Poland is stepping up its ambitions in artificial intelligence, aiming to become one of Europe’s key hubs for advanced computing infrastructure. At the center of this strategy lies a plan to build a large AI gigafactory, potentially co-financed by the European Union under the Invest AI framework.

The project is still in its preparatory phase, with the Polish government working toward a formal application. In an interview, Deputy Minister of Digitalization Dariusz Standerski discusses the behind-the-scenes of the venture, affirms readiness to continue even in the event of a negative European Commission decision, and comments on his collaboration with Finance Minister Andrzej Domański.

According to the Ministry of Digitalization, the final proposal is expected to be submitted in the coming months. The initiative is designed not only as a national investment, but as a regional one, with Poland seeking partners across Central and Baltic Europe to strengthen its position.

Beyond EU Funding: A Long-Term Infrastructure Play

While EU support would significantly accelerate the project, Polish officials emphasize that the gigafactory is not dependent solely on Brussels. The government’s broader objective is to establish a sustainable AI ecosystem based on cooperation between the state and private companies.

Officials argue that Europe’s AI gap is not only about talent or regulation, but about access to computing power. By anchoring that capacity domestically, Poland hopes to reduce reliance on foreign hyperscalers and offer local firms a more predictable, secure alternative.

Crucially, the planned model ties access to computing resources directly to financial participation, ensuring that private investors receive proportional benefits. This approach is meant to align commercial logic with public policy goals.

Strong Interest, Limited Risk Appetite

Initial interest in the project has been substantial. Over 270 companies, from Poland and other EU countries, have expressed willingness to participate in the broader consortium. Technology providers, investors, and ecosystem partners are all represented.

Yet enthusiasm has not always translated into concrete financial commitments. Many firms remain cautious, waiting for clearer rules from the European Commission and stronger signals of market demand. This hesitation highlights a structural issue in Poland’s tech landscape: while awareness of AI’s importance is high, risk tolerance remains relatively low.

Filling the Gap with Interim AI Centers

Recognizing that large-scale infrastructure takes time, Poland has opted for a phased approach. Smaller AI facilities, including one already operating in Poznań and another planned in Kraków, are intended to bridge the gap until the gigafactory is ready.

These centers provide immediate access to computing power for research institutions and businesses, helping to build experience, test use cases, and stimulate demand. Over time, their resources could be consolidated into the larger gigafactory, creating a unified national AI backbone.

This infrastructure-first approach reflects a deliberate policy choice. Rather than rapidly rolling out standardized, off-the-shelf solutions from global technology providers, the government wants to enable the development of tools tailored to the specific needs of Polish companies.

As Deputy Minister Dariusz Standerski explained in an interview:

“That’s why we are building infrastructure in Poland, and why the AI factory in Poznań exists – so that, for example, a transport company, a toy manufacturer, or an accounting firm can commission solutions suited to their needs. A subscription that’s the same for everyone will never be as effective.”

The Real Test: Convincing the Private Sector

Despite government momentum, the success of Poland’s AI strategy ultimately hinges on private-sector engagement. Compared to many EU peers, Polish companies still invest relatively little in AI, often preferring to wait until technologies are fully proven elsewhere.

Policymakers see parallels with earlier waves of digital transformation, such as cloud adoption, where delayed investment led to lost competitiveness. This time, they argue, hesitation could prove more costly.

A Strategic Moment for Poland’s AI Economy and Talent

Poland’s push for an AI gigafactory reflects a broader shift in thinking: AI infrastructure is no longer viewed as a luxury, but as critical economic infrastructure, comparable to energy or transport networks.

Whether or not EU funding materializes, the direction is clear. The real question is not if Poland will build AI capacity, the skills and expertise are already there, but whether its private sector will move fast enough to turn that talent into domestic products, scalable businesses, and long-term competitive advantage.

Read Full Interview Here

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