BRUSSELS, October 11, 2025: The European Commission announced on Friday the addition of six new AI Factories to its growing network, marking a significant step in its efforts to position the European Union as a global hub for artificial intelligence. The expansion brings the total number of AI Factories to 19, operating across 16 member states. The newly selected facilities will be located in the Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Spain. These AI Factories will provide start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, and public sector organizations with access to high-performance computing infrastructure optimized for artificial intelligence applications.
The facilities are designed to support the development, testing, and deployment of large-scale AI systems. The initiative is part of the EU’s European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) Joint Undertaking, which aims to boost Europe’s computing capabilities and advance digital innovation. The third wave of AI Factories is backed by more than €500 million in co-funding from the European Union and participating member states. With this latest investment, the total funding allocated to the AI Factories and associated Antennas program has reached over €2.6 billion.
Each AI Factory will be equipped with AI-dedicated supercomputing systems and specialized technical support to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, including healthcare, energy, mobility, and manufacturing. The facilities will also facilitate training and testing of generative AI models in secure environments, with support tailored to individual national and regional innovation ecosystems. In addition to the physical infrastructure, the Commission plans to establish AI Factory Antennas across member states to extend the reach of the AI Factories.
AI Factories offer computing access for startups and SMEs
These Antennas will provide remote and secure access to computing resources, enabling national AI communities to benefit from the AI Factories regardless of geographical location. The selection of Antenna sites is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The expansion aligns with the European Commission’s AI Continent Action Plan and its Apply AI Strategy, both of which are designed to accelerate the integration of AI technologies across Europe’s public and private sectors. The Apply AI Strategy includes targeted investments and regulatory frameworks aimed at enhancing Europe’s competitiveness in global AI development.
Deployment of the new AI Factories is scheduled to begin in 2026, with several facilities expected to specialize in specific sectors or scientific disciplines based on national priorities and existing technological capabilities. The Commission confirmed that the operational model of the new AI Factories will mirror that of the existing ones, ensuring interoperability and standardization across the network. Access to the AI Factories will be governed by established EuroHPC protocols, including a dedicated “AI for Science and Collaborative EU Projects” mode.
AI Factories offer computing access for startups and SMEs
This framework prioritizes access for EU-funded research initiatives and collaborative projects, streamlining the allocation of computing resources for projects with significant scientific or industrial relevance. This initiative is part of broader efforts by the European Union to strengthen its digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on non-European technologies. The AI Factories form a key component of Europe’s strategy to consolidate its capabilities in AI and supercomputing, areas seen as critical to economic growth, scientific advancement, and cybersecurity.
The European Commission, along with EuroHPC Joint Undertaking representatives, is expected to formally inaugurate the new AI Factories following their phased rollout next year. The facilities are being developed in cooperation with national authorities and leading research organizations in each host country. These partnerships ensure that each AI Factory aligns with local innovation strategies, enhances regional technological capacity, and integrates seamlessly into Europe’s broader AI and supercomputing ecosystem. – By EuroWire News Desk.