Many of Europe's artificial intelligence start-ups have no AI

Two-fifths of Europe's artificial intelligence start-ups do not use any AI programmes in their products, according to a report that highlights the hype around the technology. The research by London-based investment firm MMC Ventures could not find any evidence, based on public information and interviews with executives, of artificial intelligence applications at 40 per cent of 2,830 AI start-ups in Europe. Nevertheless, the companies are often described as AI-focused, said David Kelnar, MMC's head of research, who added that many start-ups had plans to develop machine-learning programs, an application of AI that sees computers automatically learn and improve from experience, in the future. Skyscape, for example, a London-based start-up that analyses rooftops to find disused space for drone landings, urban farms and other projects, does not currently use machine learning or artificial intelligence, but is classified as an AI start-up. "Our work today is increasing our data and knowledge to allow the implementation of AI," said Brandon Bell, chief executive and founder.