Maria Efthimiou

IEEE REGION 8 Action for Industry Initiative

 in About AfI / Action for Industry

IEEE brings people and technology together for mutual benefit since industry members are traditional majority of IEEE and important contributors to all IEEE actions.

 

Action for Industry (AfI) Sub-Committee is focused on providing membership value to companies. The essential programs currently include Mentorships, Internships, Industry Events & Initiatives, Industry Awards, Entrepreneurship etc.

 

IEEE can provide value for companies in many ways: Whether you are seeking career advancement, looking to start your own company, or need research and trend insights into emerging technologies, IEEE can help those who work in the engineering sciences, research, and technology areas.

 

If your company engaged with the IEEE Action for Industry, can benefit from the following:

 

1. Access the Internstional Talent Pool through the AfI Internship Program

 

  • The lifeblood of any company lies on capable young engineers.
  • The membership of IEEE includes over 84,000 student and graduate student members. These students are all highly educated, young professionals from wide range of technical backgrounds. Over 17,000 of them reside in Region 8.
  • Internships provide mutual benefits: young engineers gain valuable work experience and IEEE AfI can reach out these highly able young engineers with your job offers.
  • IEEE AfI leadership facilitates the placement process both by obtaining job descriptions from companies and vetting the student base to offer to the companies a selection of able young engineers to be matched by to the roles.

 

2. Skills Development though AfI Mentoring Program

 

  • The 400 000+ members of IEEE include highly experienced professionals from all levels of organizations across wide field of industries
  • Mentoring is support and guidance by some of these experienced professionals to develop the professionalism of those less experienced
  • The IEEE Mentoring Program is an online program that facilitates the matching of IEEE members for the purpose of establishing a mentoring. The platform is accessible through IEEE Collaboratec®

 

3. Influence and Access Standards Essential to Your Business

 

  • Engagement with development of standards provides you an opportunity to influence technical development of your business sector and make sure that your insights are taken into account in the standards.
  • Engaging with development of global IEEE standards can provide you significant competitive advantage over your competitors. IEEE nurtures, develops, and advances the building of global technologies and consumers around the world enjoy the benefits (ex: IEEE 802.11 – the WiFi standard, IEEE 802.3 – the Ethernet standard, etc.)

 

4. Skills Development through Education Programs

  • Educational programs of IEEE are a great way to develop skills & competences of your employees.
  • IEEE educational programs enable students and professionals to achieve their goals (Career Preparation, Continuing Education, iTunes U, Pre-University Programs, Professional Certification Programs, etc.)
  • IEEE programs open the eyes of youth to the possibilities of today’s and tomorrow’s technologies (TryEngineering.org, TryComputing.org, Teacher In-Service, etc.)

 

5. Knowledge and insight through IEEE Publications

 

  • IEEE publications, such as the IEEE Spectrum Magazine, provides you with an insight into a wide range of technical fields and helps you to develop your own vision of the future.
  • Technical articles from all IEEE journals and conferences made available to you via IEEE Xplore digital library, on the other hand, provides you with up-to-date undestanding of the state the technical domain relevant to your industry. IEEE Xplore is an IEEE intellectual property, with powerful search tools, nearly 4 million full-text articles and papers and users download more than 8 million documents per month.

 

6. Latest information and new contacts from Technical Conferences

  • Participation in conferences provides you an opportunity to hear state-of-the-art of research and technical development in your field
  • Conferences are also a great opportunity to network with both academics and companies in your technical field.
  • IEEE sponsors more than 1,800 conferences, attracting over 465,000 attendees from around the globe while publishing over 180,000 conference papers each year
  • IEEE offers technical events and scholarly conferences, providing an opportunity to both learn the latest on technologies and network with leading experts. The events often contain technical exhibitions that provide an opportunity for companies to present their commercial offering and also provide an opportunity to present own work to peers and submit technical papers to IEEE for publication.

 

7. Continued professional development through training activities

 

  • IEEE provides continued professional development for your staff through various training activities.
    • Continuing professional education online courses through the IEEE eLearning Library and the IEEE Learning Network. 
      • Online courses enable you to get up-to-date quickly on emerging technologies and trends.
      • Learners who pass course assessments through the IEEE Learning Network can earn IEEE digital certificates, including Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
      • Course topics span a wide array of technologies including machine learning, digital transformation, 5G, cyber security, ethical hacking, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, edge computing, autonomous vehicles, blockchain, smart grid, and more.
    • IEEE Courses | IEEE Xplore
  • IEEE, the world’s leading standard developer, is also a leading source of education and informational resources on standards, their applications, and their impact on designing new products, processes, and services.

 

Youtube linkedin

IEEE EUROCON 2023

 in News & Events

EUROCON is a major international forum for the exchange of ideas, theory basics, design methodologies, techniques and experimental results between academia, research institutions and practitioners from industry. It covers all fields of electrical and electronic engineering, ICT and computer science covered by IEEE Societies.

 

IEEE EUROCON 2023 is one of the flagship conferences of the IEEE Region 8 (the largest region of IEEE, including Europe, Africa, and Middle East). IEEE EUROCON 2023 provides a unique opportunity to bring together researchers and practitioners from different fields, to discuss on the latest developments in these fields and promote cross-disciplinary interactions needed in today’s engineering activities. IEEE Eurocon 2023 is the 20th edition or the Eurocon Conferences.

 

The conference will be held 6-8 July 2023 in Torino, Italy.

 

For more information please visit: https://2023.ieee-eurocon.org/

 

 

IEEE ISIE (International Symposium on Industrial Electronics) 2023

 in News & Events

The IEEE ISIE 2023 is the 32nd International Symposium on Industrial Electronics (ISIE), focusing on frontier technologies for industries, applications of electronics, controls, communications, instrumentation and computational intelligence. The objectives of the conference are to provide high quality research and professional interactions for the advancement of science, technology, and fellowship.

 

An industry session and visits to local industries will be organized during the event.

 

The event will be held 19-21 June 2023 in Helsinki-Espoo, Finland.

 

For more information please visit: https://2023.ieee-isie.org/

 

Industry Ambassadors

 in Industry Ambassadors

IEEE R8 Action for Industry will be enabled by engagement with Sections throughout R8. To achieve this engagement each Section is asked to appoint an Industry Ambassador amongst their local members to liaise with the AfI SIA Coordination team. The Industry Ambassadors are the main contact point to local industries. They are local representatives of AfI and the primary contact point to the local industries. Engagement of all Sections is vital to build strong relations with industry in the nations of R8.

 

SIA Coordination program is to nurture the network of Industry Ambassadors by providing support for their work. The SIA Coordination team maintains the record of SIAs, inducts new SIAs, supports SIA with their outreach to companies, for example, by providing them with relevant information on the value of engaging with IEEE and support for performing the formally engagement with companies by signing and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Number of meetings organized and MoUs signed are the KPIs for this program.

Entrepreneurship

 in Entrepreneurship

IEEE AfI entrepreneurship program is a structured and organized initiative designed to support individuals (IEEE members)
interested in starting and growing their own businesses or ventures. These programs provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the
knowledge, skills, resources, and mentorship needed to turn innovative ideas into successful enterprises. IEEE
Entrepreneurship encompasses activities that support and encourage IEEE members and the broader technical community to
engage in entrepreneurial ventures and innovation-driven endeavors.

 

The IEEE AfI Entrepreneurship initiative aims to bridge the gap between industry and entrepreneurship, fostering an ecosystem
that empowers innovators and accelerates technological advancement.

 

This program focuses on the following key objectives:

  • Promote Entrepreneurial Culture among IEEE members where IEEE AfI collaborate with Industry to instill an
    entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging employees to innovate, identify opportunities, and take calculated risks.
  • Provide mentoring, pitching, and networking opportunities to startups and small enterprises, enabling them to thrive and scale their innovative ventures.
  • Facilitate partnerships between industries and academic institutions, creating a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and collaborative research.
  • Provide awareness campaigns and training on emerging technologies, encouraging industries to adopt innovative solutions and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
  • Celebrate successful industry entrepreneurs through awards, accolades, and recognition, inspiring others to embrace entrepreneurship.

Milestones

Empowering Innovators: IEEE AfI Entrepreneurship Mentorship Program

IEEE AfI Entrepreneurship Mentorship Program, a transformative initiative that will foster a culture of innovation, knowledge
exchange, and entrepreneurial spirit within the IEEE community. This program aims to bring together professionals, Young
Professionals (YPs), and students on a journey of mentorship, collaboration, and personal growth.

 

The main primary goal is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs among IEEE members, providing them with guidance and support
to transform their innovative ideas into successful ventures. Through this mentorship, professionals will share their expertise,
YPs will gain valuable insights from seasoned entrepreneurs, and students will receive guidance to navigate their
entrepreneurial endeavors.

 

Participating professionals will have the opportunity to give back to the community, share their expertise, and gain fresh
perspectives from mentees. YPs will receive valuable guidance to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, accelerating
their career growth. Students will benefit from mentorship by experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their chances of successful ventures and career pathways.

 

The IEEE AfI Entrepreneurship Mentorship Program will cultivate an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration, driving
technological advancements and creating a positive impact on society. By empowering professionals, YPs, and students alike,
we will lay the foundation for a brighter, more entrepreneurial future within the IEEE community.

IEEE Entrepreneurship Day: Igniting Innovation and Empowering Entrepreneurs

IEEE Entrepreneurship Day, a flagship event dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and empowering
aspiring entrepreneurs within the IEEE community.

 

The IEEE Entrepreneurship Day aims to:

  • Showcase successful entrepreneurial ventures, sharing inspiring stories of IEEE members who have turned innovative ideas into impactful businesses.
  • Conduct workshops, seminars, and panel discussions on essential entrepreneurial skills, market trends, funding opportunities, and startup strategies.
  • Facilitate networking opportunities for participants to connect with industry experts, mentors, investors, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
  • Provide a platform for startups and innovators to showcase their groundbreaking technologies and solutions.

Event Highlights of the day:

  • Keynote speeches by renowned entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
  • Interactive workshops on business planning, design thinking, and product development.
  • Pitch competitions for startups to present their ideas to potential investors.
  • Mentorship sessions for students and young professionals aspiring to venture into entrepreneurship.

The IEEE Entrepreneurship Day will be a pivotal event in empowering our community to embrace innovation and
entrepreneurial spirit. By fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration, we aim to ignite a culture of entrepreneurship that
drives technological advancements and creates a positive impact worldwide.

Business Plan & Proposal Writing Webinars

IEEE AfI Entrepreneurship webinars focusing on Business Plan & Proposal Writing, aimed at equipping aspiring entrepreneurs
with essential skills to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.

 

The webinars’ primary objectives are to:

  • Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the key components of a well-structured business plan and proposal, including market analysis, financial projections, and value propositions.
  • Offer practical tips and techniques for effective business plan and proposal writing, ensuring clarity, persuasiveness, and professionalism.
  • Encourage participants to refine their entrepreneurial concepts and align them with market demands, increasing their chances of securing funding and partnerships.
  • Facilitate networking opportunities with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to gain valuable insights and potential mentorship.

The series will consist of interactive sessions, case studies, and Q&A segments, enabling participants to engage actively and
apply the knowledge gained to their entrepreneurial endeavors.

 

By hosting the IEEE Entrepreneurship Business Plan & Proposal Writing webinars, we aim to empower our community with
the essential skills to articulate their innovative visions effectively, increasing their chances of success and contributing to the
growth of technological innovation within the IEEE ecosystem.

IEEE AfI R8 Entrepreneurship Month

IEEE R8 Entrepreneurship Month, a month-long initiative spanning from October to December, dedicated to promoting
entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs within IEEE Region 8.

 

The IEEE R8 Entrepreneurship Month aims to:

  • Showcase successful entrepreneurial stories from within Region 8, demonstrating the transformative power of innovation.
  • Conduct a series of webinars, workshops, and panel discussions on crucial entrepreneurial skills, business strategies, and technology trends.
  • Facilitate mentorship programs connecting experienced entrepreneurs with young professionals and students to provide guidance and support.
  • Offer networking events and virtual meetups, allowing participants to connect with industry experts, potential partners, and investors.

Event Highlights:

  • Entrepreneurial Success Stories where invited speakers and case studies from successful startups and innovative ventures.
  • Skill Development Workshops are organized focused sessions on business planning, marketing, funding strategies, and intellectual property management.
  • Mentor-Mentee Matchmaking where connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with seasoned mentors for personalized guidance takes place.
  • Pitch Competitions which present opportunities for startups to present their ideas to potential investors and receive valuable feedback.

The IEEE R8 AfI Entrepreneurship Month will serve as a catalyst to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit within the Region 8 community. By providing a platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and mentorship, we aspire to empower entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impactful ventures, contributing to technological advancements and socioeconomic growth within our region.

Create Entrepreneurship Forum Group on

IEEE R8 Entrepreneurship Forum: Fostering Collaborative Knowledge Sharing on Collabratec IEEE R8 AfI Entrepreneurship Forum on Collabratec, a dynamic online platform that will bring together IEEE Ambassadors, entrepreneurs, and aspiring innovators to foster collaborative knowledge sharing and empower the entrepreneurial ecosystem within IEEE Region 8.

 

The IEEE R8 Entrepreneurship Forum aims to:

  • Provide a virtual space for entrepreneurs and Ambassadors to share experiences, best practices, and valuable insights on entrepreneurship, business strategies, and technology trends.
  • Offer a platform for participants to connect with like-minded individuals, potential partners, and mentors, fostering networking opportunities that can lead to fruitful collaborations.
  • Encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance and support from experienced Ambassadors and successful entrepreneurs, gaining practical advice for their entrepreneurial journeys.
  • Promote entrepreneurship within IEEE Region 8 by highlighting successful regional startups and projects.

Event Highlights:

  • Virtual Panels and Fireside Chats where expert panels and interactive sessions featuring successful entrepreneurs, ambassadors, and industry leaders sharing their experiences and insights.
  • Workshops and Webinars of skill-building sessions on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning, marketing, funding, and innovation management.
  • Virtual Networking Sessions where Interactive networking events to facilitate meaningful connections between Ambassadors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
  • Showcase of Regional Startups a platform to showcase and celebrate the innovative ventures emerging within IEEE Region 8.

The IEEE R8 Entrepreneurship Forum on Collabratec will act as a catalyst to invigorate the entrepreneurial spirit within
Region 8. By promoting knowledge sharing, networking, and mentorship, we aim to empower innovators, fostering a culture of
entrepreneurship that drives technological advancement and economic growth in the region.

IEEE/Industry Business Volunteering Program

IEEE/Industry Business Volunteering Program, a collaborative initiative aimed at leveraging the expertise of IEEE members
and industry professionals to support and empower local communities through volunteering and pro bono business services.

 

The IEEE/Industry Business Volunteering Program aims to:

  • Provide businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with access to expert advice, mentorship, and resources to enhance their sustainability and growth.
  • Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology expertise from IEEE members and industry professionals to businesses, promoting innovation and efficiency.
  • Engage in projects that have a positive social impact, supporting nonprofits, startups, and social enterprises to address community challenges.
  • Forge connections between IEEE, industry partners, and local communities, fostering long-term collaborations that promote mutual growth and development.

Program Structure

  • Pair IEEE volunteers and industry experts with businesses based on their skillsets and the specific needs of the recipients.
  • Organize short-term projects or initiatives, such as business consulting, technology assessments, marketing strategies, and financial planning.
  • Provide training sessions and workshops to help businesses develop their capacities, such as digital transformation, technology integration, and entrepreneurship skills.
  • Regularly assess the impact of the program on participating businesses and communities, identifying success stories and areas for improvement.

Benefits

  • Access to expert advice and resources, enhanced business strategies, and increased competitiveness in the market.
  • Opportunities to apply their skills and expertise to address real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference.
  • Strengthened local economies, improved social initiatives, and lasting partnerships between IEEE and industry stakeholders.

The IEEE/Industry Business Volunteering Program will harness the collective knowledge and expertise of IEEE members and
industry professionals to uplift communities, drive innovation, and create a positive social impact. Through strategic
collaboration and dedicated volunteering efforts, we aim to foster sustainable growth and empower businesses and nonprofits,
leaving a lasting legacy of positive change.

Partnerships

 in Partnerships

Commitment of companies to collaborate with various programs is a key to the success of many AfI program.

 

IEEE Africon 2023

 in News

IEEE AFRICON 2023 is co-sponsored by IEEE Region 8 and the IEEE Kenya Section and is the flagship conference for the African continent.

 

It will be held in Nairobi, Kenya on 20th – 22nd September 2023 under the theme:

 

“Advancing Technology in Africa Towards Presence on the Global Stage”.

 

Website: https://2023.ieee-africon.org/

 

IEEE Education Week

 in News

IEEE Education Week, taking place 2-8 April 2023, is a celebration of the many ways that IEEE Volunteers and Members make an impact on education at every level around the globe. The Education Week website, at https://educationweek.ieee.org/, offers links to live and virtual events, educational resources, and special offers. During the week, IEEE Members will have the opportunity to earn participation points and a digital badge while experiencing the many educational offerings IEEE makes available, from continuing education, to university offerings for faculty and students, to STEM educational initiatives. IEEE President Saifur Rahman will also present a special virtual event to help kick off the week on Monday, 3 April 2023.

 

Make sure that your Region’s educational offerings and events are featured

 

All IEEE-affiliated groups, including Regions, are invited to submit content to be featured on the Education Week website. Simply visit the website and click Submit on the top menu to get started. You can also submit events using IEEE vTools.Events.