Belgium Applies for European AI Factory: A Boost for Digital Innovation
brussel, dinsdag, 1 juli 2025.
On 1 July 2025, Belgium officially approached the European Commission to host an AI Factory. This central infrastructure for artificial intelligence would provide SMEs, researchers, and governments with access to high-quality computing power. Minister Vanessa Matz emphasises the ambition to position Belgium as a key player in ethical and sovereign European AI. The decision from the European Commission is expected in September 2025.
Ambitions of the AI Factory
The AI Factory, a central infrastructure for artificial intelligence, would provide SMEs, researchers, and governments with access to high-quality computing power. Minister Vanessa Matz, responsible for the modernisation of government, underscores the ambition to position Belgium as a key player in ethical and sovereign European AI. According to Matz, the AI Factory is a crucial step in the future development of digital technologies in Europe [1][2][3].
Locations and Financing
The project will be spread across two locations: the Green Energy Park in Zellik and a site in Charleroi. These locations were chosen due to their existing infrastructure and technological expertise. The project has an estimated budget of 80 million euros, with half to be financed by Europe and the other half by the federal state and regions [1][2][3].
Target Groups and Benefits
The AI Factory primarily targets SMEs and start-ups, which will receive free access to high computing power. Additionally, researchers, government services, and strategic sectors such as health, security, space, and defence will also benefit from these facilities. Minister Matz emphasises that this infrastructure will help close the gap with AI superpowers like the US and China, and will contribute to local innovation and growth [1][2][3].
Competition and Evaluation
Belgium will compete with other European countries that have also applied. The evaluation of the applications by the European Commission began in early July 2025, and the results are expected in October 2025. Minister Matz is optimistic about Belgium’s chances, given the unique mix of technological expertise and international connectivity that the country offers [2][3].
Significance for the Belgian Industry
If Belgium is selected, this will represent a strategic step forward in digital innovation, with direct benefits for Belgian businesses. The arrival of an AI Factory will promote local support and knowledge sharing, and will help companies develop their own AI models or build custom applications for their processes more quickly. The project also illustrates the quality of cooperation between the federal state and regions, which is essential to promote a common technological ambition throughout the country [1][2][3].