It's official: Groningen to receive millions for AI factory

Earlier today, it was announced in Luxembourg that EuroHPC JU has awarded the European contribution to funding for the realization of a European AI factory in Groningen. The application was submitted by a consortium comprising Stichting Nederlandse AI fabriek, SURF, TNO, the Dutch AI Coalition (AIC4NL), and Samenwerking Noord, and was supported by several ministries and Nij Begun. This AI factory will strengthen the innovative power of start-ups, SMEs, and public organizations, assist scientists and educators with AI, and contribute to the technological independence of the Netherlands. Thanks to previous financial contributions from Nij Begun and the ministries, the EuroHPC contribution has now made a total of €200 million available for the development of the AI factory. It is expected to be fully operational in 2027.

Easy access to enormous computing power

The AI factory, a center of expertise, data facility, and AI supercomputer, will provide responsible, low-threshold access to enormous computing power and groundbreaking AI initiatives. It also offers space for the types of collaboration within the ecosystem that startups, SMEs, researchers, the education sector, and the government need to develop AI models and systems.

The AI factory stimulates job creation, accelerates innovation, and automates processes across sectors such as healthcare, mobility, and security—at the regional, national, and European levels. At the same time, it strengthens the Netherlands' position in terms of knowledge and innovation, attracts talent, and reduces dependence on American and Chinese technology platforms. This will enable us to develop AI applications aligned with our own public values and retain the expertise we have built in the Netherlands. The expertise center will start in 2026, and the supercomputer is expected to be running at full capacity in 2027.

European application

The proposal was submitted to EuroHPC JU, an organization that operates as a European partnership supporting supercomputing and AI facilities, including through funding. With support from the Dutch government, the consortium had submitted a €70 million funding application to EuroHPC. The AI factory in the province of Groningen will thus become part of a European network of AI factories. The government itself is contributing €70 million, and another €60 million will come from Nij Begun funds from Groningen/North Drenthe. This brings the total investment to €200 million.

Commenting on the arrival of the AI Factory, Jouke de Vries, chair of the University of Groningen's Executive Board, said: “The AI Factory will give a huge boost to the economy of Groningen and the northern Netherlands. As part of the Nij Begun Economic Agenda, we are working on a digital ecosystem around the AI Factory so that the region can reap the maximum benefits.” The AI Factory ties in with the strong digital infrastructure of Northern Netherlands and can contribute to talent development, employment, and regional growth.