Ahold Delhaize makes Kickstart AI move

Ahold Delhaize and Philips have announced their first Kickstart AI appointments.

Kickstart AI is a platform aimed at accelerating the development of artificial intelligence technology and nurturing talent in the Netherlands. The initiative is driven by five Dutch companies: Ahold Delhaize, ING, KLM, NS and Royal Philips.

Sebastian Schelter’s research focuses on the intersection of data management and machine learning. He has extensive experience in building systems for companies such as Amazon Research, Twitter, IBM Research and Zalando.

Dr. Schelter’s work with Ahold Delhaize will focus on effectively managing vast quantities of data and enable the deployment of algorithmic solutions. Such solutions include better forecasting product demand for stores and more efficient routing of trucks, both of which could reduce waste.

Nicola Pezzotti’s research at Philips focuses on the development of advanced medical imaging and health informatics solutions enabled by AI. His work covers both theoretical research as well as the implementation of large and stable software algorithms to empower AI researchers and developers.

Dr. Pezzotti obtained his PhD cum laude from Delft University of Technology, and he has worked at the National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (INRIA) in France as a visiting scientist.

More appointments will be announced in the coming months.