EIMIN: Lithuania wins €65 million EU competition for the first artificial intelligence centre in the country

The Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation (EIMIN) announced that the Lithuanian Consortium has won €65 million in co-financing for a new centre dedicated to the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, LitAI. It will be the only AI plant of this size in the Baltic States with a total project value of 130 million euros. 50% co-financing for the project will be provided by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC YOU) from EU funds.

A Strategic Investment in Lithuania’s Technological Independence

EIMIN will be responsible for the strategic development and competitiveness of the AI plant. LitAI is expected to strengthen Lithuania’s technological independence and national security by creating and processing domestic data and AI solutions in Lithuania. Not only can this project generate up to EUR 360 million in economic returns, but it will also allow the state to act more efficiently, faster and safer.

Transforming High-Performance Computing Capabilities

LitAI aims to transform Lithuania’s high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities by building an independent, AI-optimised infrastructure capable of meeting both national and European strategic needs. The project will be led by Vilnius University and the equipment will operate in the premises of the VDC3 data centre of the Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre in Vilnius.

Over 80 AI and HPC Services for Innovation Across Lithuania

LitAI will provide more than 80 services, ranging from high-performance computing resources and data storage to accelerator access and innovation promotion across Lithuania, also involving the regions. Special attention will be paid to strategic areas such as cybersecurity, green energy, smart industry and digital health.

The Lithuanian Consortium consists of Vilnius University, Kaunas University of Technology, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vytautas Magnus University, State Data Agency, State Digital Solutions Agency, AB Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre, Innovation Agency and other partners.