At this year’s 6th Interdisciplinary Data Science Conference (iDSC) from May 26th-28th 2025 in Salzburg, thought leaders and innovators came together to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and tackling regional and global issues.
Reinhard Portenkirchner and Werner Kaltner-Pomwenger, who are both members of the Interreg Alpine Space project CEFoodCycle, gave a presentation on: CEFoodCycle: AI-Driven Innovations for Closing Food Cycles and Enhancing Sustainability.
The talk drew attention to one of today’s most pressing issues: food waste and inefficient resource use. They presented Foodcycle.ai, a tool developed throughout the Interreg Alpine Space project CEFoodCycle. This web application uses cutting-edge AI models to optimise every stage of the food cycle, from production and distribution to consumption and recycling. By analysing user input, Foodcycle.ai connects food waste to potential solutions. The system provides actionable insights supported by an environmental impact analysis to support strategic decisions, help reduce waste, lower emissions and improve sustainability outcomes. This project demonstrates how collaboration between data science, environmental studies and food technology can pave the way for a more sustainable future.
The presentation was well received by conference attendees, sparking discussion about the role of data-driven innovation in achieving global sustainability goals, and emphasising how AI can be a catalyst for positive environmental change.