The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) selected the sites that will host the first European AI Factories, set to be deployed next year across Europe: in Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Sweden.

These first seven AI Factories will pool together European Union (EU) and national resources. This represents a collaborative effort from across 17 European countries, with many consortia involving multiple participating countries. The EuroHPC AI Factories initiative is designed to create a robust and interconnected network of AI hubs. Acting as one-stop shops, they will offer AI startups, SMEs, and researchers comprehensive support, including access to AI-optimised high-performance computing (HPC) resources, training, and technical expertise.

The selection of these seven hosting entities, who will operate the new AI Factories on behalf of the EuroHPC JU, will enable cutting-edge research and applications, provide industry access to advanced AI tools, and foster innovation in areas like healthcare, energy, and climate. 

Luxembourg (L-AI Factory)

Luxembourg’s AI Factory is intended to confirm the country’s position as European leader in artificial intelligence. 

Designed to address critical challenges faced by AI users in strategic sectors such as finance, space, cybersecurity, and the green economy, the AI Factory aims to offer rapid onboarding and personalised support for all enterprises, especially startups and SMEs.

At its core is MeluXina-AI, an AI-optimised supercomputer that would deliver unparalleled computing, data, and connectivity capabilities.

Bringing together expertise from Luxinnovation, the Luxembourg National Data Service (LNDS), the University of Luxembourg (Uni.lu), the  Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) under the coordination of LuxProvide and supported by key national partners, the AI Factory is meant to amplify Luxembourg’s commitment to innovation.

MeluXina- AI will be hosted and operated by BCLD-member LuxProvide, and will be located in Bissen, next to the existing EuroHPC MeluXina supercomputer. 

Through this initiative, Luxembourg wants to further pursue the European agenda on digital transformation, supporting competitiveness, innovation, resilience, and sovereignty.

Germany (HammerHAI)

HammerHAI (Hybrid and Advanced Machine Learning Platform for Manufacturing, Engineering, And Research @ HLRS) will create a one-stop shop for AI users in academic research and industry, including a focus on lowering the barriers that currently prevent start-ups, SMEs, and larger corporations from using AI. 

Coordinated by the High-Performance Computing Center Stuttgart (HLRS) in collaboration with a strong consortium from Germany, composed by GWDG, BADW-LRZ, KIT, and SICOS, the new AI Factory will be hosted and located in Stuttgart at the HLRS premises.

The project will install new, large-scale, AI-optimised infrastructure at HLRS that offers a secure, local, and trustworthy platform for machine learning, artificial intelligence, and hybrid HPC/AI applications.

This architecture will leverage cloud-like technologies that are well known in the AI community, lowering the hurdles that users face in migrating and scaling existing AI applications from their local networks or other cloud services. In addition, the new AI Factory will provide access to workflow templates, pre-trained models, and shared datasets. 

HammerHAI will offer flexible, end-to-end support for the entire AI life cycle, from model development to inference, as well as dedicated user support and continuing professional education to help users develop new skills. 

The consortium will also work within the broader German and European AI ecosystem to accelerate innovation, drive economic growth, and support the development of new AI-based products and services. 

Please find more information here.