A strategic plan to establish the EU as a leader in artificial intelligence
The European Commission has today launched the InvestAI initiative at the AI Action Summit, an ambitious plan to mobilize 200 billion euros in investments for artificial intelligence (AI). This program aims to enhance Europe’s capacity for technological innovation by creating high-performance infrastructures essential for the development of advanced AI models.
One of the key pillars of this strategy is the establishment of four AI gigafactories, each equipped with 100,000 state-of-the-art chips, significantly surpassing the current capabilities of AI computing centers worldwide.
AI for growth and European competitiveness
During the announcement, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the positive impact artificial intelligence will have across multiple sectors:
“Artificial intelligence will revolutionize healthcare, drive innovation, and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. We want AI to be a tool for growth and sustainable development. With the InvestAI initiative, we will ensure that everyone, from small startups to large companies, has access to the necessary infrastructure to develop the next generation of AI models.”
For her part, the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño, highlighted the EIB’s commitment to supporting this plan:
“Together with the European Commission, the EIB is increasing its support for artificial intelligence, a key driver of innovation and productivity in Europe.”
What is InvestAI and how will it work?
InvestAI is a layered investment fund that will allow for the management of different levels of risk and return to attract private investment. The initial capital will come from European programs such as:
- Digital Europe Programme
- Horizon Europe
- InvestEU
Member states will also be able to contribute funds through their national budgets.
The four AI gigafactories funded through this program will become the epicenter of innovation in artificial intelligence in Europe. They will be open and collaborative infrastructures that facilitate research and the development of advanced AI models in strategic sectors such as health, biotechnology, industry, and mobility.
This joint public-private effort resembles a CERN of artificial intelligence, allowing scientists, startups, and large European companies to access powerful computing centers without relying solely on foreign tech giants.
A comprehensive approach to AI innovation
The European Commission has designed InvestAI as part of a broad plan for the development of artificial intelligence in Europe, which includes:
- Training and education in AI to strengthen European talent.
- Incentives for startups and tech companies through venture capital and targeted funding.
- Creation of European Common Data Spaces to improve access to key information in developing AI models.
- The GenAI4EU program, focused on promoting innovative applications in strategic sectors like health, manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and mobility.
Additionally, the European Commission will establish a European AI Research Council to coordinate AI efforts and explore new technological development opportunities.
A decisive step towards European technological leadership
With the launch of InvestAI, the European Union reinforces its commitment to developing an artificial intelligence that is transparent, reliable, and accessible to all. The creation of AI gigafactories and the promotion of innovation will position Europe as a key player in the global digital transformation, ensuring that artificial intelligence contributes to the economic and social growth of the continent.