The construction of Romania's first artificial intelligence research centre, a RON105 million investment, started on Friday at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (UTCN), the country's national news agency, AGERPRES, reported today. Attending the ceremony were the Romanian Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation Ivan Bogdan-Gruia; Finance Minister Bolos Marcel; Cluj-Napoca mayor Emil Boc; and a number of officials.

In a post on social media, Ivan Bogdan-Gruia, Romania's Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation, said, "Through its commitment to academic excellence and innovation, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca reinforces its leading position in advanced technology research. The Artificial Intelligence Centre will offer students and researchers state-of-the-art resources and the chance to work on projects with a global impact.

"Prestigious collaborations like the one with Lockheed Martin, a leading company in the aerospace, technology and military industries, will give us a major edge. Artificial intelligence is the future of technology and will revolutionise the way we live and work. From the automation of business processes to the improvement of public services and the creation of customised solutions for citizens and companies, the possibilities are unlimited. The Artificial Intelligence Center at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca will be a catalyst for these changes, preparing future generations of innovators and leaders in technology."

He went on to note that there are over 1,200 IT companies in Cluj-Napoca, which offer jobs for tens of thousands of specialists. “The vibrant technological ecosystem and the close cooperation between the private and academic sectors turn Cluj City into a genuine innovation hub, and today's event is proof of this,” the minister wrote.

The RON105,095,830 contract was awarded following rigorous public bidding procedures (advertised in the EU's Official Journal) to the Association Kesz Constructii Romania SRL (leader) - SDC Proiect SRL (associate). The building that will accommodate the Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratories will be located on the university campus. The site with a total developed area of 13,850 sqm will house 30 laboratories, 15 support rooms, conference rooms and collaborative spaces, all equipped with top-notch research facilities, high-performance equipment and state-of-the-art IT infrastructure. The institute will specialise in the development of AI solutions for vital fields such as health, transportation, cybersecurity and others of the like, contributing significantly to the economic and technological progress of the region.