The European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) has selected six new projects that will join seven previously approved to create state-of-the-art artificial intelligence research and development hubs in the European Union. These hubs, called AI Factories, are a key element in strengthening Europe’s AI capabilities. The initiative involves the cooperation of 21 member states and two associated countries under the EuroHPC.
The new AI Factories will be established in Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Poland and Slovenia. The total investment amounts to 350 million euros, coming from both European Union and national funds.
The Polish AI Factory (PIAST) will be located at the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PCSC), which cooperates with Poznań University of Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, and regional clusters and innovation hubs, in particular the Wielkopolska ICT Cluster. Funding for the national contribution of €50 million will be provided by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Ministry of Digitization. Another €50 million will be provided to the PSNC by the European Commission.
The first seven AI Factories will begin operations in April 2025.
The deadline for applications for the establishment of AI Factories in the third round of the competition is May 2, 2025. In April 2025, the EuroHPC JU will announce a competition for so-called AI Factory Antennas, which will enable more countries participating in the EuroHPC program to implement national AI Factory services without investing in their own supercomputing infrastructure.
The AI Factories will provide infrastructure and services to fully realize Europe’s potential in artificial intelligence.
