"We are building a new space for collaboration between humans and machines," Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski announced on Wednesday.
"This is an important step in the history of Poland, technology, digitization and the lives of every citizen," he told reporters.
The new "AI factory," based at Kraków's AGH University of Science and Technology, will serve as a research and development center, facilitating the creation, testing and implementation of advanced AI technologies, Gawkowski said.
Speaking during a press conference, he highlighted the university's potential to enhance sectors such as medicine and environmental protection.
Gawkowski told the media that the project's outcomes could lead to improved weather analysis for flood prevention, accelerated development of essential medications, and more efficient cancer detection.
Additionally, enhanced satellite image analysis is expected to benefit environmental conservation and agriculture by improving land management.
"Through better analysis of weather patterns, we can respond more swiftly to potential floods," Gawkowski said. "We are working to expedite the introduction of life-saving drugs and improve cancer detection. Enhanced satellite imagery analysis will aid environmental protection and support agriculture by optimizing land use."
The initiative also aims to bolster Poland's "technological sovereignty," according to the government.
AGH University officials, including Rector Jerzy Lis, said that the university's current supercomputer, Helios, ranks among the world's top 100 fastest computers.
The new AI factory will be anchored by an even more advanced computing system, they said.
"We can now offer more, developing new, faster tools that will not only help us catch up with advanced nations but place us at the forefront," Lis told reporters.
He added that AI development is crucial for societal progress and the education of future students. "There will be no boom in computer science education at universities if we do not have such tools," he said.
The project is slated to begin this year and conclude in 2025, with the AGH University receiving nearly PLN 70 million (around EUR 16 million) in government funding. The European Commission will also co-finance the endeavor.
Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski praises Poland's new Helios supercomputer during a visit to the AGH University of Science and Technology in the southern city of Kraków on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Photo: PAP/Łukasz Gągulski
Last week, Gawkowski and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz approved plans for a special AI Fund, signaling aggressive government-backed development of AI.
Poland plans to invest around PLN 1 billion (around USD 250 million) in the development of artificial intelligence, according to Gawkowski, a move described as a cornerstone for the country’s future security and economic growth.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP