crossroads magazine The University of Luxembourg’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) focuses on applied research. It collaborates with companies like Gulliver that bring real-world problems that don’t yet have a good solution on the market. “We have a dedicated Technology Transfer Office whose mission is to turn our research into practical impact. They look at partnerships, they talk to com- panies and they help us frame research questions that are grounded in real industrial needs,” explains Dr Antonio Ken Iannillo, Research Scientist at SnT. Working with SnT gives companies access to re- search expertise and human resources they don’t have in‑house. “They have the industrial problem and the data, and we bring the research skills and methods.” In Gulliver’s case, the collaboration with SnT is long-standing. “We started with an initial collabo- ration on a logistics problem.” There were tools for long-distance planning, but not for last‑mile logistics. “Together, we designed AI models that could automat- ically plan deliveries and pickups, and we integrated those into their software.” After the success of the first collaboration, the partners are now working on a new project focused on ensuring AI systems are reliable, don’t silently fail, and can be explained and trusted. “Logistics is again one of the verticals in the new project, but not the only one. We also look at robot- ics, human resource management and other use cas- es. The common thread is that we always start from a real problem a company wants to solve.” COMPANY SPOTLIGHT PARTNERS’ PERSPECTIVE When Gulliver was deciding where to set up its company for international markets, they had a clear idea of what they were going to do, the resources and developers they needed, and the investment they had to make. The undecided element was where to do it – in terms of reg- ulation and trust. For companies like Gulliver, Luxem- bourg Trade & Invest helps ensure they have the right information and contacts to make the right decisions. “In practical terms, that means introducing them to potential proof-of-concept clients, making sure they’re invited to the right networking events and connecting them to the people who matter in their market,” says David Foy, Head of International Busi- ness Relationships – Digital Economy at Luxinnova- tion, Luxembourg’s national innovation agency. Gulliver has become part of Luxembourg because they’re integrated into the ecosystem. A big part of the company’s success is its products and leadership, but it’s also about visibility. “Luxinnovation helps with that – through our newsletters, through trade missions and through making sure that when there’s a relevant event, like a startup or HR conference, Gulliver knows about it and can be on stage or at the table,” says Mr Foy. Once a company is interested in Luxembourg, Lux- innovation’s behind-the-scenes work begins. “We work closely with big corporations here who share their open innovation calls with us. If a company, for exam- ple, is looking for a specific technology, we can match that with startups like Gulliver and arrange those first meetings. It’s never about instant scaling; it’s about making Luxembourg the place where they can validate, certify and adapt their product for Europe.” Companies come to Luxembourg because of the mar- ket, a solid legal structure and the trust factor around the country’s brand. “Our job is to make sure they really have the perfect conditions: access to companies, access to funding where relevant and a support system that helps them make informed decisions about their next steps.” PARTNERS’ PERSPECTIVE Head of International Business Relationships - Digital Economy Luxinnovation Research Scientist SnT © Luxinnovation © SnT