Serasa Experian opens new innovation laboratory

 

DataLab now occupies an area of 700 square meters in Vila Olímpia, in São Paulo, and expands the capacity of the Sinergy coworking service

 
Serasa Experian announced the opening of the São Paulo unit of its new innovation laboratory, DataLab. Installed in a 700-square-meter space in Vila Olímpia, South Zone of the city, the space can house around 50 data scientists, software engineers, among other specialists focused on developing solutions that take advantage of big data and intelligence technologies. artificial to transform ideas into actions for the benefit of customers.
 
The new lab is part of the company's strategy to provide customers around the world with data-driven innovations. The lab does this by providing a safe environment that allows for experimentation. Currently, Experian has two other units: in San Diego (United States) and in London (England).
 
“Innovating is difficult, as results are not always guaranteed. Therefore, few companies invest in making new discoveries using data. But that's exactly what we'll be doing at our new state-of-the-art facility, São Paulo,” says Eric Haller, Executive Vice President of Experian's DataLabs. “Our world is full of infinite amounts of data. From credit card transactions to social media content, we are constantly surrounded by information that is vitally important to both ourselves and businesses.”
 
new structure
 
With double height, the architectural project of the new DataLab aims to promote the innovation and creativity of employees, customers and partners and had the involvement of the entire DataLab team, so that their influences and inspirations were portrayed on site. An example of this is the naming of meeting rooms with the names of some of the team's favorite bands. Innovative thinkers from history, who influence the team in some way, are also depicted in hanging paintings high above the venue.
 
Another highlight of the project is the 80 square meter hammock located under the glass ceiling of the meeting rooms. Data scientists and other collaborators can use the network for moments of relaxation, rest, and even meetings with clients. The team can also enjoy a “decompression area” with games and arcades. “Nothing here was done by chance, everything was designed to inspire the team, so everyone's participation in the project was encouraged”, says Marcelo Pimenta, director of DataLab at Serasa Experian.
 
Products and services
 
One of the DataLab services that are already on the market is Sinergy, an innovation coworking for companies looking to develop complete big data solutions to increase business competitiveness. Now, the office has doubled its capacity to serve the service's clients and can receive up to five companies simultaneously in the program, in completely separate spaces.
 
Customers who participate in Synergy spend at least three months at the DataLab, working side-by-side with the lab's team of data scientists. “Serasa created a co-innovation model that gives access to the entire process – from development to implementation – at an affordable cost for companies”, explains Pimenta.
 
“We are prepared to serve companies that want to develop end-to-end solutions, giving them the opportunity to use the platforms that already exist within our DataLab, in addition to all the support and know-how of our team”. In addition, Sinergy also serves startups interested in creating projects in partnership.
 
Another DataLab product that is already on the market is RWA, Real World Analytics, launched in the first half of the year in partnership with the startup In Loco. This is the first Brazilian platform based on geolocation and socio-demographic data that allow us to understand consumer behavior inside and outside commercial establishments. The goal is to help advertising companies become more relevant and optimize their marketing efforts.
 
In addition, other products and services are already ready to go to market. One of them is running as a pilot with customers in Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa, and should start being marketed by Serasa Experian within six months.
 
Team expansion
 
According to Pimenta, the laboratory should hire four more data scientists in the coming months. In addition, three interns are being recruited for the Summer Job program, which runs from January to March 2018. During the three months, selected students will stay in the laboratory and participate in innovative projects on subjects such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, images, voice processing, augmented reality and IoT. Those interested in participating in the program can now apply through the link https://experian.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/summer-job-datalab-6221.