Between June 24 and 28, the DFOS 24 (Derivative-Free Optimization Symposium 2024) conference was held in Padua, an event of international significance in the field of derivative-free optimization. The conference featured the participation of global experts who shared their latest research and innovations. Deix was a sponsor of the event, and Giampaolo Liuzzi, a founding partner of Deix and a member of our scientific committee, played a prominent role as a member of the organizing committee.

**The Importance of DFOS 24**

From June 26 to 28, Padua became the focal point for the academic and industrial communities interested in derivative-free optimization. Derivative-Free Optimization (DFO) comprises techniques for optimizing complex objective functions without the need to compute derivatives. This approach is extremely useful in many industrial applications where the objective function is difficult to model or where derivatives are hard or impossible to calculate. Examples include the optimization of manufacturing processes, the design of complex engineering systems, and the resolution of problems with noisy or incomplete data.

**Contributions from Deix and Giampaolo Liuzzi**

Giampaolo Liuzzi presented several cutting-edge research papers on derivative-free optimization methods, demonstrating how these can be applied in practical contexts. For instance, among the projects he is responsible for, the BIODRONES project is one of the most interesting. This project aims to develop autonomous underwater vehicles with biology-inspired shapes and functions, using advanced simulation and optimization algorithms for efficient design.

At Deix, the fusion of academic research and practical applications is the cornerstone of our success. Our mission is to provide innovative, tailor-made solutions to our clients, enhancing their market competitiveness. We are proud to sponsor and actively participate in events like DFOS 24, which allow us to stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in our field.

Participating in DFOS 24 has allowed Deix to consolidate its position as a leader in mathematical optimization and to strengthen its network of academic and industrial collaborations. We will continue to work with passion and dedication to drive innovation and develop solutions that truly make a difference.

DFOS 24 Conference in Padua

Deix had the pleasure of participating in the WMF 2024 at the "KNOWLEDGE SHARE area - Where Innovation Happens". We had the opportunity to meet so many innovative startups and cutting-edge companies, all united by a great interest in the world of innovation.

At our booth, and during our pitch, we presented our approach of Mathematical Intelligence. Thanks to the integration of mathematical modeling and Artificial Intelligence algorithms, we showcased the unique potential of our solutions, capable of bringing innovation and tangible improvements to business processes.

We had stimulating discussions and laid the groundwork for possible future collaborations. A special thanks to everyone who visited our stand. We are excited about the future prospects and look forward to continuing this journey towards innovation together with you.

Deix was at the WMF event in Bologna

We Make Future 2024

In the digital era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly central role in our daily lives. However, many of its internal mechanisms remain shrouded in mystery, encapsulated in what experts refer to as "black box" models. These complex systems, while extremely powerful, often lack something fundamental: interpretability.

Recent studies are paving the way to make these models not only more effective but also more understandable. Through the use of mathematical optimization methods, researchers are developing techniques to "open up" these black boxes, making AI more transparent and accessible to everyone.

Mathematical optimization, a branch of applied mathematics that deals with finding the best possible outcome within a given set of parameters, is proving to be crucial in this process. By employing advanced algorithms, it is possible to analyze and modify AI models to make them not only more efficient but also easier to interpret.

A recent study, titled "Supervised feature compression based on counterfactual analysis" (Piccialli, Veronica, Dolores Romero Morales, 2023), marks a significant step in this direction. The main goal of this work is to improve transparency and understandability using a technique called "counterfactual analysis." Counterfactual explanations seek to answer questions such as: "What would need to change in a given input to achieve a different outcome?" For example, if a model determines that a customer is not eligible for a loan, counterfactual analysis could indicate what changes in the customer's data could lead to a positive decision.

The article proposes a method to utilize the information obtained from counterfactual explanations to construct a decision tree, which is a type of machine learning model much easier to understand because it can be visualized as a series of binary questions and answers (yes/no). The created tree seeks to mimic the behavior of the original model but in a much more transparent form. The significant advantage of this approach is that it makes machine learning models more transparent and trustworthy, especially in sensitive sectors such as healthcare and finance, where understanding the "why" behind a decision can be crucial.

Mathematical optimization plays a crucial role in the article, being the key to implementing and improving the proposed methodology of supervised feature compression based on counterfactual analysis, allowing the authors to transition from an opaque and complex machine learning model to one that is more interpretable and transparent.

Numerical results on real-world datasets confirm the effectiveness of this approach, not only in terms of accuracy but also in reducing the complexity of the model. This study opens up new perspectives for making AI more transparent and trustworthy, a crucial step towards the ethical and responsible adoption of these technologies in our daily lives.

Deix stands out in the technological landscape thanks to its unique ability to integrate advanced expertise in applied mathematics, optimization, and numerical simulation with the most modern techniques of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This synergy creates a powerful combination that we call "Mathematical Intelligence." This approach not only improves the understanding and ethics of AI models but also significantly increases their reliability and accuracy.

Deix's experts, with solid academic roots and extensive experience in the fields of mathematical optimization and AI, are developing innovative methodologies to "decrypt" complex AI models. This pioneering work not only opens up new avenues in building transparent AI models but also sets a new standard for the responsible and conscious use of AI in critical contexts such as health, safety, and finance.

Deix's commitment to making artificial intelligence more accessible and understandable goes beyond mere technological improvement. The goal is to build solid trust between users and advanced technologies. By facilitating a greater understanding of how decisions are made by AI systems, Deix not only aims to democratize AI technology but also to strengthen the bond of trust with society. This transparency is essential for true accountability and social acceptance of advanced technologies.

Deix's commitment to **"Mathematical Intelligence"** is not just a matter of efficiency but an ethical choice aimed at ensuring that the technologies we build improve people's lives sustainably and fairly.

In conclusion, as we continue to navigate the complex world of AI, it is essential that we do not lose sight of the importance of transparency and interpretability. Research efforts in this field not only enhance our technological capabilities but also strengthen the bond of trust between humanity and the machines we choose to build.

Making "black box" models understandable

Mathematics at the service of Artificial Intelligence

Deix's recent participation in Rimini's AI Week proved to be an extraordinary experience for our team, represented by Jacopo Corno, Head of Business Solutions, Mattia Satta, Lead Data Scientist, and our OTTOZEROUNO partners. The event provided an opportunity to meet numerous companies, including potential clients and partners, fostering fruitful exchanges and future collaborations.

Throughout the event, we attended various speeches and panels, making sure we are always on top of emerging market trends, discovering new technologies, and sharing industry best practices. A special thanks goes to Giacinto and Pasquale, the organizers, for their excellent work in making AI Week one of the most significant events in the Italian innovation landscape.

The choice of Rimini as the location further enhanced the event, with its welcoming and stimulating atmosphere. This experience not only reinforced our commitment to technological advancement but also expanded our network of strategic contacts in the AI sector.

A Synergy of Innovation and Collaboration

AI Week 2024

Deix has been selected from over 100 startups and SMEs for the final phase of the call "Data-Driven Innovation: Chambers of Commerce and Startups Together for a Digital Italy".
We presented our [JINN](https://www.deix.ai/en/solutions/products/jinn) platform to support the data management of the Chambers of Commerce and enable new types of interaction and analysis.

Congratulations to the other 4 companies selected: Aries Tech, BlueTensor, KAPTO AI, and Ujiboo.

A big thank you goes to Unioncamere, InfoCamere, and the Chambers of Commerce who recognized the potential of our innovative solutions.

[Comunicato Stampa Infocamere](https://www.infocamere.it/dam/jcr:6234c106-7c42-4145-b9ae-3131ee8cfddb/Challenge_Open_Innovation_Comunicato_Stampa_26032024.pdf)

Winners of the InfoCamere Data-Driven Innovation Challenge

In the historic setting of the Mathematics Department of the Sapienza University in Rome, the MAT/LAV event was held, a day dedicated to the connection between the academic world and the business sector, with the goal of opening doors for mathematics students to new and exciting professional opportunities. Deix, confirming its commitment to promoting innovation and research, had the honor of participating in this important initiative, along with other significant entities like e-GEOS, Thales, Iconsulting, and BIP.

During the event, Jacopo Corno, Head of Business Solutions at Deix, had the opportunity to present our company, offering the attendees a detailed look at the research and development activities that characterize Deix. The MAT/LAV event represented a unique occasion for mathematics students to get closer to the world of work, discovering how the skills acquired during their academic journey can be applied in concrete, innovative, and challenging projects. Deix, with its participation, wanted to emphasize the importance of a solid bridge between universities and industry, essential to foster a fertile exchange of ideas and skills.

Furthermore, some potential master's thesis proposals were presented, offering students the chance to collaborate on cutting-edge projects ranging from generative AI and LLMs to the most sophisticated optimization techniques. This collaboration represents a fundamental step towards the integration of students into the workforce, allowing them to engage with a young and passionate team, and to actively contribute to the development of innovative technological solutions.

Deix is proud to have taken part in the MAT/LAV event, an occasion that strengthens our bond with the academic world and confirms our commitment to innovation and the training of young talents.

Innovation and opportunities at the heart of mathematics

Deix at MAT/LAV

Combining Technology and Sustainability to Create the Cities of the Future

Jacopo Corno, Head of Business Solutions at Deix, participated in a focus group as part of the European Desire project, which aims to transform the green transition into an irresistible and desirable reality. The event, organized by PlusValue at the MIND area (Milan Innovation District), provided a unique platform for professionals from various sectors to discuss and jointly design the city of the future.

The Desire project, part of the New European Bauhaus initiative of the European Commission, aims to bridge the gap between art, culture, education, science, and technology in the green transition. With the goal of engaging a new generation of green-social builders and artists, Desire adopts five design principles for the green transition: Circularity, Belonging, Biodiversity, Movement, and Aesthetics

In the context of the focus group, Deix played a fundamental role, highlighting how emerging technologies can be vital in data collection and analysis, in creating multimodal experiences, and in promoting a more sustainable and attractive environment.

A central theme that emerged during the focus group was the need to return to co-design. This collaborative approach, which combines different skills and experiences, is crucial for creating spaces that meet the needs of everyone. Deix emphasized the importance of integrating digital technology in this process, to ensure that the cities of the future. The event laid the groundwork for future collaborations between experts in urban planning, architecture, sustainable mobility, hospitality, and technology.

Deix's participation in the Desire project not only highlights the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation but also lays the foundation for a future where technology and design go hand in hand in creating greener, more inclusive, and beautiful urban spaces.

The Contribution of Deix to the Desire Project

Deix & eGEOS in collaboration with ESA

We are excited to announce our recent collaboration with eGEOS in the EO4SECURITY project, a pioneering initiative funded by the European Space Agency. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of innovation in maritime security, combining our advanced expertise in multi-sensor data fusion and satellite analysis.

**SAR Satellites and AIS Tracking: A Revolutionary Synergy**

Our goal? To revolutionize maritime traffic monitoring. How? By integrating and analyzing data from SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites with AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, creating cutting-edge models and algorithms. This synergy allows us to track and analyze maritime dynamics with unprecedented precision.

**Deix's Excellence in Optimization and Machine Learning**

Deix brings to the table its deep expertise in mathematical optimization and machine learning. We are at the forefront of scientific research, developing innovative methodologies that not only address but also surpass the current challenges in maritime security.

Our commitment to EO4SECURITY is not just an academic exercise. It involves applying our research and technologies to a real problem, enabling the recognition of abnormal behaviors and optimizing the tasking of satellite resources.

This collaboration with eGEOS demonstrates the power of innovation and partnership in solving global challenges. We are proud to be part of this revolutionary project and look forward to seeing the results of our joint efforts.

[https://www.telespazio.com/it/press-release-detail/-/detail/eo4security](https://www.telespazio.com/it/press-release-detail/-/detail/eo4security)

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