These factories aim to create a prosperous European ecosystem for training advanced AI models and developing AI solutions, to be built around the global network of European high-performance supercomputers (HPC).
The aim of the initiative, launched last January, is to substantially increase the computing power available for AI in Europe.
The AI factories will be interconnected and available to European start-ups, industry and researchers operating in the sector.
The EC said in a statement that there are seven proposals submitted by 15 Member States and two associated Participating States.
The proposals to build an AI factory around an existing supercomputer or a new one adapted to the needs of AI were submitted by Italy, with the participation of Austria and Slovenia, by Finland (together with the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Norway and Poland), and again by Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany and Greece.
In addition, Spain has prepared a proposal with the participation of Portugal, Romania and Turkey, expected shortly.
The proposals submitted will now be evaluated by a group of independent experts.
The selection of the first AI factories will be announced by EuroHPC in December, to be launched soon after.
Cyprus and Slovenia have also submitted letters of interest to join or create an AI Factory at a later stage.
The deadline for subsequent proposals is set for February 2025.
The creation of the first AI factories by early 2025 is part of the political guidelines announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
ANSA
