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THE EU is investing €1bn (US$1.1bn) to set up so-called AI Factories that will use the bloc’s supercomputers to help industry, startups, and researchers develop “trustworthy” AI technology.
The initiative aims to propel the development and validation of AI industrial and scientific applications in areas including manufacturing, energy, and healthcare as the bloc seeks to become a global leader in AI innovation and “the best place in the world for trustworthy AI”.
It is offering investment for institutions that want to host AI-optimised supercomputers or upgrade an existing supercomputer. The network will provide European researchers with access to computing power, data, and storage for the large-scale training and development of general-purpose AI models.
Margrethe Vestager, executive vice-president for the EU’s Fit for the Digital Age strategy, said: “AI factories will bring together all main ingredients that Europe needs to become a global AI powerhouse: very high computing power, large amounts of data, and a diversified pool of talents. By tapping into the extraordinary potential of our homegrown supercomputers, the factories will allow European SMEs, scientists, and startups to develop as AI innovators.”
The EU expects its investment will attract another €4bn from public and private backers.
The first deadline for applications is 4 November 2024 and will run until 31 December 2025, or until the funding runs out.