The global race for artificial intelligence is accelerating, but Europe remains dependent on the United States and China. This concern led the leaders of Germany and France to debate strategies that would allow them to gain technological autonomy. At the center of this dependence is Nvidia, the North American giant that dominates the AI chip market.
Nvidia started out modestly making gaming chips, but quickly realized the technology was perfect for Artificial Intelligence. Today, the success is such that the American diner table where it all began has become a place of pilgrimage for technology enthusiasts. The processors proved to be essential for systems like ChatGPT and made Nvidia the most valuable company in the world, with a valuation of 5 billion dollars, a value that, to give you an idea, would be enough to buy every house in the Netherlands.
Now Europe wants to change the game. And despite the delay, there are signs of hope. Startups like Axelera and Euclyd, based in Eindhoven, are trying to create a European alternative to Nvidia. Bernardo Kastrup is the co-founder of Euclyd and proudly shows the design of the chip that promises to revolutionize the sector.
“It all started in my attic, in 2023. We want to become the Nvidia of Europe. It’s a small ambition, hahaha.”
The secret? A chip designed exclusively for Artificial Intelligence, which, according to the founders, could be 100 times more efficient than those from Nvidia.
“We think we can do better.”
For Bram Nauta, a chip expert at the University of Twente, this race is strategic.
“AI chips are the new oil. As a continent, we have to guarantee access to this technology. The Netherlands has a good starting position, with excellent developers. If we start ten companies like this and one succeeds, Europe will be much more advanced.”
Despite the enthusiasm, financing is a huge obstacle. While American and Chinese investors are willing to inject hundreds of millions, in Europe the process is slower. If the bet pays off, the table at an Irish pub in Eindhoven, where the idea for Euclyd was born, could become the new point of pilgrimage for technology fans.
“Our true ambition is to stay here. That was the motivation: to create an alternative to US and Chinese dominance.”
