The NOM, the Investment and Development Agency for the Northern Netherlands, is investigating whether an AI factory can be established in Groningen.
In a press release, the NOM said the Dutch parliament approved a motion calling for an AI factory to be built in the Netherlands. While its location has not been determined, the NOM views Groningen as a promising option because of the ecosystem of companies and universities present in the Northern Netherlands, the available energy, and possible locations.
This initiative falls within the European Commission’s programme, EuroHPC, aimed at building AI Factories with advanced computing power and knowledge centres. its goal is to support regions in developing energy-efficient and independent AI technology.
In the coming weeks, the NOM will enter into discussions with entrepreneurs, companies and organisations to investigate the benefits of such an AI centre.
According to the NOM, an AI factory could help the North develop a health data valley, strengthen the regional cluster of software and AI companies, and future-proof public data processors such as DUO.
If the project goes ahead, the European Commission would be funding half of the costs. The project application would need to be submitted in May 2025.