Data meets AI: key impressions from DSC Europe 24

At a time when companies are under pressure to leverage huge amounts of data, it’s not surprising that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as primary technologies in the field of data analysis. If data is the fuel, then AI is the engine.  

At the Data Science Conference Europe 24, an international AI and data conference held last month in Belgrade, Serbia, tech experts in the region explored the evolving relationship between data and AI.  

The conference included over 400 talks and 80 tech tutorials covering data analytics, data visualization, AI, and ML. As a tech-first, grassroots event, DSC creates a welcoming environment for data science professionals to meet and share ideas.  

HTEC contributed to the conversation with a significant presence at the conference, which took place Nov. 18 – 22 at the Metropol Palace Hotel. 

Through a series of talks, HTEC domain experts Milan Stankic , Boris Paunović , Igor Đorđević , Ognjen Milicevic , Igor Ševo , Mersiha Karamustafić , and Slavoljub Atanasovski explored the technical and business impact of data analytics, AI, and ML from various points of view. 

Read on for highlights and takeaways from HTEC’s sessions.  

HTEC speaker sessions: Spreading the word about data-AI synergy 

 Optimizations of AI inference: the role of ML compiler and hardware innovations 

Speaker: Milan Stankić, senior engineering & delivery lead, HTEC 

  In his session, Milan explored the role of ML compilers and hardware in improving AI performance. He explained that ML compilers are important because they turn complex AI models into instructions that computers can run efficiently, allowing AI systems to execute tasks smoothly without delays. Milan also discussed the challenges of working with large language models (LLMs), including how their size can negatively impact the performance of the AI system in which the LLM functions. To address these challenges, he shared techniques to mitigate bottlenecks and help AI systems work faster and better. Finally, Milan discussed new trends in hardware design and how better hardware architectures create new possibilities for using AI. 

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Event analytics – from unstructured to insightful 

Speakers: Boris Paunović and Igor Đorđević, tech leads & senior data engineers, HTEC 

  Boris and Igor shared how HTEC helped a client improve their data management processes. The company’s goals were to handle new types of data and meet changing business needs. They walked the audience through each step of the process, explaining how HTEC helped the client collect data and turn it into useful tools like reports, visualizations, and predictions. Boris and Igor used this and other examples to show how HTEC helps companies solve common data-related problems and work smarter. 

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Intelligent interfaces and operating systems 

Speaker: Igor Ševo, head of artificial intelligence, HTEC   

In this session, Igor shared a vision of the future where AI-powered automation is driven by digital and physical agents working together. For this to work in practice though, there needs to be a system that helps these agents communicate and collaborate.  

Igor explained how HTEC built a “hybrid toy operating system” that combines the flexibility of current LLMs with the structured logic of traditional programming. This new, hybrid approach allows programs to be written in a mix of natural language and code, creating an application that blends prompts, programs, and user interfaces. Igor concluded that HTEC’s experiments and toy models show promise for future operating systems where AI agents and user interfaces can work together seamlessly. 

Blockchain analytics with Dune 

Speaker: Mersiha Karamustafić, data scientist, HTEC   

Mersiha’s session examined the influence of data and AI on blockchain industries. Specifically, she discussed how Dune — a web-based platform that allows users to aggregate public blockchain data into dashboards — can transform raw, on-chain data into actionable insights. One of the highlights of Mersiha’s session was her ability to clearly explain blockchain analytics to audience members of all skill levels. 

“As DSC Europe speakers, my colleagues and I had an incredible opportunity to share how we help companies turn unstructured data into valuable insights that lead to better business decisions.”  — Igor Đorđević, tech lead & senior data engineer at HTEC 

 Panel: AI solutions for enhancing customer loyalty and engagement 

Moderater: Slavoljub Atanasković, digital product & partnerships manager, HTEC   

Slavoljub moderated this thought-provoking panel made up of ecommerce engineers and data scientists. The panelists explored how AI is improving personalized customer interactions, predictive analytics, and tailored recommendations. Speakers discussed successful case studies as well as the ethical and practical challenges of deploying AI to build customer relationships.   

Panel: Revolutionizing healthcare business models for the digital age 

Moderater: Ognjen Milićević, ML tech lead, HTEC   

Given his expertise in healthcare and life sciences technologies, Ognjen was the perfect choice to moderate this panel discussing strategies for applying AI and data science in healthcare, pharma, and life sciences environments. The panel included Sinisa Slijepcevic, founder & CEO of Cantab Pi, and Marijana Vasilescu, CEO of MediGroup. 

Serious about data and AI, but still having fun at the booth 

As a long-time sponsor of DSC Europe, HTEC recognizes the value of participating in industry events. This year’s conference left the entire HTEC team inspired and energized.  

 HTEC’s presence extended beyond the stage to the expo area, where the company booth was a hub of activity. Visitors competed in data science and AI quizzes for prizes. The quizzes created a buzz and attracted a steady stream of participants, turning the booth into a vibrant meeting place. Daily celebrations for winners only increased the positive energy. 

Summing up the DSC Europe 24 experience, Igor Đorđević said: 

“Events like DSC Europe are platforms to learn from brilliant minds in the field, spark new ideas, and, perhaps most importantly, build connections that can help HTEC to keep progressing in data and AI.” 

  For enterprises looking to broaden their AI usage, HTEC is actively helping clients pilot and deploy production-ready data analytics and AI solutions across their organizations.  

Are you ready to drive the future of data analytics and artificial intelligence? Connect with an HTEC expert.