Attending Reykjavík Artificial Intelligence-Festival 2025

This year marked the 20th anniversary of CADIA, the Center for Analysis and Design of Intelligent Agents, at Háskóli Íslands (University of Iceland). The milestone was recognized with the annual Reykjavik AI Festival and a thought-provoking conference focused on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping society.

The Conference: AI & Society

The event began with the conference titled “AI & Society: Bridging Innovation and Responsibility”, which brought together professionals from technology, business, public services, and academia to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.

A key highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Serge Belongie, Head of the AI Pioneer Center in Copenhagen. Belongie, an expert in computer vision and machine learning, shared his insights on how advancements in AI can be harnessed to drive innovation while addressing ethical responsibilities. His emphasis on the intersection of cutting-edge research and societal impact set the tone for the conference, underscoring the importance of developing AI technologies responsibly.

AI Festival: Showcasing the Future of AI

Following the conference, the Reykjavik AI Festival offered an opportunity to explore the latest developments in AI research. The festival featured sessions that highlighted cutting-edge projects and innovations in the field. Attendees had the chance to engage with researchers and delve into topics shaping the future of AI, from innovative applications to ethical considerations.

Among the notable presentations, Saga Úlfarsdóttir, an AI consultant, provided an engaging demonstration of how AI works. She explained why AI often produces common themes in its outputs, linking it to the structure and composition of training data. By showing how training data influences patterns in AI results, Saga highlighted the importance of understanding data biases and their implications for AI applications.

Two Decades of Excellence

CADIA’s 20th anniversary highlighted its significant contributions to the field, influencing how intelligent agents are designed and advancing the conversation around AI’s role in society.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the collaborative effort required to ensure AI benefits humanity. By fostering dialogue, showcasing innovation, and emphasizing responsibility, CADIA continues to lead the way in shaping a future where AI can be both transformative and ethical.