In a significant stride towards technological advancement, Poznań is set to become a pivotal hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation with the establishment of the PIAST AI Factory. This initiative, led by the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC), brings together prominent institutions including Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU), Poznań University of Technology, and Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. The consortium has secured approximately PLN 200 million in funding from the European Commission to develop this state-of-the-art AI research and development centre.
What Is an AI Factory?
The term “AI Factory” might sound futuristic, but the concept is straightforward: these are research and development centres equipped with high-powered computing systems that help businesses, universities, and governments accelerate AI innovation. They provide supercomputing resources, large-scale datasets, and training facilities, allowing researchers and entrepreneurs to develop cutting-edge AI applications.
According to the Ministry of Digitalisation, AI Factories are a key part of the EU’s strategy to transform Europe into a global leader in trustworthy artificial intelligence. The plan, announced in September 2024, aims to create a network of specialised AI research hubs across Europe.
A Collaborative Effort
The PIAST AI Factory represents a collaborative endeavour aimed at bridging the gap between academia, industry, and government. By fostering a dynamic ecosystem for knowledge exchange and AI innovation, the factory seeks to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors. AMU, already a key player in AI research through its Artificial Intelligence Centre and faculties of Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Astronomy, will receive €1.3 million directly from the funding. These resources are earmarked for research, expertise development, and training initiatives.
We are pleased that we will have the opportunity to provide education with tools for advanced research in artificial intelligence.
says Prof. Michał Banaszak, Vice-Rector for Digitisation and Business Cooperation at AMU.
Focus Areas and Objectives
The PIAST AI Factory is poised to make significant contributions in several critical domains:
- Healthcare and Life Sciences: Developing AI applications to enhance medical diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care.
- Information Technology and Cybersecurity: Advancing AI-driven solutions to protect digital infrastructures and data integrity.
- Space and Robotics: Innovating AI applications for space exploration and robotic technologies.
- Sustainability: Implementing AI strategies to address challenges in energy management, agriculture, and climate change.
By focusing on these areas, the factory aims to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and strengthen Poland’s position within the European AI ecosystem.
Poland must invest in AI cybersecurity to ensure digital safety. This AI Factory will be a crucial step in that direction.
says Prof. Anna Nowak, a cybersecurity expert from Poznań University of Technology.
Leveraging Advanced Infrastructure
A cornerstone of the PIAST AI Factory is its utilization of PSNC’s advanced high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, including the EuroHPC quantum computer, Piast-Q. This cutting-edge technology will enable the development and testing of large-scale AI models, facilitating groundbreaking research and applications. The factory’s emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, and cross-border cooperation is designed to create a platform for impactful AI applications that address pressing societal challenges while driving economic growth.
Alignment with National and European Strategies
The establishment of the PIAST AI Factory aligns with Poland’s broader digitalization strategy and commitment to advancing innovation. The country’s recent initiatives, including a €240 million investment plan to enhance economic competitiveness through AI development, underscore this commitment. These efforts are part of a larger European agenda to establish interconnected AI factories across the continent, fostering collaboration among scientists and businesses.
Educational Initiatives and Talent Development
AMU’s involvement in the consortium also highlights a strong emphasis on education and talent development. The university’s interdisciplinary Quantum Informatics degree program, launched in 2023, combines knowledge from physics and computer science to prepare specialists capable of implementing and developing quantum technologies. Such educational initiatives are crucial for cultivating a workforce adept at leveraging AI and quantum computing advancements.
Looking Ahead
The PIAST AI Factory is poised to become a catalyst for AI innovation in Poznań and beyond. By fostering collaboration among leading academic institutions, leveraging advanced computational resources, and focusing on critical sectors, the factory aims to contribute significantly to technological advancements and economic growth. As part of a network of AI factories across Europe, PIAST will play a vital role in positioning Poland at the forefront of the AI revolution.
This is an exciting time for Poznań. We are proud to be at the forefront of AI innovation in Europe.
says Dr. Piotr Nowicki, a senior researcher at PSNC.
