Quantum computing lecture

NCC Montenegro is organizing online introductory lecture about quantum computing and its applications.

Quantum computing is a cutting-edge field of computer science that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations at speeds far beyond what classical computers can achieve. Instead of using classical bits, quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition. This enables them to solve certain problems, such as factoring large numbers or simulating quantum systems, much faster than traditional computers. Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize fields like AI/ML applications, cryptography, bioinformatics, digital manufacturing, optimization of traffic systems…

We are privileged to have Dr. Jaka Vodeb as our speaker. Dr. Vodeb is a postdoctoral researcher at the Jozef Stefan Institute and Fz Juelich (NCC Germany). His extensive expertise in quantum computing and quantum simulator ensures inspirational lectures.

Dr. Vodeb will give an overview of the quantum computing landscape, existing quantum hardware, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction and the quantum internet.

Date: 20.10.2023.
Time: 12:00 PM
Duration: Half Day lectures
Registration: https://forms.gle/nTf2aW3kGsbzcSz2A

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the future of computing.
We look forward to your participation!

For any additional information, inquiries, or updates, please reach us on luka.filipovic@udg.edu.me

Implementation of AI4S3 training

At the University of Donja Gorica, the Faculty of Information Systems and Technologies has commenced the implementation of the project “Application of Computer Vision and Deep Learning in Agriculture and Food Production, Medicine, and Energy (AI4S3).” The project is funded within the program to promote the development of an innovation culture and organize education in the fields of smart specialization in Montenegro by the Innovation Fund (https://fondzainovacije.me/).

Implementation of AI4S3 training started

On September 28th, as part of the 9th Festival of Science and Innovation, we had the opportunity to present our plans for the project’s implementation. The key idea of the project is to bring the application of artificial intelligence closer to the S3 sectors, which represent one of the key strategies for digitization in agriculture and supply chain, medicine, tourism, and energy sectors.

Over 65 candidates enrolled in the training

As previously announced, on September 30th, we organized an entrance test and questionnaire for all applicants. More than 65 candidates took the entrance test and questionnaire, and after analyzing the results, we selected more than 40 of them who will undergo training over the next 2 months.

The training is supported by the Innovation fund of Montenegro

Additionally, on October 7th, we began conducting lectures, starting with Python programming language, which forms the foundation for further training and the development of artificial intelligence models through upcoming modules. This training is a continuation of previous NCC Montenegro and Open Mind Academy efforts.

Congratulations to everyone, and we look forward to collaborating with all our participants.

BSc thesis: ChatGPT and the future of business

The widespread use of ChatGPT has reshaped the labor market, offering both opportunities and challenges for companies and employees across various industries. This thesis has highlighted that the most positive impacts are likely to be seen in fields like medicine, trade, and education, while sectors such as customer support, media, and administration face significant challenges. ChatGPT should be viewed as a valuable ally for enhancing daily business tasks and boosting productivity. Ths BSc theis was done by Marko Raicevic under the mentorship of prof. Armin Alibasic.

Mr Marko Raicevic defending his BSc thesis on ChatGPT and AI in business

While the current version of this technology excels in certain areas like automation, information processing speed, and knowledge base, it is not poised to replace the majority of employees in the labor market. The future of businesses hinges on how we harness and deploy ChatGPT; it can either be a chance or a threat, depending on our development and utilization of this technology.

ABSTRACT – This thesis examines the groundbreaking impact of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a revolutionary conversational AI, on the field of natural language processing. ChatGPT’s exceptional performance and capabilities have led to widespread adoption for daily business tasks, setting new trends in the job market. The paper explores ChatGPT’s role in various branches of artificial intelligence and its implications for diverse industries, considering its potential, limitations, and ethical concerns. The research draws on relevant literature to highlight the opportunities and challenges this technology presents. While routine tasks may be automated, ChatGPT is seen as a tool to enhance productivity, emphasizing that workers will not be replaced but augmented by its usage.

BSc Thesis: Computer vision and deep learning for analysis of identification documents

Mr Filip Radinovic defended his BSc thesis “A system for analyzing identification documents by leveraging Computer vision and Deep Learning” under co-mentorhsip of mr Stevan Cakic and prof. Tomo Popovic. The thesis focuses on the importance of identity in our digital world and how it impacts the security measures used by organizations. The main goal of the thesis is to use artificial intelligence to verify a person’s identity online. The researchers trained a model using various datasets and images, teaching it to spot even the smallest inconsistencies. The most significant discovery they made is that this model is very accurate, with a precision rate of around 90%. Additionally, the model is very efficient, taking only 3 to 4 seconds to process data, which is much faster than manual methods. Overall, the thesis highlights the potential of using AI for identity verification, making it both precise and time-saving.

The thesis focused on the use of computer vision and HPC/AI to develop tools for ID document analysis

ABSTRACT – Identity is one of the most sacred values and currencies in our digital era, affecting the working models of private and public institutions. This causes many strict security measures and protocols with a price of time, which is where this thesis’ goal arises. The approach of the thesis is leveraging artificial intelligence to accomplish identity verification over the web. The model was trained on a myriad of datasets and images, utilizing standard deep learning algorithms. By the end of training, it was able to detect the most subtle inconsistencies, making it quite precise. The biggest research finding is the potential that a model like this holds. Its precision varies around 90%, which is a good number by today’s standards and model’s testing conditions and hardware. The other aspect is time, in which the model excels. From the point when the model receives the data, the processing of it begins and it takes 3 to 4 seconds (on modest hardware). This implies superior efficiency than manual or alternative ways of accomplishing the same goal.

AI4S3 – Application of computer vision and deep learning in agriculture and food production, medicine and energy

NCC Montenegro team members and the Faculty of Information Systems and Technologies (UDG), with the support of the Innovation Fund of Montenegro as part of the program to encourage the development of innovation culture and the organization of education in the areas of expertise in Montenegro, organizes a three-month training called “AI4S3 – Application of computer vision and deep learning in agriculture and food production, medicine and energy” which will be held in the period from the beginning of October to the end of December 2023.

AI4S3 – Computer vision applications in S3

The purpose of education is to provide young people with high-quality education in order to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills needed for a successful career, but also to, above all, interest participants in the field of artificial intelligence and to become participants in the digital transformation of Montenegro. The education program is divided into 5 modules: Python Programming, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision, Python Libraries and Tools for Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence in S3 Areas, and final project work. In addition to the fact that participants will acquire enough knowledge and skills needed for further research in this very current field, they will have the opportunity to expand their network of acquaintances and meet young people with similar interests. The program and agenda (in Montenegrin) is available here.

Registration is open until Sep 28th ath the following link.

The organization of this 3-month training is supported by the Innovation fund of Montenegro

AI4S3 – educational project proposal approved

The Innovation Fund of Montenegro (the Fund) publishes the list of projects approved for financing within the framework of the Public Call for encouraging the development of innovation culture and the organization of education in the areas of smart specialization. The fund allocated funds in the total amount of 130,000 euros for financing projects within two program lines according to this Public Call. The public call for the mentioned program lines was open from May 8 to June 15, 2023.

The Faculty of Information Systems and Technologies, University of Donja Gorica, proposed the educational project “Application of computer vision and deep learning in agriculture and food production, medicine and energy (AI4S3)” which was highly evaluated and approved for funding. This project focuses on training participants for the application of AI in the priority domains of the Smart Specialization Strategy of Montenegro (S3 Montenegro). This project is continuation of UDG and NCC Montenegro efforts to offer best education and training for HPC, AI and IT in general to Montenegrin stakeholders. The training will take place from October to December 2023.

Education in domains of S3 Montengro by the Innovation Fund of Montenegro

24 projects were submitted to the public call for the program line to encourage the development of innovative culture, of which 21 projects were sent for evaluation, while 35 projects were registered for the program line for the organization of education in the areas of smart specialization in Montenegro, of which 32 projects were sent for evaluation conducted by the Fund’s expert committee, in accordance with the Rulebook on the evaluation process. More info available at the following link.

Master thesis: Computer vision and AI in medicine

Mr Dejan Babic, a young researcher from UDG, just defended his Master thesis on the use of computer vision and artificial intelligence in medicine. This is a great example of using ICT for vertical priority domains of Monteengrin S3. This research was supported in part by HPC4S3ME project and EUROCC. Mr Babic intends to continue his research in this domain and to enroll PhD program at the UDG. Mr Babic explored the use of different tools for ML and he also experimened with the use of HPC for training prediction models that can be used in medicine. He was one of the first MSc theses defended from the Artificial Intelligence Master program created under the EuroCC project.

ABSTRACT – Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate with the world. The proliferation of data has been the biggest driver of AI in recent years. AI in medicine is rapidly developing and holds great potential in revolutionizing healthcare systems. Its application is already producing promising results in disease detection, diagnosis and drug discovery. AI is widely used in medical facilities worldwide as a decision support tool for patient diagnosis. It is expected to bring significant benefits to healthcare sector. In this thesis, the focus is on the application of artificial intelligence and computer vision in solving real medical problems. The research is both theoretical and empirical and focuses on the application of artificial intelligence and computer vision in the detection of pneumonia, segmentation of blood vessels in the retina, and estimation of cardiovascular risk. The main goal of the research is to achieve the highest possible accuracy in specific cases and approaches, in order for these approaches to be considered applicable in medicine. Throughout the study, some of the ethical issues related to the use of this technology were also raised. At the end of the study, the results, potential challenges, and future directions of this research were discussed.

Computer vision and artificial intelligence in medicine
Segmentation of blood vessels in images of retina