Google to open German centre for ‘AI development’
The Straits Times
The centre will bring together cloud computing, data infrastructure and “AI development” operations. Read more at straitstimes.com.
BERLIN – Google will open an AI centre in Berlin on March 5, the latest sign of Europe’s deepening reliance on US firms in cutting edge technologies despite the continent’s stated aim to catch up with its rivals.
Germany’s ministry for digital affairs told AFP the centre will bring together cloud computing and data infrastructure, “AI development” operations as well as a space for cooperation between start-ups and research centres.
Europe is struggling to gain ground in the battle for AI dominance with the United States and China, which are pumping vast sums into the field and producing the most advanced models underpinning the technology.
The Google project is part of a €5.5 billion (S$8.1 billion) investment drive into Europe’s top economy announced by the US tech titan in November, planned to include a new data centre.
The firm said at the time it would renovate its Berlin office to add three floors equipped with meeting rooms, a new conference room and a demo space but made no mention of an AI centre in the capital.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition has signalled it wants to make progress in the area as part of efforts to revive the struggling economy, and there have been a flurry of announcements related to AI recently.
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