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NOM examines feasibility of AI Factory for Groningen

NOM is investigating the feasibility and added value of an AI Factory in Groningen. This initiative falls within the European Commission's program, EuroHPC, aimed at building AI Factories with advanced computing power and knowledge centers. The goal is to support regions in developing energy-efficient and independent AI technology. It also aims to reduce dependence on foreign Big Tech companies and thus increase the strategic autonomy of Europe and the Netherlands.

Minister Beljaarts announced this week that the Netherlands is interested in an AI Factory. Today, the House of Representatives also approved a motion with a very broad majority calling for an AI Factory in the Netherlands and ensuring a good landscape fit and responsible energy and water consumption. Although a definitive location has not yet been determined, Groningen is seen as a promising option because of the ecosystem of companies and knowledge institutions present in the northern Netherlands, the available energy and possible locations.

In the coming weeks, the NOM will engage in discussions with entrepreneurs, companies and organizations from various sectors to explore how high performance computing and a knowledge center around responsible AI can strengthen the region economically. Bureau Digityze is facilitating these sessions, focusing on input from potential users.

Strategic importance for the northern Netherlands

An AI Factory may be able to contribute to several ambitions of the Northern Netherlands, including:

  • Developing a Health Data Valley;
  • Innovations in autonomous systems within the maritime and manufacturing industries;
  • Strengthening the regional cluster of software and AI companies;
  • Future-proofing for public data processors such as Astron, DUO and RDW.

In addition, the AI Factory offers an opportunity for the northern Netherlands to be the place for responsible software development and energy-efficient storage and computing power ("good and green computing"), and thus to become an attractive location for companies for whom independent and secure datasets and algorithms are of great importance.

Funding and collaboration

The European Commission finances half of the cost of an AI Factory. So how big the AI Factory will be depends on how much funding the national and regional governments are willing and able to make available for it. Ministries and regional governments are discussing this. The resources from Nij Begun are also being considered.

Next steps

The first impact analysis from 2024 shows that an AI Factory can contribute significantly to broad prosperity in the Northern Netherlands, if tailored to the needs of regional businesses. The final application for the program should be submitted to the European Commission in May 2025. By then it should also be clear whether the region is willing to put the necessary funding on the table. The support and needs of entrepreneurs, businesses and involved organizations is crucial for this.