EuroHPC to Launch AI Factories Across Europe
Brussels, Wednesday, 8 January 2025.
EuroHPC selects seven consortia to establish AI Factories, investing €1.5 billion to boost AI innovation and EU competitiveness.
Strategic Investment in European AI Infrastructure
The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) has marked a significant milestone in European AI development by selecting seven consortia to establish AI Factories across the continent. This initiative represents a substantial investment of €1.5 billion, combining both national and EU funding [1]. The project will be funded equally by the EU through two main channels: the Digital Europe Programme for AI infrastructure and Horizon Europe for AIF services [1].
Strategic Locations and Implementation
The selected AI Factories will be strategically positioned across Europe at leading research and technology hubs. These locations include the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre in Spain, CINECA at Bologna Tecnopolo in Italy, CSC in Kajaani, Finland, LuxProvide in Bissen, Luxembourg, the University of Linköping in Sweden, the University of Stuttgart in Germany, and GRNET in Athens, Greece [1]. The implementation is scheduled for 2026 [2], marking a significant step in establishing Europe’s AI infrastructure.
Economic Impact and Innovation Support
The European Commission has demonstrated its commitment to this initiative by pledging €2.1 billion through EuroHPC for new supercomputers and upgrades specifically designed for AI research [3]. Additionally, €100 million has been allocated to support AI startup growth and leverage private investment [3]. This comprehensive approach aims to create an environment where startups and small businesses can access advanced AI technologies and resources, fostering innovation across the EU [3].
Collaborative Framework and Future Prospects
The initiative involves participation from 15 Member States and 2 EuroHPC participating States, including Portugal, Romania, Turkey, Spain, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Poland, and Finland [3]. The AI Factories will work in conjunction with AI Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs) to ensure the reliability and safety of AI technologies before their market release [3]. This collaborative ecosystem represents a crucial step in realizing President Ursula von der Leyen’s vision of establishing Europe as a leading force in AI development [1].