Lithuanians want to create AI center for 100 million euros. They count on EU aid

Lithuania intends to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) competence and technology centre, which it calls an "AI factory", the aim of which will be to develop competences in the field of artificial intelligence, the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT reported.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation announced that the government in Vilnius approved its proposal on Wednesday.

According to estimates, the project will cost 100 million euros and generate up to 500 jobs for highly qualified specialists by early 2027, while the long-term return for the state will significantly exceed the initial investment, Lithuanian state administration representatives assume.

“The AI ​​Factory is a strategic step towards creating an advanced and internationally competitive innovation ecosystem in Lithuania,” Minister of Economy Lukas Savickas said in a press release.

“This centre will not only help accelerate the implementation of AI solutions in business and the public sector, but will also create hundreds of high-value-added jobs,” he added.

The Lithuanian government intends to obtain around EUR 50 million for the new AI project from EU funds, with the remainder being financed by the government and private sector investors.