How Fontys ICT built an institutional AI platform with a gateway architecture
Blog post from Portkey
Fontys ICT, a university of applied sciences in the Netherlands, developed a gateway-based AI platform to address challenges associated with the rapid adoption of generative AI in higher education. The six-month pilot involved 300 users and aimed to ensure fair access, cost control, and compliance with European law while integrating multiple AI providers. Fontys ICT's approach separated user experience, governance, and model providers, allowing the institution to maintain control without relying on a single vendor. The platform employed a layered architecture, including a frontend interface, a gateway for policy enforcement, and a diverse set of model providers. This design ensured centralized governance, allowing users to consciously select models while reinforcing educational outcomes. Key learnings from the pilot included the importance of continuous AI governance, the effectiveness of default EU-first routing, and the role of budget controls in promoting responsible usage. The platform demonstrated that universities could balance innovation and governance, offering advanced AI capabilities without sacrificing oversight.