ai researchers — Europe’s AI researchers are coming together on a shared digital platform that enhances collaboration and innovation across the continent. The platform, named AI-on-Demand (AIoD), is an EU-funded initiative that aims to facilitate the exchange of tools, data, and computing power among researchers, startups, companies, and public authorities.
Ai researchers: Origins and Development of AIoD
The creation of AIoD marks a significant step forward in the fragmented landscape of European AI research. The project traces its roots back to 2019, initiated under the EU-funded AI4EU project, which was coordinated by Thales in France. The groundwork laid during this phase was pivotal for the eventual development of a more expansive shared hub.
From 2022 to 2025, the project saw substantial expansion through AI4EUROPE, a consortium comprising 24 institutions from 15 countries. Tanvir Singh Badwal from University College Cork has been instrumental in guiding this development. He describes AIoD as a resourceful space where researchers and industry can not only access existing resources but also create new services.
Bridging the Gap in AI Development
The necessity for such a collaborative platform arises from the current state of AI development in Europe, which is often overshadowed by the dominance of larger players in the US and China. Unlike these tech giants that operate under unified frameworks, Europe’s AI landscape is characterised by smaller entities working within diverse national regulations, funding schemes, and data standards. AIoD aims to connect these disparate elements into a cohesive framework.
Rather than superseding existing initiatives like Gaia-X or the European Open Science Cloud, AIoD complements them by serving as a practical entry point for collaboration and access to AI tools. This strategy not only streamlines the discovery of datasets, algorithms, and partners but also accelerates the transition of innovative AI solutions from research laboratories to real-world applications.
Empowering Startups and Researchers
One of the platform’s primary objectives is to empower smaller startups and research labs by lowering access barriers to high-quality data and computing resources. For instance, a small agritech startup seeking to develop an irrigation optimisation tool could utilise AIoD to find satellite and soil datasets. The platform’s AI Builder allows users to construct predictive models without extensive coding skills.
Once a prototype is developed, the startup can turn to the Research and Innovation AI Lab (RAIL), an online environment that facilitates large-scale experiments using integrated high-performance computing resources. This capability enables users to refine their models effectively before bringing their solutions to market.
Connecting and Collaborating Across Europe
AIoD is designed to bring together various resources in one accessible platform. Users can browse datasets, scientific publications, educational materials, software components, and pre-trained models. Moreover, the platform connects to European supercomputing centres, enhancing its computational capabilities.
Importantly, AIoD aggregates resources from established AI and open-source platforms, including Hugging Face, Bonseyes, and OpenML. This means that researchers can search for a wider range of resources in a single location, as Badwal explains: “Whatever has been uploaded onto these other platforms is fetched into ours.”
Sustaining Research Outputs and Fostering Innovation
AIoD not only facilitates immediate access to resources but also ensures the longevity of tools developed during EU research projects. A notable example is the Responsible Robotics Compass, known as RoboCompass, which emerged from a previous EU-funded project and is now available through AIoD. This self-assessment tool evaluates robots based on socio-economic, environmental, ethical, and legal considerations, helping researchers align their innovations with public expectations.
Furthermore, AIoD provides networking opportunities through mentoring sections, discussion forums, and directories of AI projects and facilities across Europe. As Joana Martinheira from LOBA notes, “AIoD simplifies collaborations and synergies between all the players in the ecosystem.”
A Vision for the Future of AI in Europe
With the DeployAI initiative now focused on scaling the platform and enhancing its integration with industry and public services, the ambition is clear: to transform Europe’s AI landscape into a robust ecosystem capable of turning innovative ideas into practical solutions. This will not only strengthen AI research but also ensure that these advancements align with democratic values, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.
By enabling collaboration among diverse stakeholders, AIoD aims to sharpen Europe’s competitive edge in AI technology, fostering an environment where innovation can thrive and benefit society as a whole.
