Groningen to Launch Major AI Factory with European Support

2025-10-15 data

Groningen, Wednesday, 15 October 2025.
Groningen, Netherlands, will host one of the first large-scale AI factories in the country, funded by €200 million from European and regional sources, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign tech.

Strategic Investment in AI Infrastructure

The establishment of the AI factory in Groningen represents a strategic investment designed to enhance the Netherlands’ position in the global AI landscape. This €200 million initiative is supported by significant funding from the European Commission, which contributed €71 million, alongside nearly €70 million from the Dutch government and an additional €60 million from the Groningen and North-Drenthe region through the Nij Begun investment fund [1][2].

A Collaborative Effort for Digital Sovereignty

Led by a consortium comprising Stichting Nederlandse AI Fabriek, SURF, TNO, the Dutch AI Coalition, and Samenwerking Noord, the project aims to reduce reliance on non-European tech platforms and bolster digital sovereignty. The AI factory is conceptualized as a collaborative hub, integrating a supercomputer, data facilities, and an expertise center to foster innovation across sectors like healthcare, mobility, and energy transition [3][4].

Infrastructure and Operational Plans

Housed in the historic Niemeyer building on Paterswoldseweg, the expertise center is slated to begin operations in 2026, with the supercomputer expected to be fully operational by 2027. This infrastructure will provide low-threshold access to computing power and data, supporting startups, SMEs, researchers, and educational institutions [1][5].

Impact on Regional and National Economy

The AI factory is anticipated to stimulate job creation and accelerate innovation, thereby strengthening the region’s economy. Groningen’s available electricity grid capacity and thriving software sector, combined with its educational institutions, create an ideal environment for this endeavor. This initiative aligns with broader European ambitions to foster technological independence and enhance AI capabilities [1][6][7].

Bronnen

innovation artificial intelligence