EU AI Champions: more than 60 European companies join to make Europe a global leader

Brussels – More than 60 large, small, and very small European companies announced today that they have joined forces to make Europe a world leader in artificial intelligence research, development, and application.

“AI offers unprecedented opportunities for economic progress and strategic autonomy. As the global race to develop and deploy AI intensifies, Europe must act decisively to define its role,” says a joint note, which then cautions, “We can lead with vision and determination or risk falling behind. Today, we are excited to announce the launch of the ‘EU AI Champions’ initiative.”

This innovative effort brings together more than 60 European companies, from start-ups to established firms, committed to making Europe a global leader in the development and application of AI. The initiative will be presented at the Artificial Intelligence Summit in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, followed by a dialogue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and heads of state and government from several EU member states.

The note explains that the initiative “aims to define a positive vision for Europe by mobilizing talent and capital, accelerating AI adoption in established industries, and increasing the competitiveness of European companies. Led by General Catalyst, our mission is to foster a resilient partnership between incumbents and technology providers to unlock Europe’s full potential in AI.”

According to the promoters, “Europe can seize a generational opportunity by taking a leadership role in applied AI, integrating it into the European industrial base to increase productivity, resilience, and economic sovereignty, especially in key sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and defence. In support of this vision, General Catalyst’s report ‘An Ambitious Agenda for European AI‘ provides a strategic plan for Europe’s path to leadership in AI.”

The report stresses the need to coordinate efforts between technology, industry, and policy, mobilizing talent and capital to accelerate adoption by Europe’s global industrial leaders, modernise critical infrastructure and foster a competitive European technology ecosystem. “By seizing this moment, working with greater determination, and embracing radical collaboration,” the companies explain, “Europe can demonstrate its determination to turn ambition into tangible results, improving our global position and shaping a future where technology meets the aspirations of our citizens. We seek to collaborate with all who believe in realising this vision.”