Bologna will host IT4LIA AI Factory, an EU-funded centre of excellence for Artificial Intelligence. With the aim of boosting the competitiveness of Italian and European companies.Thanks to IT4LIA AI Factory, one of the first “AI factories” chosen by the European Commission. Italy is set to become a benchmark in the European technology landscape.
This ambitious project, which will be built at the Tecnopolo di Bologna, represents a fundamental step. In the European strategy for high-performance computing and Artificial Intelligence.
The main objective is to provide Italian SMEs and startups . With an advanced and accessible public infrastructure. Allowing them to fully exploit the potential of AI for growth and innovation.
The IT4LIA AI Factory project: location, objectives and costs
The choice of Bologna is not accidental: the city, already home to the European Meteorological Center and the Leonardo supercomputer. Confirms itself as a reference hub for supercomputing at a national and international level. IT4LIA AI Factory will further strengthen this ecosystem. Helping to consolidate Italy’s role as a cutting-edge technological hub.
The project, funded with 430 million euros equally divided between the European Commission. And the Italian Government, involves the creation of a next-generation supercomputer optimized for AI .
This supercomputer, among the most powerful in Europe. Will provide Italian companies with unprecedented computing power. Opening up new opportunities in strategic sectors . Such as agri-food, cybersecurity, manufacturing and climate research.
IT4LIA AI Factory is part of a broader plan by the European Union. That aims to double the computing power of the EuroHPC network. And strengthen the continent’s technological autonomy. Unlike the centralized models of Silicon Valley or China, Europe promotes a public and shared network. Enhancing regional and national excellence.
Cineca, in collaboration with Austria and Slovenia, will manage the infrastructure. Making use of its consolidated experience in supporting scientific and industrial computing.
One of the most innovative aspects of IT4LIA AI Factory is the “one-stop-shop” organizational model . This means that SMEs, startups and other interested organizations will be able to access all the services. Offered by the AI Factory (computing capacity, AI tools, technical support) . Through a single point of contact, streamlining resource access and increasing effectiveness.
The European AI Factories
The Italian initiative is part of a European network of seven “AI factories” spread across several countries, including Germany, Spain, Finland and sweden . Each of these factories will have a sectoral specialization. But they will all share the common goal. Of making Europe a global leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
The European Commission is convinced that collaboration between institutions and businesses. Combined with a shared governance model, is the key to the success of these projects. And to building a prosperous and inclusive digital future.https://youtu.be/77kO17KnUHI?si=3-yVrS2THNdnwcKP