EU launches RAISE virtual institute to coordinate artificial-intelligence research
Funded under Horizon Europe, RAISE brings together research talent and data resources to make the EU a global leader in AI-powered scientific innovation.
The European Commission has introduced RAISE, a new virtual research institute aimed at consolidating Europe’s AI capabilities and supporting scientific innovation. Announced in Copenhagen, the initiative forms part of the EU’s strategy to strengthen technological leadership through coordinated public investment and collaboration across Member States.
RAISE will receive €107 million in funding through Horizon Europe and will operate as a distributed network rather than a single physical centre. It will connect existing research teams, computing resources and data infrastructure across Europe, with a focus on using AI to address scientific challenges such as cancer research, climate modelling and disaster-risk forecasting.
The programme will work alongside the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking to access high-performance computing facilities, including Europe’s emerging “AI Gigafactories”. A dedicated €75 million will fund Networks of Excellence to support researcher training, mobility and recruitment.
The Commission also signalled plans to double its annual Horizon Europe spending on AI to more than €3 billion, positioning the initiative as part of a broader effort to expand publicly funded AI research. While industry investment remains significant in the global AI landscape, the Commission emphasised that RAISE is designed to promote scientific and socially beneficial uses of AI rather than commercial priorities alone.
RAISE is expected to develop gradually through 2034, with the goal of strengthening cooperation among universities, public-sector institutions and industry partners. The Commission sees the project as a way to support responsible AI development, reinforce European research sovereignty and maintain competitiveness in the global scientific AI race.
The virtual institute will also contribute to emerging EU AI governance efforts by supporting ethical guidelines and promoting a research environment aligned with European values and regulatory standards.
Why does it matter?
The launch comes at a time of growing international competition in advanced computing and AI. The EU views coordinated research investment and shared infrastructure as key tools to build long-term capacity, attract global talent and support domestic innovation.
