The Dutch government said on Thursday it is in discussions with US chip firms Nvidia and AMD about suppling hardware and technological knowledge for a possible artificial intelligence (AI) facility.
The Netherlands aims to build a facility where an AI "supercomputer" can contribute to research and development, as part of broader EU projects to strengthen Europe's digital economy.
Last year the Dutch government set aside €204.5m (R3.99bn) for investments in AI, while it also aims to use European subsidies.
Economy minister Dirk Beljaarts said chances of realising the project had increased significantly as a result of the discussions, without giving specific details.
"Competition is fierce, the whole world is after this technology," the minister said after a meeting with Nvidia in Silicon Valley.
"This deal brings building a Dutch AI facility a lot closer."
• This article has been amended to make clear the Netherlands has held talks with Nvidia, not reached a deal.
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