CBI4AI programme: connecting technology with human needs
The development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly transformed different aspects of society and business, influencing industries, economies, and human interactions. Its rapid advancements have introduced new possibilities in data analysis, automation, and problem-solving, raising fundamental questions about its ethical and sustainable implementation. As AI continues to evolve, there is a growing need to bridge the gap between technological innovation and human needs, ensuring that new developments serve society effectively.
The Challenge-Based Innovation for Artificial Intelligence (CBI4AI) programme is designed to foster this collaboration. It brings together multidisciplinary teams from three different schools to explore technologies developed within the ATTRACT initiative, aligning them with specific societal needs. CBI4AI provides a structured framework for developing applications that address real-world challenges, emphasising the importance of sustainability, ethics, and user-centred design in AI-driven innovation.
The programme is built around three main objectives: it offers students a unique educational experience, encourages the development of innovative applications for ATTRACT technologies, and aims to create AI-based solutions that address global challenges. Students engage in a learning process that combines technological exploration with human-centred design, ensuring that AI applications are developed with consideration for their broader social, economic, and cultural impacts.
Throughout the course, participants follow a structured design and systems thinking process that includes research, ideation, and prototyping. They receive continuous support from experienced coaches and engage in inspiring sessions at IdeaSquare, the innovation space at CERN. There, they refine their concepts with valuable insights from scientists and industry experts.
“AI work often focuses on pushing technical limits. CBI4AI takes a different path by getting students to step back and look at the bigger picture. To build meaningful AI, they start by understanding what people need first. Working with ATTRACT technologies, they then build solutions that make sense for those people”,
explained Irene Unceta, Assistant Professor at Esade and part of the CBI4AI coach team
Over the course of three rounds under ATTRACT phase 2, the CBI4AI programme has engaged 94 students from more than 15 nationalities, developing 18 solutions that tackle health, water use and efficiency & industry, innovation & infrastructure through the exploration of six ATTRACT technologies: POSICS-2, Random Power, ULTRARAM, IALL and h-cube. Throughout this process, students were mentored by 12 faculty members and coaches from diverse backgrounds, providing a range of perspectives and approaches.
It should be noted that the CBI4AI programme is coordinated by Esade Fusion Point, an experiential learning lab and partnership among Esade Business School, IED Barcelona Design School and Universitat Politècnica De Catalunya UPC.
Here you can watch a video of the CBI4AI programme:
For additional information about the programme, visit here.