The Council of the European Union has achieved a significant milestone in expanding the objectives of the European High Performing Computer Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) to bolster the development of artificial intelligence (AI) across Europe. The regulation amendment aims to introduce AI Factories as part of the Joint Undertaking, providing infrastructure for AI supercomputing services to support the AI ecosystem in the Union.
Strengthening Europe's AI Ecosystem
The recent political agreement on the regulation amendment signifies a strategic move to enhance Europe's technological leadership in AI. Notably, the addition of AI Factories as entities to provide AI supercomputing services is poised to empower innovative AI startups and strengthen the EU's technological autonomy in the AI space.
Commission's Proposal and Council's Support
The proposed amendment builds on the foundational work of EuroHPC, which has procured nine supercomputers across Europe since its establishment in 2018. The Commission's proposal to include AI Factories aims to further advance AI supercomputing services, creating opportunities for innovative AI European startups to train their models and foster the development of trustworthy AI.
The Council's agreement introduces amendments to ensure fair access opportunities to the AI-optimized supercomputers, with a specific focus on facilitating access for a larger number of public and private users, particularly startups and small to medium-sized enterprises. The regulation explicitly emphasizes the dedicated access to start-ups and SMEs, reflecting the commitment to support their access to AI-supercomputers and related services.
Financial Support and Ownership Transfer
Following the political agreement, hosting entities can receive a Union financial contribution covering up to 50% of the acquisition and operational costs of AI-supercomputers. Furthermore, the ownership of these supercomputers can be transferred to the hosting entities five years after passing an acceptance test, providing a significant opportunity for driving AI innovation and development within the Union.
Future Implementation and Background
The regulation is set to undergo legal review and, upon approval, will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union, taking effect 20 days post-publication. This development is part of the broader AI initiative announced by the EU's president, Ursula von der Leyen, reflecting the Union's commitment to fostering a robust AI ecosystem and promoting safe and ethical AI development.
The expansion of EuroHPC's objectives to include AI Factories is a pivotal step in advancing Europe's AI capabilities and supporting the region's technological development. This initiative aligns with the EU's broader efforts to lead in supercomputing and quantum computing, further reinforcing its position as a global leader in technological innovation and advancemen.
