Commission Introduces AI Innovation Package to Foster Growth for Startups and SMEs
The European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive package of measures aimed at supporting startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the development of trustworthy and EU-compliant Artificial Intelligence (AI). This move comes after the introduction of the EU AI Act, the world’s first comprehensive legislation on AI, which was agreed upon in December 2023.
To further bolster the AI ecosystem in Europe, the Commission plans to provide European AI startups with access to supercomputers, thereby allowing them to train their AI models effectively. This initiative was announced by President von der Leyen during her State of the Union address in 2023, emphasizing the importance of making Europe’s supercomputers available to innovative startups.
In November 2023, the Commission kick-started this endeavor by launching the Large AI Grand Challenge, a program that grants financial support and supercomputing access to AI startups. Today’s package of measures expands on this commitment to support AI startups and foster innovation. Notably, the Commission is proposing privileged access to supercomputers for AI startups and the broader innovation community.
The comprehensive package introduced by the Commission includes several initiatives to propel AI startups and SMEs forward. One of these initiatives involves the establishment of two European Digital Infrastructure Consortiums (EDICs) in collaboration with various Member States.
By providing privileged access to supercomputers, the Commission aims to create an environment that nurtures the growth and development of AI startups and SMEs. Access to high-performance computing resources will enable these companies to train their AI models more efficiently, leading to advancements in the field of AI and boosting innovation in the European Union.
The Commission’s focus on supporting AI startups and SMEs is crucial as they play a significant role in driving economic growth and technological advancements. These companies have the potential to shape the future of AI and contribute to the creation of cutting-edge technologies that adhere to EU values and regulations.
The introduction of the AI innovation package marks a significant step in establishing Europe as a global hub for trustworthy AI development and deployment. By providing startups and SMEs with the necessary resources, support, and access to supercomputers, the Commission is paving the way for a thriving AI ecosystem in Europe and ensuring that AI is developed in a manner that aligns with European values and principles.
As the world continuously embraces AI technologies, it becomes increasingly essential to prioritize the development of trustworthy and ethical AI systems. The EU AI Act, coupled with the measures introduced in the AI innovation package, positions Europe as a frontrunner in shaping the future of AI while upholding values such as transparency, fairness, and human-centricity.
Through these upcoming initiatives, AI startups and SMEs in Europe will have a unique opportunity to leverage supercomputing resources and propel their innovations to new heights. This holistic approach by the Commission underscores its commitment to fostering AI development and creating an environment that supports the growth of European startups and SMEs.
With the introduction of the AI innovation package and the establishment of European Digital Infrastructure Consortiums, European startups and SMEs can look forward to a future in which they have the resources and support needed to excel in the world of AI.
