The leading associations for AI, digital infrastructures and services are launching an important innovation project for structural change in the Rhine region. eco – Association of the Internet Industry and the German AI Association are initiating one of the most ambitious European projects for the development of a powerful, legally compliant AI ecosystem that will sustainably connect business, science and politics in the region and beyond. The way is now clear to apply for specific funding from the STARK funding programme.
With the planned establishment of a “Centre for Sovereign AI” (CESAI) by LEAM GmbH at the Hürth site, the structural change in the Rhenish mining area is taking a forward-looking direction: from a lignite mining site to an internationally networked AI innovation cluster.
Specifically, companies benefit from ready-to-use AI base models that they can adapt to their own data and business processes with minimal effort – legally compliant, data sovereign and independent of non-European platform providers. Participation models and so-called “speedboat projects” (PoCs in 6-12 months) give companies direct access to technological developments and allow them to actively shape the AI roadmap.
eco Managing Director Andreas Weiss emphasises the strategic importance of the project: “With LEAM and CESAI, we are creating an AI innovation centre of European significance at the heart of structural change. The complementary effects to the planned AI gigafactories, sovereign cloud and modelling infrastructure and the EU AI roadmap give companies real leverage to use artificial intelligence responsibly, competitively and independently.”
Jörg Bienert, Chair of the Board of the German AI Association, adds:
“We are delighted to be able to launch concrete projects for the implementation of sovereign AI base models and applications with this endeavour. These form the basis for further developments and value creation by industry and start-ups.”
With the planned public funding of around 130 million Euros and additional private capital, as well as the targeted involvement of strategic stakeholders from industry and research, LEAM is paving the way for the development and operation of domain-specific and industry-specific AI models – from research to productive use in companies.
The region is thus positioning itself as a key location for European AI sovereignty and innovative strength – with direct economic benefits for local companies and international appeal.
LEAM at a glance:
- Fast access to AI technologies: Industry-specific AI models are available as an open source basis or proprietary solution – including infrastructure.
- Data sovereignty & legal certainty: Operation of the models in European environments, compliant with the EU AI Regulation.
- Economic leverage: State co-financed programme with up to 99% of development costs covered for individual AI models.
- Active co-design: Stakeholders can directly co-determine the roadmap, model priorities and use cases.
