Poland is taking part in preparations for the European AI Gigafactories project, a large-scale computing infrastructure initiative intended to support the development, training and deployment of advanced artificial intelligence systems. The call for proposals for business entities is expected to be launched by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking in July 2026.
AI Gigafactories are intended to provide businesses, research institutes, public administration bodies and other users with access to the infrastructure required to work on large-scale artificial intelligence models. The project is being implemented by the European Commission and the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking, EuroHPC JU.
Infrastructure for advanced AI models
The planned facilities are expected to combine high-performance computing resources optimised for AI applications, data centre infrastructure, storage systems, high-bandwidth networks and secure user-access environments.
The aim is to enable the full lifecycle of work on advanced AI solutions, from model development and training through testing to deployment and large-scale operation. The Gigafactories are expected to be used by startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, industry, research institutions and public administration.
The project forms part of the EU’s AI Continent Action Plan, which envisages expanding access to computing infrastructure and developing the European artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Seven projects in two scales
EuroHPC plans to select seven AI Gigafactories in two categories. Medium-scale projects are expected to ultimately provide resources equivalent to around 75,000 graphics processing units, while larger initiatives would offer approximately 100,000 GPUs.
Each project is expected to be implemented in two stages. The first will include the construction and launch of the infrastructure, as well as the start of service delivery. Following a technical audit, further expansion of computing resources may be possible.
The phased deployment model is intended to reduce investment risk and allow infrastructure capacity to grow in line with rising demand for artificial intelligence-related services.
Consortia to prepare bids
The preparation and implementation of the projects will be the responsibility of consortia formed primarily by digital infrastructure operators, technology providers, investors and digital service companies.
The evaluation of bids is expected to take into account more than just the technical specifications of the proposed infrastructure. Other factors will include the project’s impact on the development of the European AI market, the accessibility of services for users, benefits for the economy and industry, and its contribution to the development of technology and skills in Europe.
Poland prepares its participation in the competition
The Ministry of Digital Affairs is coordinating national activities related to participation in the project. Under the proposed framework, the leader of a consortium applying to develop an AI Gigafactory may be a company or another entity meeting the conditions of the call.
The Minister of Digital Affairs has approached the Minister of Finance regarding funding for Poland’s contribution to the initiative. The ministry is also holding discussions with the European Commission, EuroHPC JU and partners from other EU member states.
For Poland, participation in the project could mean an increase in domestic computing capacity, the development of technological expertise and easier access for companies, research institutions and public administration to infrastructure needed to create advanced AI-based services.
Decision expected by the end of the year
The call documentation is expected to be published in the coming weeks. The selection procedure is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026, while the first AI Gigafactories are expected to become operational in 2028.
The AI Gigafactories project will be developed in parallel with the AI Factories network, a system of smaller centres supporting the development and use of artificial intelligence in Europe’s economy, research sector and public administration.
