Artificial Intelligence is evolving rapidly, yet its practical applications—and societal acceptance—are still taking shape. One of the most frequently cited goals in this journey is “Trustworthy AI,” but a clear, shared definition remains elusive. Amidst fragmented frameworks, shifting expectations, and competing agendas, organisations—especially SMEs—face uncertainty about how to move forward with purpose, compliance, and confidence. Like the golden thread Ariadne offered Theseus to navigate Daedalus’s labyrinth, this workshop offers a practical entry point to the maze of responsible AI development. By drawing on collaborative efforts across European networks, the session helps innovators trace a path that aligns technology with ethics, accountability, and real-world feasibility.

In myth, the thread symbolised clarity, trust, and direction. In our context, it becomes a metaphor for cooperation—linking developers, researchers, policymakers, and industry to navigate complexity together.

As Europe advances the AI Continent Action Plan, the labyrinth deepens. More layers—technical, legal, societal—are added. That’s why we must interweave principles, practices, infrastructures, and communities. This session brings together pioneers who are actively building that fabric. You’ll hear from diverse initiatives like etami, Z-Inspection®, Confiance.ai, the EIT AI Community, i-Spaces and other EC-supported networks like AI Regulatory Sandboxes, AI Factories and EDIHs that are mapping concrete pathways for operationalising Trustworthy AI, particularly for SMEs.

Let’s begin weaving.

Workshop Description

This interactive workshop explores how diverse European networks are transforming the principles of Trustworthy AI into practical tools and outcomes. Focusing especially on SMEs and their journey through AI adoption and compliance, it highlights collaborative models that align with the EU AI Act while maximising both societal value and business competitiveness.
Through real-world case studies, policy sandboxes, and hands-on tools, the session demonstrates the power of coordinated action. Participants will hear from key initiatives leading this charge and walk away with new insights, partnership opportunities, and actionable pathways for implementation.

Workshop Objectives

• Share real-world experiences and tools for implementing Trustworthy AI
• Highlight value created by cross-European networks
• Foster interactions among diverse stakeholders
• Enable cross-sector partnerships and knowledge exchange
• Identify unmet needs and emerging opportunities within the ecosystem

Speakers:

Confiance.ai: Nicolas Rebierre (IRT SystemX)
EIT AI Community: Orestis Trasanidis (EIT Digital)
Z-Inspection®: Apostolos Tsolakis (Q-Plan)
EUSAiR AI Regulatory Sandboxes and AI Factories: Antonino Rotolo (UNIBO)
EDIH and i-Spaces: Julia Palma (CeADAR)
Trustworthy AI Cluster: Davide Dalle Carbonare (Engineering/TALON)
European Commission and AI Office: Livio Rubino (DG-CNECT)
etami: Gabriel G. Castañe (BDVA)

Moderator:

Irene López de Vallejo (CTIC)

Access the Slides here