JADS MKB Datalab launches 13 projects for 9 SMEs
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On Friday, 19 September 2025, JADS MKB Datalab kicked off a new round of projects. This time: 13 projects with 8 SME companies. From sustainable energy systems and circular construction to smart industrial automation and mobility data analysis, from practice-oriented learning solutions to strategic recruitment, and from international trade advice to digital product development. A wide mix of companies. Founded in 2018, JADS MKB Datalab aims to make data science and AI accessible for SMEs. While a digital transition can be a major step forward for smaller companies, they often don’t immediately see the value of data science and AI, don’t know where to start, or lack the skills to work with data. JADS MKB Datalab offers accessible solutions. During the kick-off session, companies were introduced and matched with the student consultants.
Over the past seven years, JADS MKB Datalab has helped a broad range of companies and delivered projects from simple to highly complex. The number of supported entrepreneurs now stands at over 200, while the number of completed projects has almost doubled, because many return for more. For master’s students working as independent consultants with JADS MKB Datalab, this proves that every company can get more out of data science and AI.
9 project partners at once
Friday, 19 September 2025 marked the kick-off for a new round of projects with 9 partners. The master’s students, including from JADS Data Science in Business and Entrepreneurship, will tackle well-scoped projects that help organizations become more data-driven. Companies such as Van Styn Rijnwoude, Qbus Duurzaam, Actemium, WESP, Xprtise, Maton, HIT Trading, GGD Hart voor Brabant and ITG Companies are taking their next step in creating value with Data and AI through thirteen projects.
The kick-off on the JADS campus was led by Anique Kuijpers, Virgil Sowirono and Jules Kuipers. During the session, SME companies pitched their challenges and met the student consultants.
Track record of JADS MKB Datalab: over 200 SME entrepreneurs supported across almost the double of projects.
Projects
A selection of projects the student consultants will work on with JADS MKB Datalab:
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Automation to save time – Companies want to reduce repetitive tasks. By implementing smart automations, they free up time for work that adds more value.
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Internal chatbots for better support – Organizations aim to improve internal knowledge sharing. With chatbots based on RAG models, employees get faster access to information and answers, boosting collaboration and efficiency.
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Data models for smarter energy use – Energy consumption is high on the agenda. By analyzing data and building predictive models, companies can optimize and reduce their energy use.
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Process mining for more efficient workflows – Mapping processes helps companies see where bottlenecks are. With process mining and optimization, inefficiencies are removed and workflows streamlined.
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Automating presentations – Creating reports and presentations often takes a lot of time. By automating this process, companies get faster and more consistent insights into their results.
Central kick-off adds extra insight
During a kick-off, companies present themselves and their challenges, and the students who will work on them introduce themselves as well. The students then make individual agreements on ways of working and communication with their assigned company. An eight-week project plan is guided by a JADS MKB Datalab professional. These sessions are inspiring, because they also show what companies from different sectors are doing to create value from data. The SME’s question is central, since students carry out the projects as a paid role alongside the curriculum. Besides delivering a defined project, students gain practical work experience, developing both soft skills and the hard skills from the program.
Curious how JADS MKB Datalab can help your SME?
Discover where the opportunities are for your organization. If you want to sharpen your business question in 2025, get in touch with our team. Read more on our JADS MKB Datalab page.
