The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has initiated a collaboration with the Latvian technology company "Sorsera" to implement agentic artificial intelligence solutions in CERN’s procurement and supplier engagement processes. To automate and improve supplier selection, research, evaluation, and engagement in procurement, “Sorsera” will develop and adapt its agentic AI tools to meet CERN’s needs.
The Latvian tech startup "Sorsera" aims to support stakeholders involved in public procurement across Europe. Its collaboration and analytics platform simplifies procurement planning and execution, as well as market research processes for contracting authorities. It also helps suppliers identify potential clients and procurement opportunities, manage tenders, and facilitate communication between the public and private sectors.
"Cooperation with CERN is an important step for us in developing AI agents for procurement. CERN is not only a globally recognised international scientific institution but also an organisation with high standards in procurement management. The fact that they have chosen to work with us confirms that we are on the right path, both in what we have achieved so far and in creating the next innovations in procurement," says “Sorsera” co-founder and board member Georgs Vardanjans.
CERN’s annual procurement budget exceeds €600 million, and its supplier base numbers in the tens of thousands. CERN’s procurement portfolio is extremely broad, ranging from everyday goods to complex, highly specialised vacuum, cryogenic, and other technologies required for scientific work and the operation of the Large Hadron Collider.
"Identifying the right suppliers and encouraging their participation is time-consuming and requires significant resources. Therefore, the AI tools developed in this pilot project have the potential to create real added value," emphasises Simon Guerri dall’Oro, Head of CERN’s Procurement Department.
Within the partnership, “Sorsera” is responsible for developing and advancing the technological solution, while CERN provides industry expertise, advisory support, access to data, and opportunities for testing in a real operational environment.
Alise Pīka-Ozola, Head of the Innovation and Technology Representation of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in Geneva and Latvia’s business coordinator at CERN, introduced “Sorsera” to CERN and its procurement leadership about six months ago. She is pleased to see Latvian innovative companies gradually finding their way into CERN.
""Sorsera’ is a strong example of how a Latvian company can meet CERN’s requirements. The discussions have resulted in a concrete partnership with a clear, achievable goal that will not only improve CERN’s procurement processes but also foster Sorsera’s growth," says A. Pīka-Ozola.
