As the EU AI Act moves closer to final passage, the European Commission has unveiled a comprehensive package of initiatives aimed at bolstering AI startups, small, and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) to develop trustworthy AI aligned with EU values and regulations. Announced on January 24, the package reflects the Commission’s commitment to providing European AI startups access to supercomputing resources for AI model training. Key initiatives include:

• Amendments to the EuroHPC Regulation to establish AI Factories, a component of the EU supercomputing program focused on:
  • Procuring and operating dedicated AI supercomputers for machine learning model training.
  • Facilitating access to these supercomputers for startups, SMEs, and other users.
  • Offering comprehensive support to AI developers with supercomputer access, programming assistance, and AI-enabling services.
  • Enabling emerging AI applications across various sectors such as manufacturing, climate, and virtual environments.
• Establishment of an AI Office within the Commission to coordinate AI policy, oversee AI Act implementation, and supervise regulations for general-purpose AI systems.
• Introduction of an EU AI Startup & Innovation Communication outlining significant activities:
  • Allocation of €4 billion in EU funding through 2027 across Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programs.
  • Initiatives to expand the EU’s AI talent pool.
  • Increased public/private investment in AI startups and scale-ups.
  • Accelerated development of EU Common Data Spaces accessible to the AI community.
  • Launch of the GenAI4EU initiative supporting innovative AI use cases across 14 industrial ecosystems.
• Creation of two European Digital Infrastructure Consortiums (EDICs) in collaboration with Member States:
  • Alliance for Language Technologies (ALT-EDIC) to develop EU language technologies and data resources.
  • CitiVERSE EDIC applying AI to optimize city processes through digital twins.

Additionally, the Commission adopted a strategy outlining its approach to using trustworthy and ethical AI, preparing to support EU public agencies in adopting AI. Next steps involve the Parliament and Council considering the proposed amendments to the EuroHPC Regulation. The AI Office will be established within the Commission to coordinate AI activities, while Member States will set up the ALT-EDIC and CitiVERSE EDICs with Commission support.

For insights on how EU AI regulations, as well as global regulations, could impact you, consider reaching out to BABL AI. Their team of Audit Experts is equipped to offer valuable insights and address any concerns.