In an era of rapid technological advancement and geopolitical shifts, Europe is at a critical juncture. Pressures on economic growth and competitiveness, exacerbated by an ageing population and declining productivity, are challenging the very fabric of our social contract. Against this backdrop, AI has emerged as a transformative force, offering unprecedented opportunities for economic progress and strategic autonomy. As the global race to develop and deploy AI intensifies, Europe must take decisive action to define its role. We have the choice to lead with vision and determination or risk being left behind.
Today, we are excited to announce the launch of the ‘EU AI Champions Initiative’. The initiative is a groundbreaking, long-term effort that brings together more than 60 ambitious European companies, from start-ups to established incumbents, all committed to establishing Europe as a global leader in AI development and application. It is unveiled at the AI Action Summit in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, immediately followed by dialogue between participating companies and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Heads of State and Government of several member states of the European Union.
The initiative aims to frame a positive shared vision for Europe by mobilizing talent and capital, accelerating AI adoption in established industries, and increasing European companies’ competitiveness. 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. Europe can seize a generational opportunity by leading in applied AI, integrating it into Europe’s industrial base to boost productivity, resilience, and economic sovereignty, especially in key sectors like manufacturing, energy, and defence. This involves fostering synergies between incumbents with scale and resources and startups bringing agility and cutting-edge innovation.
To further support the vision of a strong and competitive Europe, General Catalyst's report ‘An Ambitious Agenda for European AI’ provides a strategic blueprint for Europe's path to AI leadership. The report highlights the need for deliberate momentum by coordinating efforts across technology, industry, and policy - mobilizing the talent and capital that can accelerate adoption by Europe's global industry leaders, modernize Europe's critical infrastructure, and foster a competitive European technology ecosystem that can leapfrog ahead.
It shows how generative AI could boost Europe’s productivity, featuring examples like Novo Nordisk and Cradle using AI for therapeutic discovery, Loft Orbital and Helsing developing an AI-powered defence intelligence system, and SAP and Mistral AI reinventing enterprise software. These examples underscore that the secret sauce for Europe lies in collaboration on all levels: within industries, greater data sharing and joint innovation frameworks are essential to unlocking growth, while cross-industry partnerships can unlock necessary AI infrastructure investments and generate groundbreaking solutions that transcend traditional boundaries. Equally vital is fostering synergies between incumbents with scale and resources and startups bringing agility and cutting-edge innovation.
Europe must catalyze synergy across technology, capital, and policy by establishing a targeted, competition-driven AI framework. It is paramount that we simplify regulations and remove barriers to AI scaling, harmonize tech laws, create a secure data-sharing environment, foster industry collaboration for AI infrastructure, and launch an EU-wide educational campaign to build trust and improve AI skills.
By seizing this moment, working with greater intent, and embracing groundbreaking collaboration, Europe can showcase its determination to transform ambition into tangible results, enhancing our global standing and shaping a future where technology fulfills the aspirations of our citizens. We sense the urgency. We seek to partner with all who believe in making this vision a reality.
The EU AI Champions Initiative lays the groundwork to coordinate efforts across technology, industry, and policy to accelerate AI adoption, modernize infrastructure, and foster a competitive technology ecosystem.
Our shared mission is greater than what any one of us can accomplish alone. We are excited to seize this opportunity with the determination that defines the European spirit, paving the way for a new European renaissance. Join our movement at aichampions.eu.
