Europol Innovation Lab
2019
At Europol
Operational Cooperation on Internal Security (COSI) provides instructions to establish the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security.
In the world
Natural language processing breakthrough: the release of OpenAI's GPT-2 presents a significant advancement in natural language processing.
Gene editing breakthrough: The first use of CRISPR technology to edit human genes for treating cancer patients was reported, showcasing the potential of gene editing in medical treatments.
2021
At Europol
The Europol Innovation Room opens up, enabling Europol staff to meet and discuss innovative solutions in a dedicated space.
The first annual EU Innovation Hub Annual Event takes place.
The first European Clearing Board for Innovation (EuCB) event takes place.
In the world
Record-breaking fusion reaction: the JET laboratory in the UK set a record for the largest amount of energy ever achieved in a fusion experiment.
AI capabilities leap: OpenAI releases GPT-3, a language model capable of performing diverse tasks without specific training
2021
At Europol
The first edition of the Europol Excellence Awards in Innovation takes place.
As a follow-up, the Innovation Lab hosts the Innovation Demo Series, where the most promising projects are invited to Europol HQ to present their tools and innovative solutions.
In the world
Civilian space flights: Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic undertake the first ever civilian space flights.
Telescope launch: The James Webb Space Telescope was successfully launched into space, enabling the study of the universe's origins and the formation of stars and galaxies.
2022
At Europol
The report Policing in the metaverse: what law enforcement needs to know is published with the aim of helping police chiefs, law enforcement agencies, and policy makers to understand how to police in the metaverse.
The Europol Tool Repository (ETR), a secure, LEA-exclusive online platform to share non-commercial, cost-free software developed by LEAs and research and technology organisations, receives its first tools and first operational successes.
In the world
Launch of Artemis I: NASA's mission to test the Space Launch System rocket starts.
Cancer cell nanorobots: researchers develop nanorobots capable of targeting and destroying cancer cells without harming healthy tissue, offering a new approach to cancer treatment.
2023
At Europol
Europol's first ever CHATathon takes place, in which Europol staff found criminal use cases for ChatGPT and ways to enhance their law enforcement work. The event was a key source of research for the report ChatGPT - the impact of Large Language Models on Law Enforcement, which outlines how LLMs affect law enforcement.
Conclusion of the AIDA, GRACE and INFINITY projects.
In the world
Fusion as energy source: The National Ignition Facility achieved a net energy gain from a fusion reaction, a milestone in the pursuit of fusion as a viable energy source.
Jupiter mission: The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer was launched to study Jupiter's moons, aiming to understand their potential habitability.
2023
At Europol
Report on the Second Quantum Revolution is published, delving into the impact of quantum computing and quantum technologies on law enforcement.
Innovation Low-Value Grants (LVG) are launched, a funding scheme to support EU Member States in the development of new tools in the field of law enforcement innovation.
In the world
Neuralink: the neurotechnology company developing implantable brain–computer interfaces receives FDA approval for human clinical trials.
Release of GPT-4: boundaries of AI applications were further pushed with the release of OpenAI's GPT-4.
2024
At Europol
AI and policing is published, a report providing insight into the present and future capabilities that AI offers.
The first Europol Industry and Research Days take place, enabling private companies and research organisations to present innovative products to law enforcement.
The Innovation Lab organises AI April, a month of training sessions for Europol staff to explore the impact of AI.
The first Europol Innovation Lab cooperation with design students from EU-based applied sciences Universities.
In the world
EU AI Act: the world's first comprehensive AI law, The European Union's AI Act, enters into force.
Animal-free dairy proteins: Advancements in precision fermentation led to the production of animal-free dairy proteins, contributing to sustainable food systems.
2024
At Europol
The First Report on Encryption, prepared by the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), is published, looking into how to uphold citizens’ privacy while enabling criminal investigation and prosecution.
Launch of the Europol Sandbox, a secure environment designed to advance the development, testing, and validation of innovative technologies for EU law enforcement.
The Europol Tool Repository (ETR) reaches 40 tools, over 8,000 downloads, contributing to 32 Europol-supported operations, and counting.
The Europol Innovation Lab wins the 'Best Scenario' at the Australian Federal Police's Futures Games and the 2024 EUAN Diversity & Inclusion Award.
In the world
Europa Clipper mission: NASA launches mission to study Jupiter's moon Europa, investigating its potential to support life.
Machine learning Nobel Prize winners: John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton win the Nobel Prize in physics for achievements in machine learning.
