Trustworthy AI platforms, sovereign cloud infrastructures, and practical technologies for SMEs — that’s exactly what CONVOTIS is working on as part of the European flagship project DeployAI.
In this interview, our Group COO José Lopez discusses CONVOTIS’ role in developing the platform, the importance of technological responsibility within an EU consortium — and how European strategies are turning into tangible solutions for businesses.
The European AI-on-Demand platform has officially launched. What does this launch mean for you — and for CONVOTIS?
The launch marks a major milestone — for Europe and for CONVOTIS. As a key implementation partner, we were responsible from day one for turning the EU Commission’s vision into reality: building a platform that not only delivers technological excellence but also establishes trust. Trust in data privacy, transparency, and the usability of AI — especially for SMEs.
Why do you think such a platform is even necessary?
Because many companies — especially small and medium-sized enterprises — feel excluded from AI innovation. Too complex, too expensive, too insecure. DeployAI closes exactly this gap. It’s about providing solutions that businesses can use immediately — without compromising on sovereignty or control.
Especially in times of geopolitical tensions and growing dependencies, it is crucial to retain key technological capabilities within Europe — and to maintain control over data, infrastructure, and value creation.
What exactly was CONVOTIS’ contribution to the project?
We were responsible for core components of the platform: the DevOps infrastructure, AI integration interfaces, the eCommerce marketplace, and the backend enterprise portal. But above all, we ensured that the platform is not only technically robust but also practical and usable — for startups, SMEs, and public authorities alike.
Our role was to bridge the gap between European ambition and real-world business needs.
From an implementation perspective, what was the biggest challenge in this project?
Without a doubt — the complexity. 28 partners from 13 countries, different requirements and priorities — all within a highly dynamic technology environment involving multiple research institutions.
It wasn’t just about delivering excellent technology. It was about creating a shared understanding of how trust, sovereignty, and usability should be embedded into the platform for industries and SMEs.
From database architecture to user experience, technical, legal, and design requirements had to be aligned — across national borders and system boundaries.
How did CONVOTIS manage this complexity?
Through clear structures. Across all technical workstreams, we focused on modularity, reusability, and security. Internally, we set up a dedicated team to bridge the gap between solution architecture and operational delivery — working in an agile, focused manner and always with the end user in mind.
Why was interoperability so critical for DeployAI — and how did CONVOTIS implement it technically?
Interoperability was a key success factor. Our task was to design interfaces that seamlessly connect different technologies, vendors, and use cases — without creating lock-in effects but based on clear standards.
The result: a platform that integrates smoothly into existing IT landscapes rather than replacing them.
What are the key learnings you’ve taken from this project?
One thing above all: European platform projects can succeed — if technology and user focus, research and industry expertise go hand in hand. Trust isn’t created through regulation alone — it emerges when solutions genuinely meet market needs.
Europe already has the knowledge, the tools, the practical expertise, and operational AI factories. DeployAI makes this potential visible, accessible — and immediately usable for businesses.