In a move to boost Europe’s competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), European countries have approved a significant expansion of the European High Performance Computing (EuroHPC) Joint Undertaking. This expansion will allow companies operating EU supercomputers to provide AI training services on these advanced systems. The concept of AI factories, which was initially proposed by the European Commission, aims to leverage existing supercomputing infrastructure for AI development and projects.
Currently, the landscape of AI development is dominated by American and Chinese initiatives. Recognizing the need to bolster its capabilities in this critical area, the EU is taking a proactive approach to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of innovation. The establishment of AI factories, which will comprise AI supercomputers, interconnected data centers, and specialized supercomputing services, is seen as a strategic move to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in AI.
These AI factories will be accessible to both public and private entities, with specific provisions for start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to ensure inclusivity and foster innovation. The EU will provide financial support to entities hosting AI factories, covering up to 50% of the costs for acquiring AI supercomputers and supporting their operational expenses.
One of the key focuses of these supercomputers will be on advancing AI training models, applications, and solutions through rigorous development and testing. With the EU currently boasting nine supercomputers, including “Discoverer” housed at “Sofia Tech Park,” this existing infrastructure is poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating AI innovation across Europe. By leveraging the power of supercomputers, Europe aims to foster a dynamic environment for technological advancement and economic growth.
The expansion of the EuroHPC with AI factories is receiving positive feedback from key figures in the industry. Karsten Morisse, CEO of EuroHPC, stated, “This is a crucial step towards strengthening Europe’s position in AI and high-performance computing. By combining these technologies, we can unlock new possibilities and drive innovation in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation.”
The significance of this expansion lies in its potential to level the playing field in the global AI race. By providing accessible and advanced computing resources to a wide range of entities, including start-ups and SMEs, the EU aims to create an environment that encourages innovation and competition. This move aligns with the EU’s broader strategy of achieving digital sovereignty and positioning itself as a leader in the global AI landscape.
As Europe continues to invest in AI and computational infrastructure, it will be interesting to observe how these AI factories and supercomputers drive technological advancements and shape the future of AI innovation in the region. With the EU’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and economic growth, the expansion of the EuroHPC with AI factories marks a significant milestone in Europe’s journey towards AI competitiveness.
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