SmartyX

A portrait in video format can be found at the end

Dr. Sara Nasiri is the founder of SmartyX. Her company supports companies, which would like to have smart workspaces with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. SmartyX provides a 360° overview by analysing data from documents, images and processes using generative AI, explainable AI, and machine learning algorithms to identify current patterns and predict potential escalations. As a university tech startup, SmartyX collaborates with universities on AI research for industry 4.0.

How did you come up with the idea of founding your own business?

There are various possibilities to have a startup idea, but the only way to know is to do. Aside from that, it’s all just guessing! For me, it was always a goal to be independent. You can work according to your own ideas! My primary field of research interest is AI. Within AI, I am interested in problem-solving methods related to machine learning and text mining, and their interdisciplinary applications..

Is/was there support from the university or other networks?

We started our journey with the support of the NRW start-up grant. Subsequently, we developed our business plan, which outlined our vision, mission, and strategy. This was accomplished through the Exist start-up grant project Node 4.0. We learned how to build our company from our coaches first in the “IoT Accelerator Program”, and then in the “One Small Step-Boost” at the Entrepreneurship Center of University of Siegen in high-tech center of Summit and still collaborating with them by being our active users of MeeTask application.

What is special/innovative about your company??

SmartyX is innovative in its approach to melding AI with workspaces. By not just providing module-based solutions but also ensuring they are explainable (XAI). Our meeting task management application, MeeTask stands out for its seamless integration of AI technology into meeting management, offering automated transcription, intelligent task extraction and prioritization, and comprehensive meeting insights. SmartyX applications converge to redefine the future of smart offices, where every task is optimized, and every employee is empowered.

What advice would you give to other founders

Might I suggest: Stay passionate, but be adaptable. Learning from everything and everyone! You know, in every situation, I tell myself: No matter how I feel about it, whether good or bad, I just need to take a lesson from it! Contacts with other founders are also invaluable. They offer insights, share experiences, and provide a support system that's instrumental when navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

This portrait is based on an interview with Dr. Sara Nasiri in June 2024 and was written by Vera Joosten.

Here is the homepage of the startup.