SmartAvatar B.V.

The Future of Smart Cities: From Infrastructure-Centric to Digital Twin-Driven Ecosystems. Smart Cities are evolving beyond infrastructure-heavy models into data-driven, AI-powered ecosystems, and Sne P. A. Alam recently presented this transformation at the MetaCities Technical Meeting in Athens, Greece as part of the EU-funded MetaCities Excellence Hub in South-Eastern Europe. What is METACITIES? MetaCities is an Excellence Hub fostering Smart City innovation across South-Eastern Europe, accelerating the shift from traditional infrastructure-based models to dynamic, data-driven urban ecosystems powered by an open Digital Twin framework. Key Insights from Sne's Presentation: 🔹 The Smart City Business Model Shift – Moving from static infrastructure investments to real-time, digital twin-based services. 🔹 AI and Data-Driven Optimization – Leveraging AI and analytics to enhance urban decision-making. 🔹 Citizen-Driven Ecosystems – Integrating real-time feedback loops to shape smarter governance. Sne Alam also discussed the value chain, value propositions, and various business models, emphasizing how to tailor and design business models for specific Smart City use cases and deployments. She illustrated how cities can create sustainable and adaptable business models using the generic business model framework, stakeholder questionnaire, and a strategic roadmap from short-term priorities to long-term transformation. Bånded: A Citizen Engagement Tool for Smarter Cities (https://lnkd.in/eH6FHXMq) One key innovation highlighted was Bånded – a Smart City app designed for real-time citizen engagement. How Bånded Enhances Smart Cities: ✅ Direct Citizen Feedback → Users report experiences & open troubleshooting tickets. ✅ Geofenced Government Access → Local municipalities get location-based reports. ✅ Up/Down Voting on Issues → Prioritization based on real community needs. ✅ A Smarter, More Efficient Urban Model → Governments respond faster to citizen demands. With Bånded’s real-time data & feedback loops, cities can shift towards data-driven operational models that improve efficiency, transparency, and public trust. What are your thoughts on integrating citizen-driven data into Smart City governance? #SmartCities #DigitalTwins #UrbanInnovation #CitizenEngagement #METACITIES #AI #DataDrivenGovernance #Bånded

SmartAvatar B.V. , as a partner in the MetaCities Excellence Hub in South-Eastern Europe project, participated in the plenary meeting held in Athens on February 6-7, 2024. Hosted by BPM S.A. - Business & Project Management., the meeting convened stakeholders from #Cyprus, #Greece, and #Bulgaria to advance the development of digital R&I strategies and joint initiatives under this EU HORIZON project. The session provided an opportunity for Work Package and Task leaders to present progress updates, while partners engaged in discussions on ongoing challenges and strategic priorities. Key focus areas included Proof of Concepts (PoCs), pilot projects, and strategies to ensure business sustainability, investment readiness, and long-term impact across local ecosystems. As a contributor to this initiative, SmartAvatar remains committed to supporting collaborative efforts that drive innovation and foster sustainable growth in South-Eastern Europe. #MetaCities #EUHorizon #DigitalInnovation #Collaboration #SmartAvatar

The Global AI Race: U.S. vs. EU vs. China. At the AI Action Summit in Paris, global leaders presented contrasting visions for #AI: 🔹 United States: Vice President JD Vance advocated for minimal regulation, warning that excessive oversight could stifle innovation. He emphasized the need to maintain America's competitive edge in AI technology. 🔹 European Union: Leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, called for balanced regulation to ensure AI systems are safe, energy-efficient, and accessible. They highlighted the importance of international collaboration and ethical standards in AI development. AI is reshaping the world, but who is leading the charge? The United States, European Union, and China have vastly different strategies for AI’s future—each with unique implications for innovation, ethics, and global power. 🔹 U.S. – Prioritizes free-market innovation, private-sector leadership, and minimal regulation to stay ahead in AI dominance. 🔹 EU – Focuses on ethical AI governance, strict regulations, and transparency to ensure AI aligns with human rights and public trust. 🔹 China – Emphasizes state-led AI expansion, surveillance, and geopolitical influence, aiming for AI supremacy by 2030. What does this mean for the future of AI and global power dynamics? Read my full analysis of the AI visions of the U.S., EU, and China and join the conversation! #ArtificialIntelligence #AIRegulation #TechPolicy #Innovation #Geopolitics #FutureOfAI #AILeadership #EthicalAI #ChinaTech #DigitalTransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #AISummit #TechPolicy #GlobalLeadership SmartAvatar B.V.

Celebrating a Remarkable Achievement in 6G Innovation. At SmartAvatar B.V. , we are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of our very own Albena Mihovska, Ph.D. , CTO, who has been honored as one of the "100 Brilliant and Inspiring Women in 6G" for 2024 by Women in 6G™ ! This prestigious recognition highlights Dr. Mihovska’s visionary leadership and groundbreaking contributions to developing 6G technology. Her work is shaping the future of wireless communication and inspiring a new generation of innovators to push boundaries and redefine possibilities. As a trailblazer in her field, Albena embodies the spirit of innovation and excellence that drives SmartAvatar B.V. forward. Her relentless dedication to advancing cutting-edge technologies aligns perfectly with our mission to create transformative solutions that empower industries and communities worldwide. To Albena: On behalf of the entire SmartAvatar team, congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Your brilliance, passion, and leadership continue to inspire us all and set a benchmark for excellence in the tech industry. Thank you for leading the charge and making such a profound impact on the future of 6G. We are incredibly proud to have Albena at the helm of our technology vision, and we are confident that her contributions will continue to shape the landscape of 6G and beyond. Let us take a moment to celebrate Albena and the other extraordinary women recognized on this list https://lnkd.in/gdZ5wSrC true pioneers who are redefining the future of connectivity and championing diversity in STEM. Together, we can build a world where brilliance knows no bounds. #WomenIn6G #6GTechnology #Leadership #Innovation #STEM #BreakingBarriers #SmartAvatar #6G #IEEE #IEEEWIE

Celebrating Neeli Rashmi Prasad, Ph.D. Appointment as a 2025-2026 IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer! 🌟 A massive congratulations to Dr. Neeli Prasad, CEO and co-founder of SmartAvatar B.V., on her prestigious selection as a 2025-2026 IEEE Communications Society (IEEE ComSoc) Distinguished Lecturer! This honor recognizes her groundbreaking contributions to communications technology and her visionary leadership in shaping the future of connectivity. As part of the IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer Program, Dr. Prasad will share her expertise on transformative topics that are redefining industries globally. Her lecture series will dive into: 🔹 Human-AI Collaboration 🔹 6G Enabler for Robotics and Neuro-Symbiosis 🔹 Enabling Security, Trust, and Privacy in 6G Wireless Systems 🔹 6G for Connected Smart Cities in the Metaverse Age 🔹 Securing the Future of Healthcare with 6G These cutting-edge themes highlight her role at the forefront of 6G innovation, AI ethics, cybersecurity, and the metaverse—critical areas driving tomorrow’s technological landscape. 🔗 Learn more about the IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturers Program here: https://lnkd.in/gp4FiE24 🔗 Explore Dr. Prasad’s profile and achievements: https://lnkd.in/gZwWiywc A thought leader and mentor, Dr. Prasad continues to inspire through her work at SmartAvatar and her commitment to fostering global collaboration. If your IEEE ComSoc chapter or organization is eager to host her sessions—whether virtual or in-person—don’t miss this chance to engage with her pioneering insights! 👏 Join me in applauding Dr. Prasad for this well-earned recognition! 👏 Her passion for innovation and education is a beacon for engineers, researchers, and tech enthusiasts worldwide. #IEEE #ComSoc #6G #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #Metaverse #HealthcareInnovation #AI #SmartCities #Leadership #TechVisionary Congratulations, Dr. Prasad! The future of connectivity is brighter with your leadership. IEEE Women in Engineering  IEEE Vehicular Technology Society

Celebrating Neeli Rashmi Prasad, Ph.D. Appointment as a 2025-2026 IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer! 🌟 A massive congratulations to Dr. Neeli Prasad, CEO and co-founder of SmartAvatar B.V., on her prestigious selection as a 2025-2026 IEEE Communications Society (IEEE ComSoc) Distinguished Lecturer! This honor recognizes her groundbreaking contributions to communications technology and her visionary leadership in shaping the future of connectivity. As part of the IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer Program, Dr. Prasad will share her expertise on transformative topics that are redefining industries globally. Her lecture series will dive into: 🔹 Human-AI Collaboration 🔹 6G Enabler for Robotics and Neuro-Symbiosis 🔹 Enabling Security, Trust, and Privacy in 6G Wireless Systems 🔹 6G for Connected Smart Cities in the Metaverse Age 🔹 Securing the Future of Healthcare with 6G These cutting-edge themes highlight her role at the forefront of 6G innovation, AI ethics, cybersecurity, and the metaverse—critical areas driving tomorrow’s technological landscape. 🔗 Learn more about the IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturers Program here: https://lnkd.in/gp4FiE24 🔗 Explore Dr. Prasad’s profile and achievements: https://lnkd.in/gZwWiywc A thought leader and mentor, Dr. Prasad continues to inspire through her work at SmartAvatar and her commitment to fostering global collaboration. If your IEEE ComSoc chapter or organization is eager to host her sessions—whether virtual or in-person—don’t miss this chance to engage with her pioneering insights! 👏 Join me in applauding Dr. Prasad for this well-earned recognition! 👏 Her passion for innovation and education is a beacon for engineers, researchers, and tech enthusiasts worldwide. #IEEE #ComSoc #6G #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #Metaverse #HealthcareInnovation #AI #SmartCities #Leadership #TechVisionary Congratulations, Dr. Prasad! The future of connectivity is brighter with your leadership. IEEE Women in Engineering  IEEE Vehicular Technology Society

The AI Race Heats Up: Alibaba Launches QWEn 2.5, Challenging DeepSeek R1. What’s Next for Global AI Dominance? Big news from China: Alibaba just unveiled QWEn 2.5, boldly positioning it as a superior model to DeepSeek’s latest offering, R1. This move underscores the intensifying battle for AI supremacy between the U.S. and China, a race where innovation cycles are shrinking, and breakthroughs are coming faster than ever. Who’s winning? It’s impossible to say. While U.S. giants like OpenAI and Google push boundaries, Chinese tech titans (Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu) are doubling down on R&D with staggering speed. But here’s the twist: this isn’t just a two-horse race anymore. Europe, it’s your turn. The continent has the talent, infrastructure, and ambition to disrupt this dynamic. With players like Mistral AI gaining traction, could Europe emerge as a dark horse? I wouldn’t bet against it. India, too, is rising fast, home to world-class engineers, startups scaling AI solutions, and a thriving digital economy. But the real game-changer? Democratization. DeepSeek’s open-source strategy shattered the myth that AI is a playground for billionaires. You don’t need billions of dollars to innovate — just collaboration, creativity, and community. Imagine a future where AI isn’t monopolized by a handful of corporations but built by and for everyone. What does this mean for AI dominance? - Accessibility & Exclusivity: Open-source models are proving that quality AI doesn’t require closed-door labs. - Global Collaboration: The next breakthrough could come from anywhere, a startup in Nairobi, a lab in Bengaluru, a university in São Paulo, or a grassroots collective in Berlin. - Europe’s Moment: To lead, Europe must balance its pioneering EU AI Act with regulatory flexibility. Strict frameworks shouldn’t choke innovation, and enable experimentation while safeguarding ethics. - Ethical Innovation: Democratization could prioritize transparency and fairness over sheer scale. One thing’s certain: This is just the beginning. As AI becomes “super democratized,” the winners won’t just be those with the deepest pockets, but those who empower the most voices. What’s your take? Will open-source redefine global AI leadership? Can Europe and India carve unique paths amid U.S.-China rivalry? #AIDominance #OpenSourceAI #EuropeTech #EUAIAct #AIMadeInEurope #IndiaAI #GlobalCollaboration #FutureOfTech #InnovationRace #FutureOfTech SmartAvatar B.V.

Happy Chinese New Year from the SmartAvatar Team! As the Lunar New Year begins, we celebrate the spirit of renewal, prosperity, and togetherness! From the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, communities around the world are coming alive with fireworks, dragon dances, and joyful celebrations. May this Year of the Snake bring you strength, success, and endless opportunities. Wishing our friends, partners, and colleagues a year filled with happiness, good health, and innovation! 新年快乐! Gong Xi Fa Cai! #HappyChineseNewYear #LunarNewYear #YearOfTheDragon #SmartAvatar

Happy Chinese New Year from the SmartAvatar Team! As the Lunar New Year begins, we celebrate the spirit of renewal, prosperity, and togetherness! From the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, communities around the world are coming alive with fireworks, dragon dances, and joyful celebrations. May this Year of the Snake bring you strength, success, and endless opportunities. Wishing our friends, partners, and colleagues a year filled with happiness, good health, and innovation! 新年快乐! Gong Xi Fa Cai! #HappyChineseNewYear #LunarNewYear #YearOfTheDragon #SmartAvatar

OpenAI o1 vs. DeepSeek R1: Which AI Model is Leading the Edge AI Revolution? Cloud AI has dominated the conversation, but industries like healthcare, automotive, and industrial IoT (IIoT) are shifting to Edge AI for real-time decision-making, privacy compliance, and ultra-low latency processing. Two powerful AI models "OpenAI o1" and "DeepSeek R1" are shaping the future of AI-powered automation, predictive maintenance, and AI-assisted healthcare. But which one is right for your business? - Should you rely on cloud-based intelligence or go fully on-device with AI? - Which AI model is better suited for real-time robotics, smart vehicles, and AI-powered medical diagnostics? In my latest article, I break down the strengths, weaknesses, and hardware compatibility of OpenAI o1 and DeepSeek R1 for Edge AI applications. Find out which model is best for your industry! #OpenAI #DeepSeek #EdgeAI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIInnovation #HealthcareAI #AutomotiveAI #IIoT #SmartManufacturing #AI #TechTrends SmartAvatar B.V.