Through the EuroHPC JU (European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking), over €71 million in European funding has been allocated to the arrival of the AI factory in Groningen. This funding stems from a request submitted by a consortium consisting of the Dutch AI Factory Foundation, SURF, TNO, the Dutch AI Coalition (AIC4NL), and Samenwerking Noord, supported by several ministries and Nij Begun. Thanks to the European funding, a total of €200 million has now been made available for the development of the AI factory.
The Dutch AI Factory Foundation is the leading partner and hosting entity with the consortium consisting of SURF, TNO, AIC4NL, and Samenwerking Noord. The factory aims to bring together groundbreaking AI research and large-scale, practical implementation, and become the driving force behind the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence in the Netherlands and Europe.
The AI Factory will house and operate a brand new, AI-optimized supercomputer: a powerful engine for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge development.
Furthermore, the factory will offer flexible, secure, and scalable AI computing power on an infrastructure that fully complies with European regulations. This includes reliable storage, lightning-fast connectivity, support for sensitive data, AI skills training, and a strong commitment to open technology and digital sovereignty.
Special attention will be paid to AI applications involving highly sensitive data, such as medical information and IP-protected datasets. The focus will be on societal sectors where AI truly makes a difference, such as healthcare, security, and agriculture.
