Last week, Poland's Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a letter of intent to establish a special AI Fund.
“Establishing the AI Fund is about creating a strong foundation for the Polish economy, from which small and medium-sized enterprises and startups can benefit,” Gawkowski told reporters.
Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw on Friday, he emphasized the government's commitment to making Poland a hub for AI innovation.
'We will build an AI factory in Poland': digital affairs minister
He said: “We will build an AI factory in Poland, and this process has already begun. A major institute focused on artificial intelligence will also be established here.”
Gawkowski also announced plans to develop a Polish Large Language Model (PLLuM), describing it as a key step toward maintaining a competitive edge in the global AI race.
“The processes are already underway and will continue in the coming weeks and months," he told the media. "On Polish AI, we will spend around PLN 1 billion."
National security, economy 'both depend on AI': defense minister
Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed the strategic importance of AI for both national security and economic development.
He said: “This is a very important day for a safe and prosperous Poland because these two values meet today. There is no future for one without the other, and both depend on artificial intelligence.”
He also addressed the challenges of translating Poland’s scientific achievements into commercial success.
“Poland has made significant progress in science and innovation, but we still face challenges in putting our inventions to commercial use,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
"This deficit must be overcome, and it is the responsibility of our government to address it," he added.
The AI Fund’s advisory council will bring together key government and research institutions, including the Ministry of Digital Affairs, Ministry of Science, Ministry of National Defense, the Polish Development Fund, the National Centre for Research and Development, the National Science Centre, and Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, a state-owned bank focused on supporting the economy.
The new body will focus on promoting the development and implementation of AI technologies across Poland.
Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the broader implications of the initiative: “The AI development strategy, the AI Fund, and the AI factory represent an opportunity for Poland to gain a competitive advantage globally, while also enhancing our national security and economic growth,” he said.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP