Artificial intelligence

AI factory: large-scale Dutch AI facility

To reduce our dependence on US and Chinese big-tech companies, we are working on a large-scale 'AI factory', based on public values such as sustainability, transparency and collaboration.

The European Commission is making funding available for the development of AI factories, but wants the host country (or consortium) to contribute half of the funding itself. SURF has the experience, expertise and infrastructure to take on the possible implementation of the AI factory, and is responsible for applying for the grant on behalf of the Netherlands.

Grant application submitted

At the end of June 2025, we submitted the grant application to the European Commission on behalf of a consortium of SURF, TNO, the Dutch AI Coalition and Samenwerking Noord, with funding from the government and NijBegun (investment fund for Groningen and North Drenthe). It will be known in September whether EuroHPC will grant the application. If so, the expertise centre will start in mid-2026, and the supercomputer will be running at full capacity by early 2027.

Why an AI factory?

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial for innovation in sectors such as healthcare, mobility, energy transition and security. Currently, however, AI applications are mainly developed on US and Chinese platforms. This leads to an outflow of talent, knowledge and applications abroad. Even within education and research, the Netherlands is increasingly dependent on these big-tech companies, putting pressure on our digital sovereignty.

What is an AI factory?

An AI factory enables education, researchers, government organisations and companies to develop advanced AI applications and find solutions to societal challenges.

Supercomputer for AI
The facility has a powerful supercomputer specifically designed for training and developing AI applications.
Reliable datasets
The facility provides access to large-scale, reliable Dutch and European data sources that meet European standards for security, privacy and reliability.
Centre of expertise
The facility has a team of high-quality AI experts. In addition, it uses a network of researchers and specialists from knowledge institutions, such as universities and TNO.

Public values as a starting point

Unlike commercial platforms, the Dutch AI facility will be based on the principles of digital commons: open source software, transparency, sustainability, and collaboration. This ecosystem provides a fertile basis for an open and innovative AI development climate without the influence of big tech. In doing so, we strengthen our digital sovereignty and reduce our dependence on foreign technologies. This is essential for our economic future and international competitiveness.

Groningen as a promising location

Because of its thriving software development sector and attractive business location climate, Groningen is a promising location for the first Dutch AI factory. Groningen is home to several educational institutions that deliver highly skilled professionals, and the region offers sufficient room for growth and development. In addition, as one of the few locations in the Netherlands, Groningen has space on the electricity grid - an essential prerequisite for data centres and digital infrastructure.