IkubINFO TechTalks
As the leading software engineering company in Albania, one of our ways of contributing to the Albanian ICT community is by initiating a series of events called ikubINFO TechTalks. These sessions provide a platform where we discuss important technological advancements that have the capacity to change the course of our daily and professional lives. The topics covered during ikubINFO TechTalks focus on innovation and technology. Our diverse audience comprises students, post-graduate students, technology professionals, and field experts.
Through TechTalks, we created a platform for tech experts, students, and everyone in between, to interact, share knowledge, and invite more relevant people in their network. We are happy with the feedback we get from our audience each time, and we always look forward to more of these events!
Spotlight Series- Future of Work: Emerging trends and Technologies by Eri Matraku
In our latest session, our SEM Eri Matraku took us on an insightful journey into the future of work. Exploring emerging trends and cutting-edge technologies, the presentation dove into the transformative impact of AI programs like ChatGPT, innovative apps, and their significance for software engineers. Discovering new horizons and envisioning the ever-evolving landscape of work, we explored the possibilities that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more on the incredible innovations shaping our industry!
Trustworthy AI by Salijona Dyrmishi and Luc Stebens
Our recent TechTalk on "TRUSTWORTHY AI" was skillfully hosted by Ermond Parllaku, Head of the Software Engineering Department at ikubINFO, featuring speakers Salijona Dyrmishi and Luc Stebens from Luxembourg University. Salijona Dyrmishi and Luc Stebens guided us through the intricate landscape of AI trustworthiness, offering valuable insights during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This event served as a crucial platform for staying ahead in the dynamic field of AI trustworthiness. A heartfelt thanks to all who joined us on this insightful journey into the future of AI. Exciting updates and events are on the horizon! Together, we're actively shaping a future where AI is trustworthy and secure. Stay tuned for more on AI technology and its cutting-edge applications.
Spotlight Series - Future of Work: Emerging Trends and Technologies Reshaping the Workplace by Ambra Ndreu
During this Spotlight, we delved into the diverse facets of the evolving nature of work in the future, exploring the social and economic implications expected to impact society. Ambra Ndreu, a member of our Human Capital and PR Department, hosted this enlightening event.
AI - Past, Present, Future by Saimir Baci
AI will not replace you. A person who's using AI will replace you."" This thought-provoking statement concluded the first TechTalk of 2023, organized by ikubINFO. The session featured Mr. Saimir Baci, an Advanced Technology Group Team Leader at Avidbots, a Canadian robotics company. His presentation, titled ""Artificial Intelligence, Past, Present, and Future,"" delved into the evolution and potential impact of AI. The inaugural series of ikubINFO TechTalks for 2023 concentrated on AI applications in Supply Chain, Medical, Robotics, and NLP (Natural Language Processing). AI involves the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks similar to those conducted by humans. These tasks encompass visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, translation, and summarization.
Machine Learning for Visual Computing by Prof. Dr. Bernd Freisleben
During our TechTalks event, organized by ikubINFO in collaboration with RisiAlbania, we discussed the topic of 'Machine Learning for Visual Computing' this time. Neural networks are methods employed in today’s artificial intelligence, leading to great successes in various fields. But do these methods really work, and how can they be utilized? The presentation provided answers to these questions by illustrating the use of deep learning methods for applications in the fields of image and video analytics. Our speaker for this session was Prof. Dr. Bernd Freisleben, a full professor of computer science at the University of Marburg, Germany.
Moral of Transformers by Kristian Kersting
In collaboration with RisiAlbania, our next session of the TechTalks series focused on the ""Moral of Transformers."" During this session, we delved into the success of Transformers-based models, including BERT and its variants, in natural language processing. Kristian Kersting, a Full Professor (W3) at the CS Department of the TU Darmstadt, Germany, shared valuable insights. He serves as the head of the AI and Machine Learning (AIML) lab, is a member of the Centre for Cognitive Science, and is the founding co-director of the Hessian Center for Artificial Intelligence.
Software Development Methods for AI-Driven Systems by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mira Mezini
In this session, we delved into ""Software Development Methods for AI-driven Systems."" Following the initial wave of AI, which predominantly focused on reasoning based on handcrafted expert knowledge, and the current second wave emphasizing a combination of reasoning and learning capabilities, a third wave of AI is emerging. During this discussion, we explored these themes and outlined ideas for advancing the software foundations of intelligent applications. Our speaker for this session was Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mira Mezini. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mira Mezini leads the chair for software technology at TU Darmstadt. She served as the Dean of the Department of Computer Science from 2013 to 2014 and as the Vice President of TU Darmstadt from 2014 to 2019. Currently, she holds a position on the Board of the National Research Center and is the co-director of the Hessian Center for Artificial Intelligence, among other roles.
Applied Artificial Intelligence by Joana Iljazi
During our 7th session of ikubINFO TechTalks, organized in collaboration with RISI Albania, Joana Iljazi, a Bloomberg Research Engineer, shared real-life cases of AI applications, providing tangible insights and results from leading companies that leverage AI to solve concrete problems. We also delved into the latest trends surrounding this exciting and innovative technology, discussing the initial steps necessary for embarking on a career in AI. Joana Iljazi brings extensive experience to the discussion, having worked as an Applied Scientist at Microsoft, a Deep Learning Researcher at Philips Lighting, and in various other roles, complemented by an impressive educational background in the field of Data Science.
Introduction to Blockchain: A New Technology for a New World Economy by Ada Kokoshi
In collaboration with RisiAlbania, we hosted our 6th session of the ikubINFO TechTalks series (Remote Edition), focusing on the revolutionary topic of Blockchain. This time, we delved into everything related to Blockchain. Ada Kokoshi, a US-based field expert and Vice President in the Digital Product and Innovation Development team at State Street Bank, as well as a Fintech Aficionado, provided us with an insightful overview of the history of Blockchain. She also covered three of the most popular types of Blockchain, highlighting their differences, and discussed the role of Blockchain in the context of the International Finance Supply Chain.
Introduction to Process Mining by Dorina Bano
In our latest TechTalks event, organized by ikubINFO in collaboration with RisiAlbania, we explored the topic of 'Introduction to Process Mining.' Our speaker for this session was Dorina Bano, a Researcher and Ph.D. Student at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Berlin, with extensive experience in computer science. Dorina provided insights into Process Mining, a set of techniques within the field of business process management based on event logs. Throughout the session, participants had the opportunity to explore concrete study examples and witness live demos related to process mining, among other engaging topics.
Introduction to Web Scraping with Python by Fatjon Gërra
In collaboration with RISI Albania, our latest session focused on the topic of Web Scraping using Python. Our speaker for this session, Fatjon Gërra, introduced various examples of code used for Web Scraping, discussed the "Scrapy" framework for more advanced scraping, covered legal issues related to Web Scraping, and concluded with a Q&A session where the audience had the chance to interact with the speaker.
Geometry of Testing by Guido Cota
It is crucial for every software project, whether new or existing, to have a robust testing strategy. This necessity arises from the inherent complexity of these projects. Tests, written by developers alongside the code while implementing functionalities, form an integral and closely integrated part of the development process. According to Guido Cota, our speaker for this event, abstaining from testing altogether is detrimental. However, it is equally counterproductive to have ineffective and weak tests. During the session, Guido introduced various types of software testing, including unit tests, integration tests, end-to-end tests, UI tests, etc. He elucidated how each type of testing, along with different approaches to writing these tests, can be tailored to suit the needs of diverse projects.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Its Practical Uses by Joana Iljazi
In this session, we explored the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, beginning with general development concepts and progressing to real-world experiences shared by our guests. Joana Iljazi, a former Data Scientist in the Microsoft MSAI Search and Relevance team, served as our speaker for this session. Participants had the opportunity to engage with Joana, discussing best practices and initiating technical exploration in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence.
