Nordic-Baltic AI Center launched with base in Stockholm
New Nordics AI is now launching, a new center intended to stimulate collaboration, develop the region's competitiveness, and accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in the Nordic-Baltic region. The initiative is a collaboration between AI Sweden and leading national organizations in Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland. The main secretariat will be located in Stockholm.
With geopolitical changes as well as a need to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and our ability to develop and apply AI, New Nordics AI could not have a more important role to play. As a region, we must be both bold and hungry when it comes to using technology to create prosperous societies and businesses. That must be our mindset.
Mikael Ljungblom
Interim director of New Nordics AI
Catalyzing Nordic-Baltic AI innovation and use
The center will help realize common Nordic-Baltic ambitions. By building on the strengths of the national organizations, the goal is to catalyze groundbreaking innovation projects and strengthen the region's voice within the EU.
The first joint projects are already being presented at launch, including a network for the implementation of the EU's AI Act, a coordination effort for large language models, and a project on AI and energy.
Broad political support
The initiative has strong political support and is funded by, among others, the Nordic Council of Ministers with DKK 30 million (approximately 4 million euro).
The AI center is crucial for us to achieve our Vision 2030 – to become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. Through cross-border and cross-sectoral collaboration, the Nordics and Baltics have a unique opportunity to take the lead in responsible AI, strengthen our competitiveness, and contribute to a sustainable future. I am proud that the Nordic Council of Ministers is funding and enabling this initiative.
Karen Ellemann
Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers
Karen Ellemann continues: "In the global AI race, there is a real cost to inaction – which is why I am glad we are doing this now, and that we are doing it together."
In addition to the Nordic Council of Ministers, there are also other funders, including Google, Microsoft and Nordic Innovation. Nordic Innovation will fund the AI Act Implementation Network project.
Watch the launch online
The inauguration will take place in Helsinki, in connection with Finland's and Åland's presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Several ministers and representatives from the Nordic business community will attend the ceremony.
The inauguration can be followed live on the New Nordic AI website, where you will also find detailed information about the first collaborative projects, including the AI Act Implementation Network, the Large AI Models coordination effort, and the AI & Energy initiative.
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