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Slovenian delegation in Brussels on funding the supercomputer project

by AI | 05.Nov 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Representatives of Slovenia unveiled plans in Brussels to set up a second supercomputer in Maribor, which would also be intended for the development of artificial intelligence applications, for which they seek to obtain European funds.

Supercomputer Vega in Maribor, officially opened in April 2021. Photo: IZUM/STA

Brussels – A delegation from the Ministry of Digital Transformation met with representatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology in Brussels on Monday. Director-General Roberto Viola welcomed Slovenia’s decision to apply for funds for the supercomputer and artificial intelligence factory project in two applications.

The Minister of Finance Klemen Boštjančič, who is temporarily in charge of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, presented Slovenia’s plans for the establishment of the second supercomputer and artificial intelligence factory to European interlocutors.

Slovenia is already participating with a five million contribution to the Italian supercomputer project in Bologna, but wishes to submit an independent application for the construction of a new supercomputer adapted to artificial intelligence applications in February 2025. The application is also expected to include the establishment of an artificial intelligence factory as an ecosystem for the development and optimization of various artificial intelligence models, the ministry announced. The value is expected to be one hundred million euros, half of which is to be contributed by the EU through non-refundable funds.

The largest Slovenian producer of renewable electricity Dravske elektrarne Maribor has already sold the appropriate land to the state in Maribor. According to the plans, both the supercomputer and the data center, which is already being built, are expected to be powered by the Mariborski otok hydroelectric power plant, and the heat generated by the operation of the supercomputer is expected to be used for heating the citizens of Maribor.

The first supercomputer Vega has been operating in Maribor since April 2021, accessible to Slovenian and European researchers and industry. The project was worth slightly more than 17 million euros, with contributions from the European Regional Development Fund, the Slovenian Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, and the company EuroHPC.

With the aim of strengthening regional cooperation, Slovenia has invited all neighboring countries to participate in the new supercomputer project. According to the ministry, Austria and Italy have already expressed their willingness to cooperate, and Slovenia is still awaiting feedback from Hungary and Croatia. (November 4th)