ABOUT ECAIRE
WHO WE ARE
The European Centre for AI Research and Education (ECAIRE) is a strategically positioned organization based in Portugal, operating across Europe to support the EU’s ambition for a digitally sovereign, ethically grounded, and socially inclusive future.
ECAIRE functions as a multilateral knowledge-sharing hub, connecting academic institutions, public authorities, and industry partners to build the human and institutional capacity needed for responsible AI innovation. Our work brings together cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art education, and evidence-informed policymaking that not only drives forward AI advancements but also augments European values of ethics, equity, human dignity, and democratic oversight.
WHAT WE DO
It is at the heart of our mission to spearhead forward-looking AI research and educational initiatives across Portugal and Europe, in strategic alignment with the EU AI Act, GDPR, Ethical Guidelines, and DigComp 2.2. We are dedicated to inspiring learners, uplifting educators, upskilling workforce, and informing policymakers. Through collaboration with schools, industry partners, and research institutions, we create impactful programs, accessible resources, and extensive outreach. We channel AI towards a force for good, driving economic prosperity, social equity, and technological advancement.
In a landscape shaped by rapid technological change, ECAIRE contributes added value to the EU by:
Anchoring AI in education systems across levels and regions, sustaining inclusive access to future skills;
Spearheading ethical frameworks and regulatory alignment through rigorous research and multilateral dialogue;
Fostering transnational collaboration that supports digital cohesion and capacity-building throughout the continent.
Why ECAIRE?
AI is reshaping societies, economies, and learning environments at an unprecedented pace. While its potential spans from healthcare breakthroughs to climate solutions, the risks of bias, exclusion, and unchecked surveillance are equally profound. Europe’s response must be rooted in research-driven, human-centred innovation, so that AI serves people, communities, and democratic values rather than undermining them.
ECAIRE stands at this intersection of education, ethics, and innovation. By aligning with EU policy frameworks such as the AI Act, Digital Education Action Plan, and European Skills Agenda, ECAIRE develops learning ecosystems that are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and market-ready. Our programs equip K-12 learners, vocational trainees, and professionals with the knowledge and competences needed to responsibly design, deploy, and critique AI systems.
In doing so, ECAIRE positions itself as a catalyst for the EU EdTech market: advancing research-driven methodologies, fostering equitable access, and cultivating a generation prepared to lead in ethical, inclusive, and human-centred AI design.
