Netherlands holds supply talks with Nvidia, AMD on AI facility

09 January 2025 - 10:19
By Reuters
The Dutch government says it has reached a deal with Nvidia for the supply of hardware and technological knowledge for a possible AI facility. File photo.
Image: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration The Dutch government says it has reached a deal with Nvidia for the supply of hardware and technological knowledge for a possible AI facility. File photo.

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.