The European Commission has announced a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen Europe’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI).
By establishing AI factories, Europe aims to harness the full potential of AI while ensuring that it is developed in a trustworthy and responsible manner.
These AI Factories will be built around the European High-Performance Computing (HPC) supercomputers and are designed to benefit startups, industries, and researchers across the continent.
A vision for trustworthy AI development
By focusing on safety and reliability, Europe aims to differentiate its AI development from that of other global competitors.
The EU’s emphasis on ethical AI has been a cornerstone of its strategy, as highlighted by the introduction of the EU AI Act.
This new initiative will further bolster Europe’s commitment to trustworthy AI while fostering groundbreaking innovations.
What are AI factories?
AI factories represent the next step in Europe’s AI strategy, bringing together essential components for the successful development of AI: advanced computing power, data accessibility, and talent.
Utilising EuroHPC supercomputers, these factories will provide AI developers with the resources they need to train large generative models.
In addition to computing power, AI factories will offer access to data, computing services, and storage, helping foster collaboration across the continent.
These Factories will function as a network, creating a European collaborative AI framework. This interconnected ecosystem will be essential for driving innovation and ensuring that European companies and researchers can develop cutting-edge AI technologies in sectors such as healthcare, energy, transport, defence, and manufacturing.
By linking AI factories with national AI initiatives and leveraging resources like Testing and Experimentation Facilities and Digital Innovation Hubs, Europe aims to create a robust AI ecosystem capable of addressing future challenges.
Key role in Europe’s strategic sectors
AI factories will focus on developing and validating industrial and scientific AI applications in key European sectors.
Industries such as healthcare, automotive, defence, aerospace, and agriculture will benefit from AI advancements.
In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostic tools and personalised treatments could revolutionise patient care.
In energy and transport, AI can optimise efficiency and sustainability, while robotics and manufacturing could become more automated and efficient through AI integration.
By focusing on these critical areas, AI factories will help Europe stay ahead in sectors vital to its economic growth and societal well-being.
EU funding for AI factories
The rolling call for setting up AI factories will remain open until December 31, 2025, with the first deadline set for November 4, 2024.
The project will be backed by an EU contribution of nearly €1bn from the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe, with an equal amount coming from Member States.
This substantial investment underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering innovation in AI and positioning itself as a global leader in the field.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasised the importance of AI innovation: “Europe is already leading the way with the EU AI Act, ensuring AI is safer and more trustworthy.
“Earlier this year, we fulfilled our promise by opening our high-performance computers to European AI startups. Now, Europe must also become a global leader in AI innovation. AI factories will help secure our position at the forefront of this transformative technology.”
The creation of AI factories marks a pivotal moment in Europe’s AI journey, placing the EU at the forefront of technological innovation while ensuring AI development remains ethical, safe, and trustworthy.
