Overview
The European Union's EuroHPC Joint Undertaking is launching a call for proposals identified as HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2025-AIFA-01, aimed at creating AI Factory Antennas across EuroHPC Participating States lacking their own AI Factories. This initiative is designed to enhance the AI ecosystem by integrating these antennas with existing AI Factories, providing support services, algorithmic assistance, training, and access to advanced computing capabilities.
Eligible applicants must be legal entities or consortia from a single EuroHPC Participating State that has not hosted an AI Factory or partnered with one. Proposals require a pre-existing agreement with an established AI Factory. The application process is a single-stage open call with a submission deadline set for July 9, 2025.
The total indicative budget for this initiative is €70 million, with the EU contributing up to 50% of eligible project costs, capping at €5 million per antenna for a project duration of up to 3 years. The co-funding requirement indicates that applicants must cover at least 50% of the costs, which may come from state funding or other sources.
The targeted sector for this funding opportunity is artificial intelligence, with a focus on developing large-scale AI models and applications applicable in various industries, including health, energy, climate, finance, and public administration. The project stage emphasizes validation and demonstration, highlighting activities such as fine-tuning, testing, and validating AI applications.
Importantly, while the call does not specify particular countries for the antennas, it is open to entities from EuroHPC Participating States, which encompasses EU member states and associated countries. The proposal must not exceed 70 pages and should outline the relevant national AI ecosystem, the planned activities of the AI Factory Antenna, and the collaborative links with the established AI Factory.
Successful proposals will be evaluated based on their vision, capability, experience, and plans for cooperation with other AI initiatives. Letters of Support from the Participating State and Intent from the linked AI Factory are also prerequisites for submission.
Overall, this call aims to expand the capabilities of the AI ecosystem in Europe by establishing connections with supercomputing resources and fostering innovation in AI development.
Eligible applicants must be legal entities or consortia from a single EuroHPC Participating State that has not hosted an AI Factory or partnered with one. Proposals require a pre-existing agreement with an established AI Factory. The application process is a single-stage open call with a submission deadline set for July 9, 2025.
The total indicative budget for this initiative is €70 million, with the EU contributing up to 50% of eligible project costs, capping at €5 million per antenna for a project duration of up to 3 years. The co-funding requirement indicates that applicants must cover at least 50% of the costs, which may come from state funding or other sources.
The targeted sector for this funding opportunity is artificial intelligence, with a focus on developing large-scale AI models and applications applicable in various industries, including health, energy, climate, finance, and public administration. The project stage emphasizes validation and demonstration, highlighting activities such as fine-tuning, testing, and validating AI applications.
Importantly, while the call does not specify particular countries for the antennas, it is open to entities from EuroHPC Participating States, which encompasses EU member states and associated countries. The proposal must not exceed 70 pages and should outline the relevant national AI ecosystem, the planned activities of the AI Factory Antenna, and the collaborative links with the established AI Factory.
Successful proposals will be evaluated based on their vision, capability, experience, and plans for cooperation with other AI initiatives. Letters of Support from the Participating State and Intent from the linked AI Factory are also prerequisites for submission.
Overall, this call aims to expand the capabilities of the AI ecosystem in Europe by establishing connections with supercomputing resources and fostering innovation in AI development.
Detail
The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU) is launching a call for proposals, HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2025-AIFA-01, to establish AI Factory Antennas. These antennas will strengthen the network of EuroHPC AI Factories by providing support services, algorithmic support, training, and access to talent, while also ensuring remote computing access to AI-optimized supercomputing capacity. The deadline for submission is July 9, 2025.
The total indicative budget for this call is EUR 70 million, with a maximum EU contribution of EUR 5 million per AI Factory Antenna for a duration of up to 3 years. The funding rate is 50% of the eligible costs, with the remaining 50% expected to be covered by the Participating State. The call aims to award approximately 8 grants.
Eligible applicants are entities or consortia of entities from a single EuroHPC Participating State that have not yet been selected to host an AI Factory or be a partner of a selected AI Factory. Proposals must include a pre-agreed association with an established AI Factory, selected via Calls EUROHPC-2024-CEI-AI-01 and EUROHPC-2024-CEI-AI-02.
The AI Factory Antennas are expected to provide AI-optimized computing capabilities and services for large-scale training and development of AI models, as well as acquire and provide AI compute resources for fine-tuning, testing, and validation of AI applications.
The application must not exceed 70 pages and should include:
A description of the national AI ecosystem(s) the AI Factory Antenna aims to target.
A description of the features the AI Factory Antenna will have in terms of activities and service offering.
A description of how the AI Factory Antenna will cooperate and synergize with the established AI Factory it will be linked with.
The proposal should be structured as follows:
A general description of the concept and needs for an AI Factory Antenna:
Concept of the AI Factory Antenna: Vision, Rationale, Objectives, and a roadmap for developing the national AI ecosystem(s).
Targeted key Industrial sectors and Applications and targeted Stakeholders and their needs: Description of key sectors, obstacles, and a plan for attracting key AI stakeholders. Plans for internal or external cloud solutions.
Links to a national AI strategy, and national data and access policies to computing and data: Description of links to the national AI Strategy, National Data Policy, and an AI user-friendly access policy to the national share of computing time.
An indicative financial contribution plan, specifying how the AI Factory Antenna will support the established AI Factory. A preliminary agreement between the AI Factory Antenna and the established AI Factory may be documented in the Letter of Intent.
Overall plan for networking the AI Factory Antenna with the other EuroHPC AI Factories and Antennas.
Overall plan for linking the AI Factory Antenna to a national strategy for startups/SMEs.
A detailed description of the AI Factory Antenna data facilities and services and its networking with other AI Factories and AI Factories Antennas:
AI Factory Antenna tools and services: User support services, computing, software, and application development environments.
Data facilities, access to data, confidentiality and integrity of data: Description of data repositories, access to Common European Data Spaces, and plans for secure and trusted environments.
Trustworthy AI: Plans for developing robust guidelines and standards for AI algorithmic development aligned with the principles and requirements of the AI Act.
AI Factory Antenna Hub facilities (where relevant): Co-working space facilities and hosting facilities for AI students.
AI Factory Antenna training facilities: Skills plan and access to human capital.
Detailed plans for networking the AI Factory Antenna with existing European and national initiatives and with other EuroHPC AI Factories and AI Factory Antennas.
A description of the AI Factory Antenna Implementation Plan:
Implementation plan and risk management: Indicative implementation plan, organizational structure, project timeline, risk management approach, and a timeline for the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with the established AI Factory.
Key performance indicators (KPIs): Description of a set of KPIs and metrics.
Budget estimate of the proposal: Estimated budget for the establishment of the AI Factory Antenna, including development, implementation, and expected operational costs.
A comprehensive description of the expected Impacts of the AI Factory Antenna:
Description of the pathways to achieve the expected outcomes and expected impacts and the measures they will take for maximizing these expected outcomes and impacts.
Applicants must provide a Letter(s) of Support from the Participating State and a Letter of Intent co-signed with the consortium leader of an established AI Factory.
The evaluation criteria include:
Vision, plans, and capability of the AI Factory Antenna.
Quality and pertinence of experience and know-how.
Plans for interaction and cooperation with other AI Factories and initiatives.
Existing capabilities and future plans to contribute to the development of the talent pool.
This call aims to create a network of AI Factory Antennas that will support the development of the AI ecosystem in Europe by providing access to supercomputing resources, training, and other support services. It is an EU Synergy call, requiring partial funding from a EuroHPC JU Participating State. The AI Factory Antenna will be linked to established AI Factories and grants awarded under HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2025-AI-01-IBA.
In summary, this opportunity is a call for proposals to establish AI Factory Antennas within EuroHPC Participating States. These antennas will act as extensions of established AI Factories, providing crucial resources and support to the national AI ecosystem, including access to supercomputing, training, and talent. The goal is to strengthen the AI landscape across Europe, fostering innovation and growth in the field. Applicants must form a consortium or be a single legal entity from an eligible state, demonstrate a commitment from their Participating State, and secure a Letter of Intent with an established AI Factory. The EU will fund 50% of the eligible costs, up to EUR 5 million per antenna, for a duration of up to 3 years.
The total indicative budget for this call is EUR 70 million, with a maximum EU contribution of EUR 5 million per AI Factory Antenna for a duration of up to 3 years. The funding rate is 50% of the eligible costs, with the remaining 50% expected to be covered by the Participating State. The call aims to award approximately 8 grants.
Eligible applicants are entities or consortia of entities from a single EuroHPC Participating State that have not yet been selected to host an AI Factory or be a partner of a selected AI Factory. Proposals must include a pre-agreed association with an established AI Factory, selected via Calls EUROHPC-2024-CEI-AI-01 and EUROHPC-2024-CEI-AI-02.
The AI Factory Antennas are expected to provide AI-optimized computing capabilities and services for large-scale training and development of AI models, as well as acquire and provide AI compute resources for fine-tuning, testing, and validation of AI applications.
The application must not exceed 70 pages and should include:
A description of the national AI ecosystem(s) the AI Factory Antenna aims to target.
A description of the features the AI Factory Antenna will have in terms of activities and service offering.
A description of how the AI Factory Antenna will cooperate and synergize with the established AI Factory it will be linked with.
The proposal should be structured as follows:
A general description of the concept and needs for an AI Factory Antenna:
Concept of the AI Factory Antenna: Vision, Rationale, Objectives, and a roadmap for developing the national AI ecosystem(s).
Targeted key Industrial sectors and Applications and targeted Stakeholders and their needs: Description of key sectors, obstacles, and a plan for attracting key AI stakeholders. Plans for internal or external cloud solutions.
Links to a national AI strategy, and national data and access policies to computing and data: Description of links to the national AI Strategy, National Data Policy, and an AI user-friendly access policy to the national share of computing time.
An indicative financial contribution plan, specifying how the AI Factory Antenna will support the established AI Factory. A preliminary agreement between the AI Factory Antenna and the established AI Factory may be documented in the Letter of Intent.
Overall plan for networking the AI Factory Antenna with the other EuroHPC AI Factories and Antennas.
Overall plan for linking the AI Factory Antenna to a national strategy for startups/SMEs.
A detailed description of the AI Factory Antenna data facilities and services and its networking with other AI Factories and AI Factories Antennas:
AI Factory Antenna tools and services: User support services, computing, software, and application development environments.
Data facilities, access to data, confidentiality and integrity of data: Description of data repositories, access to Common European Data Spaces, and plans for secure and trusted environments.
Trustworthy AI: Plans for developing robust guidelines and standards for AI algorithmic development aligned with the principles and requirements of the AI Act.
AI Factory Antenna Hub facilities (where relevant): Co-working space facilities and hosting facilities for AI students.
AI Factory Antenna training facilities: Skills plan and access to human capital.
Detailed plans for networking the AI Factory Antenna with existing European and national initiatives and with other EuroHPC AI Factories and AI Factory Antennas.
A description of the AI Factory Antenna Implementation Plan:
Implementation plan and risk management: Indicative implementation plan, organizational structure, project timeline, risk management approach, and a timeline for the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding with the established AI Factory.
Key performance indicators (KPIs): Description of a set of KPIs and metrics.
Budget estimate of the proposal: Estimated budget for the establishment of the AI Factory Antenna, including development, implementation, and expected operational costs.
A comprehensive description of the expected Impacts of the AI Factory Antenna:
Description of the pathways to achieve the expected outcomes and expected impacts and the measures they will take for maximizing these expected outcomes and impacts.
Applicants must provide a Letter(s) of Support from the Participating State and a Letter of Intent co-signed with the consortium leader of an established AI Factory.
The evaluation criteria include:
Vision, plans, and capability of the AI Factory Antenna.
Quality and pertinence of experience and know-how.
Plans for interaction and cooperation with other AI Factories and initiatives.
Existing capabilities and future plans to contribute to the development of the talent pool.
This call aims to create a network of AI Factory Antennas that will support the development of the AI ecosystem in Europe by providing access to supercomputing resources, training, and other support services. It is an EU Synergy call, requiring partial funding from a EuroHPC JU Participating State. The AI Factory Antenna will be linked to established AI Factories and grants awarded under HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2025-AI-01-IBA.
In summary, this opportunity is a call for proposals to establish AI Factory Antennas within EuroHPC Participating States. These antennas will act as extensions of established AI Factories, providing crucial resources and support to the national AI ecosystem, including access to supercomputing, training, and talent. The goal is to strengthen the AI landscape across Europe, fostering innovation and growth in the field. Applicants must form a consortium or be a single legal entity from an eligible state, demonstrate a commitment from their Participating State, and secure a Letter of Intent with an established AI Factory. The EU will fund 50% of the eligible costs, up to EUR 5 million per antenna, for a duration of up to 3 years.
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Breakdown
Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicants are entities or consortia of entities from a single EuroHPC Participating State. The applicant entity must be registered as a legal entity in one of EuroHPC's Participating States and must have a legal personality on the date of the deadline for submission. The applicant must also represent one single EuroHPC Participating State that has agreed, with a Letter of Intent, to contribute to participating in an established AI Factory.
Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-JU-RIA) and a HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG].
Consortium Requirement: Both single applicants and consortia are eligible, but the consortium must be from a single EuroHPC Participating State.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is limited to entities or consortia of entities from a single EuroHPC Participating State. Entities established in countries with which association to Horizon Europe negotiations are being finalised and/or pending ratification, and which have committed to join the EuroHPC JU in the year when the call is launched, are also eligible to participate.
Target Sector: The program targets the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, specifically focusing on strengthening the AI ecosystem through AI-optimised computing capabilities and services. It also targets startups and SMEs.
Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned, but the opportunity is open to entities from EuroHPC Participating States.
Project Stage: The project stage is focused on establishing and implementing AI Factory Antennas, which suggests a stage of development and implementation rather than basic research or early-stage idea exploration. The AI Factory Antennas are expected to provide services, algorithmic support, training activities, access to talent, and remote computing access, indicating a move towards operational capabilities.
Funding Amount: The total indicative budget for the AI Factory Antenna call is up to EUR 70 million. The maximum EU contribution is up to 50% of the total eligible costs, with a maximum of EUR 5 million per AI Factory Antenna for a duration of up to 3 years.
Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.
Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a grant to cover eligible costs.
Application Stages: The application process consists of a single stage.
Success Rates: The indicative number of grants is 8, but the success rate is not explicitly mentioned.
Co-funding Requirement: Yes, co-funding is required. The funding rate is 50% of the eligible costs, with the other 50% expected to be covered by the Participating State the applicant is based in.
Summary: This opportunity is a call for proposals under the Horizon Europe program, specifically targeting the establishment of AI Factory Antennas within EuroHPC Participating States. The goal is to strengthen the AI ecosystem by providing support services, training, and access to AI-optimised supercomputing capacity. Eligible applicants are entities or consortia from a single EuroHPC Participating State, and they must have a pre-agreed association with an established AI Factory. The EU will provide up to EUR 5 million per project, covering up to 50% of the eligible costs, with the remaining funding expected from the Participating State. The application process is a single-stage submission, and the call aims to fund approximately 8 AI Factory Antennas. The AI Factory Antennas will provide relevant support services, algorithmic support, training activities, access to talent and other support services to the national AI ecosystem(s) while also ensuring remote computing access to AI-optimised supercomputing capacity of the linked AI Factory. These services will also contribute to the mission and objectives of an ‘established AI Factory’ to which the AI Factory Antenna is associated. The call is open to entities or consortia of entities fulfilling cumulatively the activities as defined in Article 4 (h) (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) and conditions as defined in Article 9 (5a) of the EuroHPC Regulation.
Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-JU-RIA) and a HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG].
Consortium Requirement: Both single applicants and consortia are eligible, but the consortium must be from a single EuroHPC Participating State.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is limited to entities or consortia of entities from a single EuroHPC Participating State. Entities established in countries with which association to Horizon Europe negotiations are being finalised and/or pending ratification, and which have committed to join the EuroHPC JU in the year when the call is launched, are also eligible to participate.
Target Sector: The program targets the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, specifically focusing on strengthening the AI ecosystem through AI-optimised computing capabilities and services. It also targets startups and SMEs.
Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned, but the opportunity is open to entities from EuroHPC Participating States.
Project Stage: The project stage is focused on establishing and implementing AI Factory Antennas, which suggests a stage of development and implementation rather than basic research or early-stage idea exploration. The AI Factory Antennas are expected to provide services, algorithmic support, training activities, access to talent, and remote computing access, indicating a move towards operational capabilities.
Funding Amount: The total indicative budget for the AI Factory Antenna call is up to EUR 70 million. The maximum EU contribution is up to 50% of the total eligible costs, with a maximum of EUR 5 million per AI Factory Antenna for a duration of up to 3 years.
Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.
Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a grant to cover eligible costs.
Application Stages: The application process consists of a single stage.
Success Rates: The indicative number of grants is 8, but the success rate is not explicitly mentioned.
Co-funding Requirement: Yes, co-funding is required. The funding rate is 50% of the eligible costs, with the other 50% expected to be covered by the Participating State the applicant is based in.
Summary: This opportunity is a call for proposals under the Horizon Europe program, specifically targeting the establishment of AI Factory Antennas within EuroHPC Participating States. The goal is to strengthen the AI ecosystem by providing support services, training, and access to AI-optimised supercomputing capacity. Eligible applicants are entities or consortia from a single EuroHPC Participating State, and they must have a pre-agreed association with an established AI Factory. The EU will provide up to EUR 5 million per project, covering up to 50% of the eligible costs, with the remaining funding expected from the Participating State. The application process is a single-stage submission, and the call aims to fund approximately 8 AI Factory Antennas. The AI Factory Antennas will provide relevant support services, algorithmic support, training activities, access to talent and other support services to the national AI ecosystem(s) while also ensuring remote computing access to AI-optimised supercomputing capacity of the linked AI Factory. These services will also contribute to the mission and objectives of an ‘established AI Factory’ to which the AI Factory Antenna is associated. The call is open to entities or consortia of entities fulfilling cumulatively the activities as defined in Article 4 (h) (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) and conditions as defined in Article 9 (5a) of the EuroHPC Regulation.
Short Summary
- Impact
- This grant aims to strengthen the AI ecosystem in Europe by establishing AI Factory Antennas in Participating States without their own AI Factories, providing access to supercomputing resources and support for AI development.
- Applicant
- Eligible applicants are entities or consortia from EuroHPC Participating States that have not yet hosted an AI Factory, including government agencies, research institutes, and universities.
- Developments
- Funding will support the establishment and implementation of AI Factory Antennas, focusing on AI development and testing across various sectors such as health, energy, and climate.
- Applicant Type
- Entities or consortia from EuroHPC Participating States, including government agencies, research institutes, and universities.
- Consortium Requirement
- Single applicant from a Participating State with a mandatory association to an established AI Factory.
- Funding Amount
- Up to €5 million per Antenna, covering 50% of eligible costs, with total project costs up to €10 million.
- Countries
- Countries hosting existing AI Factories include Finland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden, Spain, and Greece, while the funding targets Participating States without AI Factories.
- Industry
- Artificial Intelligence, focusing on the development and testing of AI applications.