EuroHPC JU Takes On AI Gigafactories and Quantum in Expanded Mandate

EuroHPC JU Amends Regulation to Boost AI Gigafactories and Introduce Quantum Technologies

The most recent amendment to the EuroHPC JU has broadened its scope to facilitate the establishment of AI gigafactories in Europe and has introduced a dedicated quantum technologies pillar.

The updated regulation now permits the development and operation of AI gigafactories in Europe, which will serve as a top-tier AI compute infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance Europe’s industry and competitiveness while promoting collaboration through public-private partnerships involving member states and industry stakeholders.

Furthermore, the regulation outlines guidelines for funding and procurement processes, ensuring the protection of the interests of start-ups and scale-ups. It offers partners flexibility to optimize outcomes and advance Europe’s position in AI and quantum technologies.

Cyprus deputy minister of research, innovation, and digital policy, Nicodemos Damianou, emphasized the significance of establishing AI gigafactories in Europe to propel the continent’s resilience, competitiveness, and sovereignty in the digital era.

Empowering European Innovation with Expanded AI Gigafactories

EuroHPC’s mission is to develop, deploy, and maintain supercomputing, quantum computing, and data infrastructure within the EU. It also aims to bolster the growth of high-performance computing systems, technologies, and skills for European science and industry.

The 2024 amendment to the EuroHPC regulation introduced the concept of AI factories to foster innovation and collaboration in artificial intelligence. The subsequent proposal in July 2025 supports the establishment of AI gigafactories to further elevate Europe’s leadership in AI innovation.

Enhancing Support for Larger AI Models

The AI gigafactories will be cutting-edge, large-scale facilities equipped with substantial computing power. Operating in energy-efficient data centers, these facilities will support the entire AI lifecycle, including the development, training, and large-scale inference of extensive AI models and applications.

These facilities will provide advanced computing resources to European researchers, startups, and industrial partners, promoting the development of powerful, responsible AI models trained on European data.

By leveraging environmentally sustainable compute infrastructure, the AI gigafactories will reinforce the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness in advanced AI technologies.

Exploring the Potential of Quantum Technologies

The introduction of a new quantum technologies pillar will focus on developing the full quantum ecosystem, encompassing quantum computing, simulation, communication, sensing, and metrology across various application domains.

This initiative aims to enhance the security, resilience, and competitiveness of the European quantum supply chain, while advancing the EU’s scientific and industrial leadership and technological sovereignty.

The EuroHPC JU will lead the implementation of the Union’s quantum technology agenda, including research and innovation activities under the Horizon Europe Programme’s Quantum Flagship.

Future calls for quantum technologies will be integrated into the EuroHPC JU’s work program, fostering synergies between HPC and quantum technologies to support fundamental and applied research, technology deployment, and integration into world-class infrastructures.

Establishing a New Expert Group in Quantum Technologies

As part of the EuroHPC JU’s governance changes, expertise in quantum technologies will be incorporated. A new EuroHPC Quantum Technologies Advisory Group (QTAG) will be established within the Industrial and Scientific Advisory Board to provide input for strategic planning and expert advice.

The EuroHPC JU is currently implementing these updates to its structure to effectively support AI gigafactories and quantum technologies in Europe.