Nordic corporate bank SEB is co-investing in building a full-scale AI hub, named Combient mix. Financial details were not disclosed. Since its founding in early 2015, Combient has been providing AI and automation services to their network of 28 large enterprises. In order to further scale the efforts across the Nordics, while ensuring a responsible and holistic approach to AI, Combient have founded a subsidiary – Combient mix.
The goal of Combient mix is to develop a full-scale center for artificial intelligence that will support the companies that are part of Combient’s network when they make investments in AI and automation, providing services fuelled by specialized products, services and research to increase capability and speed in AI and automation across Nordic industries. In addition to SEB and the other co-investor, Scandinavian airline SAS, Combient has an ownership interest in Combient mix.
Access to the right skills is one of the biggest challenges within AI. Combient’s CEO Mats Agervi, and chair of the subsidiary Combient Mix, believes that only 10,000 data scientists in the world have the knowledge and experience required to solve very complex AI challenges. In Sweden, that number is about 250 individuals.
“With Combient mix, we are equipped to attract and secure the absolute top talent for our network of companies while accelerating progress in the field by collaborating across industries and countries,” says Mats Agervi, in a statement.
“Data is a key asset for SEB and its customers. Using AI ethically and efficiently to serve our customers is therefore a priority for us. By leveraging a unique competency pool like Combient mix together with other Combient companies, we take the natural next step into this area,” said Nicholas Moch, chief information officer, SEB, in a statement.