AI Factories in Europe: Powering the Convergence of HPC and AI for Scientific Breakthroughs and Digital Sovereignty
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM · 30 min. (Europe/Berlin)
Hall H, Community Stage - Ground floor
Community Meet-up
AI FactoriesCommunity EngagementEmerging Computing TechnologiesEngineeringSovereignty in AI
Information
Europe is entering a pivotal phase in the evolution of high-performance computing (HPC) with the emergence of AI factories—integrated ecosystems that combine compute infrastructure, data pipelines, software stacks, and talent to accelerate AI development at scale. This session explores how AI factories are reshaping the role of HPC in Europe, transforming it from a primarily simulation-driven domain into a cornerstone of AI innovation, while reinforcing Europe’s ambitions for digital and AI sovereignty.
Who:
This session brings together a diverse cross-section of the ISC community: HPC center leaders, AI researchers, industry practitioners, policymakers, and startups. By combining perspectives from public research infrastructures (e.g., EuroHPC), private-sector innovation, and policy frameworks, the discussion aims to bridge traditionally siloed communities-HPC and AI, while highlighting regional diversity across Europe.
What:
The central challenge addressed is how Europe can effectively transition from world-class HPC capabilities to globally competitive AI ecosystems. While Europe leads in scientific computing, it faces gaps in scaling AI infrastructure, integrating data ecosystems, and translating research into industrial impact. AI factories offer a new paradigm—but key questions remain:
How do AI factories differ from traditional HPC centers in architecture, access models, and mission?
Can they truly bridge the gap between scientific computing and industrial AI deployment?
What role do they play in advancing European digital and AI sovereignty amid global competition?
How can inclusivity and access be ensured across countries, disciplines, and organizations?
How (Interactive Format)
Designed as a moderated, highly interactive session, the format blends multiple engagement techniques:
Lightning talks (3–4 speakers, 3 minutes each): Quick insights from HPC, AI, policy, and industry voices to frame the discussion.
Live polling: Audience input on key questions (e.g., “What defines an AI factory?” or “What is Europe’s biggest gap in AI infrastructure?”).
Moderated group discussion: Facilitated dialogue between panelists and audience, encouraging real-time participation and debate.
Interactive Q&A / open mic: Attendees contribute perspectives, challenges, or examples from their own institutions.
This dynamic structure ensures the session is not just informative but collaborative, aligning with the Community Stage’s goal of fostering connection.
Value (Key Takeaways)
The core “aha!” moment for participants is a reframing: AI factories are not just bigger supercomputers—they are ecosystem builders that redefine how HPC, AI, data, and people come together.
Attendees will leave with:
A clearer understanding of how AI factories complement and extend traditional HPC infrastructures
Insights into how Europe can leverage AI factories to strengthen its position in global AI development
Awareness of the technical, organizational, and policy shifts required to operationalize these ecosystems
New connections across disciplines and sectors, enabling collaboration beyond the session
Ultimately, this session positions AI factories as a strategic bridge—linking scientific excellence with industrial innovation, and local capabilities with European-scale ambitions. By fostering dialogue across communities, it contributes to shaping a shared vision for the future of AI and HPC in Europe—one that is competitive, collaborative, and sovereign.
Who:
This session brings together a diverse cross-section of the ISC community: HPC center leaders, AI researchers, industry practitioners, policymakers, and startups. By combining perspectives from public research infrastructures (e.g., EuroHPC), private-sector innovation, and policy frameworks, the discussion aims to bridge traditionally siloed communities-HPC and AI, while highlighting regional diversity across Europe.
What:
The central challenge addressed is how Europe can effectively transition from world-class HPC capabilities to globally competitive AI ecosystems. While Europe leads in scientific computing, it faces gaps in scaling AI infrastructure, integrating data ecosystems, and translating research into industrial impact. AI factories offer a new paradigm—but key questions remain:
How do AI factories differ from traditional HPC centers in architecture, access models, and mission?
Can they truly bridge the gap between scientific computing and industrial AI deployment?
What role do they play in advancing European digital and AI sovereignty amid global competition?
How can inclusivity and access be ensured across countries, disciplines, and organizations?
How (Interactive Format)
Designed as a moderated, highly interactive session, the format blends multiple engagement techniques:
Lightning talks (3–4 speakers, 3 minutes each): Quick insights from HPC, AI, policy, and industry voices to frame the discussion.
Live polling: Audience input on key questions (e.g., “What defines an AI factory?” or “What is Europe’s biggest gap in AI infrastructure?”).
Moderated group discussion: Facilitated dialogue between panelists and audience, encouraging real-time participation and debate.
Interactive Q&A / open mic: Attendees contribute perspectives, challenges, or examples from their own institutions.
This dynamic structure ensures the session is not just informative but collaborative, aligning with the Community Stage’s goal of fostering connection.
Value (Key Takeaways)
The core “aha!” moment for participants is a reframing: AI factories are not just bigger supercomputers—they are ecosystem builders that redefine how HPC, AI, data, and people come together.
Attendees will leave with:
A clearer understanding of how AI factories complement and extend traditional HPC infrastructures
Insights into how Europe can leverage AI factories to strengthen its position in global AI development
Awareness of the technical, organizational, and policy shifts required to operationalize these ecosystems
New connections across disciplines and sectors, enabling collaboration beyond the session
Ultimately, this session positions AI factories as a strategic bridge—linking scientific excellence with industrial innovation, and local capabilities with European-scale ambitions. By fostering dialogue across communities, it contributes to shaping a shared vision for the future of AI and HPC in Europe—one that is competitive, collaborative, and sovereign.
Format
on-site
