MKB Datalab-Oost

For clients

MKB Datalab-Oost is available to a broad group of SMEs and (semi-)government institutions in Eastern Netherlands, regardless of their level of familiarity or experience with AI and data:

Data Buddy

Are you curious about the opportunities and possibilities of AI and data for your organisation, but not sure where to start? The Data Buddy programmes aims not only to identify AI opportunities but also to formulate a concrete AI project for your organisation.

• Scope: 40 hours
• Duration: 2–5 weeks (mostly on-site at the client)
• Result: a clear final report and presentation with a prioritized list of AI opportunities, including 2–3 opportunities developed into a step-by-step plan toward a concrete AI project ready to start immediately

AI Project

Do you already have a concrete AI or data-related question that an AI or Data Science student can work on? Under the supervision of an experienced university AI lecturer, a third-year bachelor’s or master’s student works on a single assignment over a period of 6 to 10 weeks. Through a kick-off meeting, mid-term review, and final presentation, the focus is on delivering a concrete result.

• Scope: 80 hours
• Duration: 6–10 weeks (hybrid: on-site at the client and at home or university)
• Result: often a working AI model (proof of concept) that delivers time savings, quality improvements, efficiency gains, or cost reductions

For both the Data Buddy and AI Project, the client pays a fixed fee based on a student rate. The student works on the assignment outside their formal study program, meaning they are not bound by academic requirements or schedules.

Results of previous projects

ACSI Publishing B.V. (European camping specialist in Andelst)

After 80 hours, the AI student delivered two working recommender models and ready-to-use Python code that the IT department could immediately build upon. The recommendations are used in email campaigns and in the new user profile on the website and app.

Hefas Brandbeveiliging (Duiven)

An AI model developed in 80 hours can automatically recognise and count fire detectors, emergency exits, and sprinklers in construction drawings through visual analysis, supporting quotations and project specifications.

Kolmeijer Makelaar (Nijmegen)

The 80-hour AI project resulted in a working model that reliably predicts which houses in the company’s database are likely to be listed for sale in the coming year.

Feedback from previous clients

“The Data Buddy Project is a perfect tool for SMEs that want to get started with AI and data and are looking for a broad and thorough analysis of opportunities and limitations within their situation.”
— Tom Kokke, Director, Berko Wijchen BV

“In the field of AI, the student achieved a major efficiency improvement in our production process. The student is very smart, but also able to connect with our production staff on the work floor, creating support and ensuring successful implementation.”
— Bart van Tol, Director, EKI B.V.

“The application that was built makes our process much more efficient. Automating analyses saves time and ensures consistent and reliable results every time. What surprised us most was how quickly the students understood the material and translated it into an automated solution.”
— Monic Schijvenaars, Board Member, Achterhoek VO

“The advantage of a student working on an AI application in your company is, firstly, the knowledge and expertise they bring. Secondly, while we do this ‘on the side,’ the student can fully focus on it.”
— Geert Klein Breteler, Director, Mextra

For students

Are you a third-year bachelor’s student in AI, or a master’s student in AI, Data Science, or another program that includes AI and basic programming knowledge (Python)?

And are you looking for a well-paid side job where you can gain relevant work experience, expand your professional network, develop business skills, and potentially kick-start your career? Then get in touch. Send a short motivation letter along with your CV and transcript.

Time commitment:

• Data Buddy: 40 hours over 2–5 weeks
• AI Project: 80 hours over 6–10 weeks (flexible scheduling in consultation with the client)

Work location:

• Data Buddy: first 20 hours on-site, second 20 hours flexible
• AI Project: hybrid (on-site at the client and/or at home or university)

Compensation:

• Student assistant rate via Campus Detachering
• Extracurricular (outside the study programme)
• Supervision by experienced AI lecturers from Radboud University

Results of previous student projects

• A master’s student in AI continued working freelance at EKI B.V. after completing three assignments via MKB Datalab-Oost
• A third-year AI bachelor’s student became an independent AI consultant at ACSI Publishing after a Data Buddy project
• Two Data Science master’s students completed three successful projects for Achterhoek VO and presented their results in August 2025 to 55 members of the Provincial Council of Gelderland

Our students about collaborating with an SME

How Simon Pals uses his AI expertise to support the Nijmegen-based company EKI

Master’s student in AI, Simon Pals, has yet to graduate from Radboud University, but through two successful projects with MKB Datalab-Oost, he has already applied a great deal of knowledge in practice.

“SMEs often don’t have the capacity to set up a large department where employees can focus purely on IT infrastructure, let alone AI applications. That’s exactly the kind of expertise I can bring.”

Read the full interview here