The European Commission (EC) has launched a call for setting up ‘AI factories’ to boost European leadership in trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI).
So-called AI factories will be created around the European Union’s (EU’s) network of European High-Performance Computing (HPC) supercomputers and will be available to a range of European users, such as startups, industry and researchers.
EC president Ursula von der Leyen said: “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 start-ups.
“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.”
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According to the EC, AI factories will help AI developers train large generative AI models by using the EuroHPC supercomputers and providing access to data, computing and storage services.
The factories will be networked across Europe, providing an European collaborative AI framework, and will be connected to EU member states’ own AI initiatives.
What’s more, AI factories will support the development and validation of AI industrial and scientific applications in key European sectors such as healthcare, energy, automotive and transport, defence and aerospace, robotics and manufacturing, clean and agri tech.
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The rolling call launched by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking will be copen until 31 December 2025, with the first deadline on 04 November 2024 and subsequent cut-off dates every three months for as long as funds are available.
The call will be supported by an EU contribution of close to €1bn from the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe and an equal amount of funding coming from EU member states.
Innovations and achievements in AI will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual Robotics & Automation Awards on 06 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable industry event – and to book your table!
