Estonia, Slovenia and Poland join the bidding for EU funding, with ambitions to build national AI sectors
In particular, Poland is positioning itself as a key player in the European artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, leveraging both national and EU funding to build an AI factory in Kraków. The planned facility at AGH University’s Cyfronet Academic Computer Centre will utilize nearly €27 million from national and prior EU investments to expand its computing infrastructure, aligning with the goals of the European High Performance Computing joint undertaking (EuroHPC). Investing in the AI factory in Cyfronet is “a key step towards bolstering the position of Poland in the European AI ecosystem,” said Jerzy Lis, Rector of AGH University.
The Kraków AI factory initiative reflects Poland’s broader ambition to strengthen its technological infrastructure and contribute to the European Union’s push for at least five AI factories. Although the initial wave of proposals is dominated by Western European nations, Poland’s strategic focus on aligning its efforts with the EU initiative increases its chances of recognition in future calls. The project will advance research capabilities and attract investment, enhancing Poland’s appeal as a hub for AI innovation in central and eastern Europe. Work on the Polish project will start later this year and finish in 2025.
Additionally, Poland’s AI ecosystem is bolstered by private sector initiatives, such as Cogito Capital Partners’ €90 million investment fund to support late-stage tech companies in the region. This aligns with national efforts to integrate AI and computing advancements into the economic framework. Poland’s focus on fostering cutting-edge AI infrastructure and cross-border collaborations positions it as a rising leader in the European AI sector, with the Kraków factory serving as a cornerstone for future innovation.