JIC is a non-profit research and innovation center established in 2003 by the South Moravian Region, the city of Brno, and four universities. It plays a key role in building one of Central Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems and serves as the leading regional innovation agency. With a staff of 95 (as of 1 March 2026), JIC supports more than 100 companies annually and coordinates a community of over 400 technology entrepreneurs. It is also an active member of the Enterprise Europe Network, connecting SMEs with international innovation and business opportunities. Through its expert division, JIC provides applied research and innovation in smart manufacturing and industrial artificial intelligence to address complex engineering challenges. It supports companies in deploying advanced technologies to improve efficiency, flexibility, and autonomy. As coordinator of EDIH DIGIMAT, focused on AI-enabled flexible manufacturing, the division offers consulting, training, awareness activities, and Test-Before-Invest services, complemented by extensive R&D capacities to accelerate industrial AI adoption and support smart, flexible, and sustainable manufacturing.