The University of Edinburgh’s EPCC, recognised as the UK’s first National Supercomputing Centre, has secured a significant funding award from the European Union and the UK Government, totalling €10 million (£8.6 million), to establish and operate the UK AI Factory Antenna (UKAIFA).
The UKAIFA project, spearheaded by the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), is set to play a crucial role in advancing artificial intelligence capabilities across the country.
The initiative aims to support organisations throughout the UK as they embark on their AI journeys, providing resources to increase understanding and literacy around the technology. By offering guidance and practical assistance, UKAIFA seeks to demonstrate the potential for AI technologies to enhance productivity and stimulate economic growth, addressing both current and future needs of businesses and public sector bodies.
Sir Peter Mathieson, principal and vice chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said: “This significant investment underlines Edinburgh’s world-leading capabilities in supercomputing and AI.
”It also shows the important role universities have in deepening our understanding of cutting-edge technologies, blazing a trail for industry and the public sector, leading to economic growth and job creation.”
Through this collaborative effort, the University of Edinburgh will further cement its position at the forefront of digital innovation, fostering a national ecosystem where AI is understood, adopted, and leveraged for wide-ranging benefits.
