EU invests €50 million to create network of artificial intelligence excellence centres
Research teams in Europe are called to join forces and foster the deployment of AI-based solutions
The European Commission launched a new call for proposals to develop a European network of Artificial Intelligence (AI) excellence centres to enhance cooperation within the area of AI in Europe. Proposals can be submitted until the 13th of November 2019 to finance projects under the Horizon 2020 Work Programme 2018-2020.
As stated in the European AI Strategy, a swift take up of technological advancements in AI can boost Europe’s digital, industrial socio-economic capacities and ensure strategic autonomy. To this aim, an upgraded research infrastructure for the development of applications in key sectors, combined with the facilitation of AI uptake and access to data, are fundamental. This implies stepping up investments to strengthen research and boost scientific breakthroughs.
Moving forward to this commitment, the Commission has thereby increased its annual investments in AI by 70% under the research and innovation programme Horizon 2020, pointing at a total of EUR 1.5 billion for the period 2018-2020.
Through this new call for proposals (“ICT-48-2020: Towards a vibrant European network of AI excellence centres”), the most rigorous research teams in Europe are encouraged to join forces to tackle major scientific and technological challenges, hampering the deployment of AI-based solutions.
The call for proposals has two parts: the first part aims to bring leading researchers together in European networks of excellence centres that will work on key AI topics. Each network of researchers will identify a scientific or industrial challenge to focus at. The second part aims at fostering coordination and exchange among the selected projects, and other relevant initiatives. Priority is given to the development of PhD programs, the integration of AI in curricula and the organization of internships.
Candidates can submit their proposals until 13 November 2019.
More information about this call for proposals are available at the webpage of the dedicated brokerage event, which took place on the 28th of May in Brussels: click here