Grupo AIA develops algorithms for Quantum Cryptography

AIA’s Innovation Team has completed a software library for post processing in Quantum Key Distribution. With this software, the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO) will be able to implement fully secure communications over conventional optical fiber. Quantum Cryptography is posed as a key technology to replace current cryptographic methods, which face a growing risk of becoming obsolete because of the rapid advances in Quantum Computing.

A thesis transferring neutrino ´s experience to the industrial sector

Last November 27th, Sebastian Piña Otey has successfully defended his doctoral thesis entitled “Deep learning and Bayesian techniques applied to Big Data in the industry and neutrino oscillations”. Although this doctorate thesis is physics centered, there is also an industrial component developed with AIA within the industrial doctorate program framework sponsored by the Catalonian Government called: “Doctorats Industrials de la Generalitat. Sebastian ´s thesis, codirected by Vicens Gaitan, AIA´s representative, along with Thorsten Lux, neutrino´s team main researcher from the Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), has developed a project that connects neutrino oscillations (mentioned in a previous blog post) with cutting-edge Deep Learning technology.

The thesis has focused on a new approach for data analysis and extraction of relevant information for the T2K neutrino experiment (Tokai to Kamioka) in Japan. In particle physics experiments, and more particularly, neutrino experiments, data analysis has three main components: detectors´ direct data processing, theoretical model simulation and model parameters determination. These three key aspects are essential for a rigorous and correct scientifically based results´ delivery. Sebastian ´s research had an impact on all three aspects by introducing different proofs of concepts of new technologies.

Firstly, he has successfully implemented an algorithm of Graph Neural Networks to help detecting not physic ambiguous signs during the simulation of a T2K future detector. As a result, the effect on the neutrino can be rebuilt correctly, increasing the performance as compared to traditional techniques. (The paper has been submitted to the Physical Review D and is currently under evaluation. Pre-publication can be download at https://www.tdx.cat/ )

Secondly, Sebastian has combined the normalizing flows technology, invertible neural networks that allow to evaluate and generate data from a probability distribution based on traditional statistical techniques, rejection sampling under the algorithm of Exhaustive Neural Importance Sampling (ENIS). More precisely, along with his supervisors, they have applied ENIS to generate data from a typical neutrino event in T2K, the interaction called charged-current quasi-elastic (CCQE). This paper was published on July 16th in the Physical Review D

Finally, as mentioned in our previous blog post, the normalizing flows were used to determine the parameters of the two neutrino flavors oscillation model. This paper was also published in the Physical Review D on June 2nd

However, the experience gained by the somewhat exotic application of the neutrino oscillations was also transferred to the industrial field. Sebastian and Vicens worked with Red Eléctrica Española through Elewit and could show the impact and value added of these techniques on potential projects of our clients. Thus, Sebastian has successfully achieved our first industrial doctorate, potentiating AIA´s relation with the IFAE and showing the contribution of the industrial sector to pure research.

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Grupo AIA takes part in the DNA project developed by Adolfo Domínguez

Adriana Domínguez, as executive president of Adolfo Domínguez, made public in an online press conference last June 19th, the DNA project kick-off in which Grupo AIA has participated as the technological provider. Based on Artificial Intelligence, a recommendation algorithm combined with the experience of Personal Shoppers of Adolfo Domínguez, have allowed them to choose clothe items and accessories, adapted to each of its customers, and send them to their homes without trying them on or going to a shop.

Grupo AIA is pleased to have participated in the project for the retail sector and provided its 30 years´ experience in the development of Artificial Intelligence based applications and data analytics. This Project opens up.new collaboration opportunities between Adolfo Domínguez and Grupo AIA, as the Spanish fashion firm has showed its commitment to innovation as the way to improve its relationship with its customers.

Access to the new DNA service at https://www.adolfodominguez.com/es/adn.

Regina Llopis participates in the event «The sum of Intelligences» organized by the UdG

Last May 26th, Regina Llopis, President of Grupo AIA, took part in the online event coordinated by the Universidad de Girona titled «The sum of Intelligences».

More information at www.udg.edu/es/suma-intelligencies and hashtag Twitter  #congrésdigitalSI.

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Regina Llopis participates at the Climate Change World Summit

What can women contribute to climate change prevention?  Based on this premise, a round table was held at the green zone of the Climate Change World Summit in Madrid, COP25, with the special participation of influential women from different fields to discuss Climate Change problems and how they could help to combat it.

Regina Llopis, president of Grupo AIA, Andrea Barber, cofounder and CEP of Rated Power; Mari Luz Cádiz, researcher at Universidad de Oporto); Patricia Fernández, researcher at Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, (UPM-INIA); Cristina Romera, researcher at the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (CESIC) and moderated by Ángeles Heras, Secretary of State for Universities, Research, Development, and Innovation have participated at this round table and was promoted by the Women Observatory, Science and Innovation.

A variety of problems and challenges facing the planet were exposed at this Climate Summit.  Among the solutions proposed, Cristina Romera has mentioned the research done on plastic recycling and new materials to replace the oil by-product. Patricia Fernández explained how the research on plants is combating pests and allowing the formulation of new pesticides based on plants´ natural defense mechanisms, so efforts have been made towards intelligent and sustainable agriculture.

However, implementing these ideas would entail moving from the research area to the business one, and knowledge transfer to the industry to implement the changes required against climate change. On this issue, Regina Llopis, president of Grupo AIA, reminded the slim participation of women in entrepreneurship.

Regina Llopis highlighted that only 7% of the capital risk in Europe goes to businesses created and managed by women and in Spain, only 8% of women are business angels, in other words, investors at the first stages of the business development.

These figures show the low participation of women in the business world and the also president of WA4STEAM has urged women to be involved in climate change combat through the creation of technological-based businesses. Areas such as artificial intelligence, Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering allow promoting a more sustainable world.

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Regina Llopis, FEDEPE 2019 Businesswomen Leadership Award

Regina Llopis, president and CEO of Grupo AIA (Aplicaciones en Informática Avanzada, S.L.), has been awarded “The Businesswomen Leadership Award” granted by the Spanish Federation of Female Directors, Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs, FEDEPE. This distinction is a recognition to the efforts, creativity, and motivation in business management best practices for success.

During her speech, Regina Llopis highlighted the impact of the awards and urged the rest of the awardees, many technology leaders among them, to continue as a model for other scientific and technological women. She reminded the reward was a recognition to a company´s steady work on Artificial Intelligence for thirty years. Grupo AIA has developed new methods and algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence and other disciplines for solving complex problems in different industrial sectors and services. Moreover, Grupo AIA ´s corporative strategy is based on investment in R&D as it allows it to ensure its technological leadership and comparative advantage. Likewise, Regina Llopis has set new business partnership models with customers.

On the other hand, the Vice-President of the Acting Government of Spain, Carmen Calvo, recognized the role of Spain as a benchmark for gender equality, however, she admitted many remains to be done by the institutions. During Ana Bujaldón´s speech, FEDEPE´s president, she urged to make progress towards establishing binding rules for equality once for all.

FEDEPE award honors Regina Llopis ´management success in achieving R&D leading position through advanced technological research opportunities with leading prestigious institutions as NASA in the U.S.A and others in the EU. And all this is due to a highly creative and qualified team which has allowed AIA to lead Artificial Intelligence in the last thirty years.

The ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) in Madrid, Spain. The awards granted were: the Leadership Women’s Directive Award to Pilar López, president of Microsoft Spain; Professional Woman Leadership Award to Silvia Gil, captain of the Spanish Guardia Civil ,Woman Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award to Arantxa Unda, CEO of Sigesa, a medical software company; Communication Committed to Women Award to the EFE Agency; Boosting the Promotion of Women Award to the sports corporation Adidas; and the International Award to Bisila Bokoko, Founder and CEO of BBES, a business development agency in New York. Susana Griso and Juan Luis Cano in charge of conducting the ceremony created a cheerful and professional atmosphere.

A Special Award was granted for the Promotion of Professional Development of Women with Disabilities to Rosa García, Member of the Board of Directors of Tubacex and Sener.

FEDEPE awards held its 28th annual edition and once again counted on her Majesty the Queen attendance to the ceremony as President of Honor and the support of the Ministry of the Presidency. The ceremony was presided by her Excellency Vice President of the Acting Government of SPAIN Carmen Calvo, and the FEDEPE ´s President and Vice President, Ana Bujaldón and Francisca García Vizcaíno respectively,

Regina Llopis, president of AIA, participates in “Smart cities: data, people or both?”.

La presidenta del Grupo AIA, Regina Llopis ha participado en la mesa redonda “Smart cities: ¿datos, personas o ambos?”   celebrado en InnovationHub. Junto a Regina Llopis han participado Marieta del Rivero, autora del libro “Smart cities, una visión para el ciudadano” y a la alcaldesa de Santander, Gema Igual.

Regina Llopis gives us the key to increasing women´s participation in STEAM areas

“Choosing a good partner”. A phrase coined by Regina Llopis, president of Grupo AIA during her participation at the forum Women´s Social Innovation in Technological companies  held in the Basque Country.

Stereotypes, gender barriers and breaking down existing assumptions are some of the slogans heard at the forum organized by the top executives and businesses women ´s association in the Biscay region: Women´s Social Innovation in Technological companies Regina Llopis, president of AIA, has participated to stand for women´s presence in STEAM areas.

During her intervention, Llopis claimed the importance of breaking down gender stereotypes sprung up at home by stop giving dolls and kitchens to girls as gifts and start giving them gifts that foster their curiosity” such as video games, remote control toys, and any other technological toys because basically “that´s the future”. She recalled that women´s slim presence in technological careers was mainly due to gender-bias that underestimates their capacities facing technological, scientific and engineering topics.

Regina Llopis, also said it was important choosing a good partner who gives you support in your professional career instead of obstacles so you do not have to change it”. Choosing someone who understands women´s professional needs and ambitions and their belonging to the technological and business world.

During the forum, it was highlighted the need to change current figures and make the necessary effort in society to increase the presence of girls and women in the STEAM areas (Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Technology and Art) and avoid that 50% of the society stays behind in an increasingly technological world.

It was also claimed at the forum, the need to make visible professional women ´s role to foster future generations because either you are in or you do not exist.

Other participants at the forum:

  • Azucena Castro: General Director of Owl Genomic.
  • Covadonga Herrero: Director of Deusto Sistemas of Bilbao.
  • Isabel García: Production Director at Bizintek.

Regina Llopis, CEO of Grupo AIA, invited to the radio program “Llapis de Memòria” at the Catalan radio station SER

Regina Llopis talks to Kim Faura, CEO of Telefónica in Catalonia, in the radio program” Memory Pencil” broadcasted in the Catalan radio station SER.

 

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Regina Llopis, CEO of Grupo AIA is one of the five entrepreneurs who have broken the glass ceiling

The gender gap in STEM areas is clearly exposed not only in universities but also in the business world. Grupo AIA has worked to reduce the gap through positive recruitment and development policies to attract and retain women´s talent and giving continuous support to those women studying Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering.

Regina LLopis, president and founder of Grupo AIA has always promoted gender equality in the business group and is a staunch supporter of business projects created by and addressed to women. As expressed in an article published in El País Retina entitled: “five entrepreneurs who have broken the technological glass ceiling, where Regina Llopis talks about the need to break taboos and girls´ roles stereotypes.

In this article, the president of Grupo AIA, stands for women´s participation in decision making and visibility as technological makers: engineers who have invented and developed programs and systems, physics and mathematicians who created and implemented algorithms will be the role models for those that are girls now and will be the women undertaking technological entrepreneurship in the future.

Consequently, the slim presence of women in STEM areas is mainly due to the lack of women as referent models and gender and stereotypes bias. Moreover, Regina Llopis stands for the STEAM acronyms (Science, Technology, Engineer, Arts, and Mathematics) as she believes Arts (including Architecture) adds a more holistic vision to basic sciences and engineering.