Artificial intelligence (AI) is the technology that will help shape our economy, security and way of life in the coming years. At present, the most important innovations in this field still come from the United States and China. This makes Europe, and therefore also the Netherlands, too dependent on others. If Willem Jonker (AIC4NL) and Stephanie Klein Nagelvoort-Schuit and Wiro Niessen of the UMCG have their way, this will change. They collaborated on the application for €200 million in funding to bring a Dutch AI factory to Groningen. An interview with them will appear in ICT&health magazine 4 (22 August).
The arrival of an AI factory in Groningen will make the Netherlands and Europe digitally independent and give the economy a significant boost. The AI factory is a powerful innovation hub where entrepreneurs, researchers and governments will work together to build the technologies of tomorrow and share knowledge.
Breeding ground for innovation
Companies are experimenting with AI applications, secure data storage and the use of a supercomputer with enormous computing power. It will be a breeding ground for innovation, from smart agriculture to better healthcare, and from energy networks to security, defence and manufacturing.
‘AI will fundamentally change our economy and society. But those who do not develop the technology themselves will be dependent on others. That is why we are fully committed to a strong Dutch AI infrastructure. This is not a luxury, but a pure necessity to maintain our digital independence and competitiveness,’ says Minister Karremans (Economic Affairs) about the attempt to realise the AI factory in Groningen.
Powerful collaboration for powerful computer
The investment is the result of a powerful collaboration between the national government, the Groningen/North Drenthe region and European partners. The cabinet is making €70 million available, while the regional authorities are contributing another €60 million through the “Nij Begun” Economic Agenda. In addition, the cabinet, together with SURF, AIC4NL, TNO and Samenwerking Noord, has submitted a European co-financing application worth €70 million. This brings the total investment to €200 million.
Groningen has been designated as the preferred location for this AI factory. The region has a strong network of educational institutions and innovative companies and offers both the technical expertise and the physical space required.
Strategic choice
This investment is about more than just technology. It is a strategic choice for economic strengthening, technological independence and a sustainable future for the Netherlands. If everything goes according to plan, the AI factory will open its doors in 2026 and the supercomputer will be running at full capacity by early 2027.
In April of this year, Klein Nagelvoort-Schuit, vice-chairman of the UMCG's Executive Board, announced that the UMCG supports the possible arrival of an AI Factory in Groningen. The university hospital reported on its website that it is extremely important to have such a facility in its own region.
You can read more about this in the next edition of ICT&health magazine, which will be published on 22 August. And you can experience it live during the ICT&health World Conference 2026 in Maastricht.
