while supporting health.
Energy and new ideas
The atmosphere of the meeting was full of energy, inspiration, and fresh ideas. It clearly showed that even small businesses can lead the way in combining innovation with sustainability. And we are already looking forward to the next steps of the project.
