AutoLearn-SI is a €2.5M #HorizonEU-funded project at Jožef Stefan Institute, establishing a top-tier ERA Chair research group to advance automated machine learning and optimization (AutoML and AutoOPT). It integrates cutting-edge AutoML/AutoOPT into research and education, supporting national reforms and boosting EU funding potential. The project is built on three core vertical pillars - Experimental Databases, Representation Learning, and Automated Algorithm Selection/Configuration - alongside two horizontal pillars: Single-objective Optimization (SOO) and Multi-label Classification (MLC). Led by a USA-based ERA Chair Holder, AutoLearn-SI fosters international collaboration with partners from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium while enabling knowledge transfer to North Macedonia and other widening countries. By strengthening research capacity and stakeholder engagement within the European Research Area, the project drives innovation, enhances Slovenia’s leadership in automated machine learning and optimization, and contributes to regional excellence in AI-driven decision-making.