On November 26, 2024, the Maritime University of Constanța hosted an exciting edition of the Student Innovation Competition, organised by the University’s Entrepreneurial Society (SAS-UMC). The event brought together creative and business-minded students eager to showcase their innovative business ideas — many of which integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a core component for future-ready solutions in retail.

As a follow-up to the presentation of the INAIR – Increasing the Uptake of AI in Retail project to representatives of the Department of Transportation Management, this competition served as a practical example of how AI can be implemented in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Throughout the competition, several student projects proposed AI-driven solutions for inventory management, customer behaviour prediction, and automated decision-making in retail. These forward-thinking concepts demonstrated not only the students’ creativity but also their understanding of how AI can drive efficiency and innovation in today’s retail industry.

The business community, represented by professionals and mentors in the jury panel, played a key role in evaluating and validating these ideas, offering valuable feedback and bridging the gap between academia and real-world application.

This event highlights the ongoing commitment of UMC and TEAM4Excellence to foster entrepreneurial education and digital skills development. By promoting AI in retail through hands-on learning and collaborative events, we empower students to become the digital innovators of tomorrow.

Location: Constanta, Romania
Date: 26.11.2024