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In a significant move to bolster the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) aligning with European Union (EU) values and regulations, the European Commission has proposed the introduction of an AI factory, an AI Office, and additional initiatives. These measures aim to provide robust support to European startups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) venturing into the realm of AI.
The official announcement, featured on the Commission’s blog, outlines the key components of this comprehensive package. One noteworthy feature is the simplified access that European startups will have to dedicated AI supercomputers, fostering the creation of versatile and trustworthy AI models. This strategic initiative is poised to expedite the widespread adoption of AI technology across various sectors.
The proposal comes in the wake of the EU AI Act, a groundbreaking legislation agreed upon in December 2023. Recognized as the world’s first comprehensive law governing potent artificial intelligence models like Microsoft-backed ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, the EU AI Act aims to streamline the development, deployment, and adoption of reliable AI within the EU.
The genesis of these support measures can be traced back to September 2023 when Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, unveiled plans during her ‘State of the Union’ address. The initiative aimed to make Europe’s supercomputers accessible to innovative AI startups, enabling them to train their trustworthy AI models effectively.
In addition to these endeavors, the Commission initiated the Large AI Grand Challenge in November 2023. This challenge involves providing financial support and facilitating supercomputing access to AI startups, further reinforcing the commitment to fostering innovation in the AI landscape.
The proposed AI Factories, often referred to as one-stop shops, are expected to play a pivotal role in assisting AI startups and researchers. These hubs will facilitate the creation of algorithms, testing and validation of large-scale AI models, and ensure seamless access to dedicated AI supercomputers.
To oversee and coordinate AI policy at the European level, as well as supervise the implementation and enforcement of the forthcoming AI Act, the Commission is set to establish an AI Office. This office is envisioned as a central hub for the development and execution of AI-related policies, underscoring the commitment to responsible and value-driven AI practices.
With these forward-looking initiatives, the European Commission aims to fortify the AI landscape, empower startups, and position the EU as a leading force in the ethical and innovative development of artificial intelligence.
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