AI model Openeurollm: Europe's AI secret weapon revealed-the exciting answer to Chatgpt and Deepseek

20 top institutions united: Goodbye language barriers? OpenEuroLLM makes AI truly multilingual – A game changer?

OpenEuroLLM is an exciting project launched as a European response to world-leading AI language models such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek. This ambitious project unites the expertise of twenty leading research institutions, companies, and high-performance computing centers in Europe to develop a language model that is not only powerful but also transparent, multilingual, and adapted to the cultural and regulatory specificities of Europe.

OpenEuroLLM's open approach

From the very beginning of the project, the primary goal was to create an alternative to proprietary, often opaque AI systems. While models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek frequently rely on proprietary data and closed development processes, OpenEuroLLM has pursued an open approach from the outset. "Transparency and openness are core values ​​that underpin the project," say the developers, who aim to make all aspects of the development – ​​from training data and algorithms to evaluation methods – publicly accessible. This philosophy not only allows researchers and developers to actively contribute to further development but also strengthens user trust in the technology.

Suitable for:

• Stargate Europa-AI models with Deepseek and Stargate show Europe's opportunities in AI competition
• AI models in numbers: Top 15 major language models – 149 foundation models – 51 machine learning models – as of September 2024

Multilingualism as a central feature

Another key feature of OpenEuroLLM is its consistent focus on multilingualism. In a Europe characterized by linguistic and cultural diversity, the project aims to support all 24 official EU languages ​​as well as additional languages ​​of candidate countries. A total of 35 languages ​​will be covered, including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Turkish. This broad linguistic support is a crucial step towards reducing language barriers and further integrating the European single market. Particular emphasis is placed on the quality of language processing, ensuring that even less common languages—often neglected in natural language processing—are processed at a level comparable to that of widely spoken languages ​​like English.

Comparison with ChatGPT and DeepSeek: Sustainable accessibility

Compared to ChatGPT and DeepSeek, OpenEuroLLM differs fundamentally in several aspects. While ChatGPT is often based on paid models and DeepSeek is currently in a phase of free access, OpenEuroLLM aims to ensure sustainable and open accessibility in the long term. This cost structure is intended to guarantee that European companies, public organizations, and ultimately all interested users have access to cutting-edge AI technology without having to rely on expensive proprietary solutions.

A transparent training approach

OpenEuroLLM's training approach also differs significantly from other models. While ChatGPT utilizes extensive human feedback in the form of Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF) and DeepSeek relies on minimal human oversight, OpenEuroLLM is based on a transparent and collaborative development model. Collaboration with open-source communities such as LAION, Open-sci, and OpenML is central to the project. This close cooperation aims not only to foster technical innovation but also to integrate ethical and cultural aspects into the development process.

Cultural adaptation and linguistic diversity

The unique aspect of cultural adaptation is another key pillar of OpenEuroLLM. At a time when global language models often pay little attention to the subtle nuances of individual cultures and languages, the project places particular emphasis on ensuring cultural appropriateness. This means that not only linguistic features but also cultural contexts and characteristics are incorporated into the processing and interpretation of content. “Multilingualism, linguistic equality, and linguistic transparency” are central principles intended to help preserve Europe’s linguistic diversity while simultaneously democratizing access to high-quality AI technologies.

Resource-poor languages ​​and their challenges

OpenEuroLLM recognizes the challenge of collecting sufficient high-quality training data for less widely spoken languages ​​and views it as an opportunity. The project invests significant resources in building and maintaining data corpora specifically tailored to the needs of resource-poor languages. The goal is to create a model that achieves the same quality standards for languages ​​with complex morphological structures, such as Czech, as for widely spoken languages. This ambition underscores the project's claim to be not only technologically, but also culturally and linguistically groundbreaking.

European regulation as a basis

European regulation plays a central role in the development of OpenEuroLLM. Unlike many international projects, the model is being developed within the rigorous yet innovative European regulatory framework. In particular, the AI ​​Act, which sets Europe-wide ethical standards and guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence, is considered at every stage of the project. This guarantees that OpenEuroLLM is not only technologically advanced but also ethically and legally sound. Adherence to European values ​​and regulations fosters trust and ensures that the model is used responsibly in various application areas.

Democratization of AI technologies

The democratization of AI technologies is another key principle of the project. Through its open-source approach, the enormous potential of AI is not intended to be reserved for just a few large corporations, but rather made accessible to everyone. European companies, public institutions, and research institutions all benefit equally from the developed tools and technologies. This broad accessibility promotes Europe's competitiveness and strengthens the continent's digital sovereignty.

Structured cooperation within Europe

The organization and coordination of such a large-scale project requires close collaboration between the participating partners. OpenEuroLLM is led by Jan Hajič of Charles University in Prague, with Peter Sarlin of AMD Silo AI serving as co-leader. The involvement of twenty leading European institutions underscores the pan-European nature of the project and demonstrates that the development of AI in Europe is a collaborative endeavor. These institutions include renowned research centers such as Charles University in Prague, the ELLIS Institute Tübingen, Fraunhofer IAIS, and Forschungszentrum Jülich. Significant companies like Aleph Alpha and AMD Silo AI, as well as European high-performance computing centers (EuroHPC centers) such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre, are also making crucial contributions to the project's implementation.

Interdisciplinary collaboration and consultation

The collaboration takes place in a structured and interdisciplinary manner. Universities and research institutions focus on the scientific foundations and innovations, while companies contribute their expertise in practical implementation and market launch. The necessary computing power is provided by specialized EuroHPC centers equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Furthermore, the project is supported by an Open Strategic Partnership Board, which includes internationally recognized experts such as Thomas Wolf of HuggingFace and Colin Raffel, known from EleutherAI and the Vector Institute. This strategic guidance ensures that OpenEuroLLM remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

Funding from the European Commission

The European Commission's funding of the project through the Digital Europe Programme underscores the importance of OpenEuroLLM for Europe's digital future. With initial funding of €56 million and the prospect of further contributions from participating partners, it is clear that the project plays a key role in the European AI landscape, not only technologically, but also economically and strategically. This financial support allows developers to pursue long-term research and development projects, test innovative approaches, and consistently adhere to ethical and regulatory standards.

Promoting Open Science and Open Data

Another interesting aspect of OpenEuroLLM is its focus on promoting Open Science and Open Data. By making all documentation, source code, and training methods publicly available, an ecosystem is created in which knowledge is freely accessible and usable by everyone. This transparency not only fosters scientific progress but also enables continuous improvement of the model through feedback from the broader community. Scientists, developers, and companies can thus directly contribute to its further development and test new use cases. This creates a dynamic platform where technological innovation and societal needs meet in an open dialogue.

Preserving Europe's cultural identity

Beyond purely technological advancements, a central concern of OpenEuroLLM is preserving Europe's cultural identity. In an increasingly globalized world where large technology companies often offer standardized solutions, the project consciously emphasizes regional characteristics and cultural diversity. Integrating linguistic and cultural knowledge into the model allows content to be processed not only linguistically accurately but also with cultural sensitivity. This enables, for example, the interpretation of literary texts, historical documents, or regional dialects with the necessary depth and precision. "Europe's diversity is our strength," the developers repeatedly emphasize when highlighting the project's cultural focus.

Suitable for:

• Europe's AI future: How an EU AI can keep up in the global race for artificial intelligence

Challenges in language processing

The challenges associated with processing and integrating languages ​​with complex morphological structures should not be underestimated. For example, languages ​​such as Czech, Finnish, and Hungarian face particular difficulties when it comes to analyzing and processing word forms. OpenEuroLLM, however, sees these challenges as an incentive to develop innovative approaches in natural language processing. By employing state-of-the-art algorithms and collaborating closely with experts in the respective linguistic disciplines, the aim is to achieve performance for these languages ​​on par with that for internationally dominant languages. This commitment to linguistic equity not only strengthens trust in the technology but also promotes cultural integration and intercultural exchange within Europe.

Long-term perspectives and industry-specific applications

OpenEuroLLM has far-reaching long-term prospects. Beyond its direct application in text processing and dialogue systems, the project aims to develop specialized models for use in various industries. For example, the model could be used in medical research, legal consulting, or education. Each of these domains requires specific adaptations and a deep understanding of the respective specialized language and terminology. OpenEuroLLM's open architecture allows experts from diverse fields to participate directly in its further development and adapt the model to the needs of their respective industries. This interdisciplinarity represents a significant advantage over rigid, proprietary systems.

Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Another exciting area of ​​application is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe. These companies often lack the resources to invest in expensive, proprietary AI solutions. OpenEuroLLM offers them the opportunity to use state-of-the-art AI technologies without relying on external service providers. This not only boosts the competitiveness of SMEs but also strengthens the entire European economy by democratizing innovation and facilitating access to key technologies.

The role of high-performance computing centers

The role of high-performance computing centers, especially the EuroHPC centers, should not be underestimated in this context. These centers provide the necessary infrastructure that enables the efficient processing of large datasets and the real-time execution of complex algorithms. Without this technical support, the ambitious goals of OpenEuroLLM would be virtually unattainable. Close collaboration between research institutions and computing centers ensures that developments are always state-of-the-art and can be flexibly adapted to changing requirements.

Ethics and transparency in development

OpenEuroLLM also plays a pioneering role with regard to ethical issues and the responsible use of AI. In the public debate surrounding artificial intelligence, topics such as data protection, algorithmic fairness, and the avoidance of bias are becoming increasingly important. The project therefore integrates mechanisms from the outset to ensure that all processes are transparent and traceable. The open documentation of all data sources, training methods, and evaluation metrics used enables independent experts to continuously review the model and identify any inconsistencies early on. "Ethics and transparency are not optional extras, but rather cornerstones of our work," the project leaders repeatedly emphasize. This stance significantly contributes to strengthening public trust in AI systems and paving the way for the responsible use of technology.

Community involvement

A key success factor of the project is the intensive involvement of the community. Scientists, developers, entrepreneurs, and interested citizens have the opportunity to actively participate in the further development of OpenEuroLLM. Regular workshops, online forums, and conferences foster a lively exchange that helps to continuously question and improve technological advancements. This participatory approach not only promotes innovation but also strengthens awareness of the importance of open research and collaborative development in an increasingly digital world.

Cooperation for European AI development

The collaboration between the various European institutions impressively demonstrates that the path to sovereign and independent AI development lies not in national solo efforts, but in joint endeavors and the exchange of knowledge and resources. OpenEuroLLM is a prime example of how cooperation and shared responsibility can create a project that advances the entire continent. The pooling of scientific expertise, industrial know-how, and technical infrastructure makes it possible to develop innovative solutions that go far beyond mere text processing and set new standards in digital transformation.

Suitable for:

• AI Action Summit in Paris: The awakening of the European strategy for AI – “Stargate AI Europe” also for startups?

Vision and added value of OpenEuroLLM

Overall, OpenEuroLLM is far more than just another AI project. It is a visionary endeavor that aims to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty, preserve cultural and linguistic diversity, and simultaneously make cutting-edge technology accessible to everyone. By combining openness, transparency, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep understanding of the needs of a diverse society, OpenEuroLLM is becoming a pioneering project that could sustainably shape the future of artificial intelligence in Europe.

Integration of social and cultural challenges

The success of OpenEuroLLM depends not only on its technical implementation, but also on its ability to integrate societal, ethical, and cultural challenges into the development process. In an era of ever-accelerating technological advancements, it is essential that the associated social and cultural aspects are also taken into account. The close collaboration between technology and society, as practiced in OpenEuroLLM, represents a forward-looking model that can serve as an example for other projects. It demonstrates that progress and tradition can go hand in hand when both are successfully linked.

OpenEuroLLM as a future model for European AI

OpenEuroLLM is a project that breaks new ground in many respects. It represents a significant step towards open, transparent, and ethically responsible AI development that meets the specific needs and values ​​of Europe. With its focus on multilingualism, cultural sensitivity, open collaboration, and regulatory compliance, the project not only sets new standards in technological development but also fosters intercultural dialogue and democratic participation in shaping the digital future. The close cooperation between research, industry, and the public sector demonstrates that European collaboration provides a strong foundation for innovation and progress—a foundation that enables us to tackle challenges together and seize opportunities that extend far beyond the purely technological realm.

A symbol of a new era in the European AI landscape

In this sense, OpenEuroLLM stands as a symbol for a new era in the European AI landscape – an era in which openness, diversity and collective responsibility are the central guiding principles and pave the way to a digitally sovereign future.

At a time when a company's digital presence determines its success, the challenge is how to make this presence authentic, individual and far-reaching. Xpert.Digital offers an innovative solution that positions itself as an intersection between an industry hub, a blog and a brand ambassador. It combines the advantages of communication and sales channels in a single platform and enables publication in 18 different languages. The cooperation with partner portals and the possibility of publishing articles on Google News and a press distribution list with around 8,000 journalists and readers maximize the reach and visibility of the content. This represents an essential factor in external sales & marketing (SMarketing).

More about it here:

• Authentic. Individually. Global: The Xpert.Digital strategy for your company

Open language models with improved logical reasoning for powerful and transparent artificial intelligence in Europe

Europe's leading AI companies and research institutions are joining forces and expertise in an unprecedented collaboration to develop the next generation of open-source language models with significantly improved logical reasoning: the OpenEuroLLM project . The Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS is also part of the consortium.

Twenty leading European research institutions, companies, and EuroHPC high-performance computing centers will develop a family of powerful, multilingual, large-language models for commercial, industrial, scientific, and public applications. These transparent and compliant open-source models, along with open datasets for their creation, will democratize access to high-quality AI technologies. They will strengthen both the competitiveness of European companies in the global market and the ability of public organizations to deliver effective public services.

While there have been many similar projects before, none of which could compete with the competition from the USA (OpenAI, Meta & Co.) or China (DeepSeek, Alibaba's Qwen & Co.), what's new this time is that the best minds from academia, startups, and the open-source community are coming together. Also unique is the connection to major EuroHPC centers – JSC, BSC, CINECA, CSC – which possess not only Europe's largest supercomputers with the corresponding infrastructure but also the necessary expertise to operate them.

The OpenEuroLLM project aligns with the urgent need to strengthen Europe's competitiveness, research capabilities, and digital sovereignty. It serves as an outstanding example of the technological infrastructure required to lower the barriers to entry for developing and optimizing European AI products. The project is based on transparency, openness, and community participation – values ​​widely recognized within the European technology ecosystem. The models are developed within the robust European regulatory framework to combine the highest technological excellence with European values.

In collaboration with open-source and open-science communities such as LAION, Open-sci, and OpenML, as well as other globally recognized experts on the Open Strategic Partnership Board, including Thomas Wolf (HuggingFace), Ce Zhang (Together AI), Colin Raffel (EleutherAI, Vector Institute), Alice Oh (KAIST), and Melanie Mitchell (Santa Fe Institute), OpenEuroLLM ensures that the models, software, data, and evaluation are fully openly accessible and can be tailored to specific industries and public use cases. These powerful, multilingual models preserve both linguistic and cultural diversity, enabling European companies to develop high-quality products and services in the age of AI.

The project, which has been awarded the EU's STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform) label, builds on previous European projects as well as the experience and know-how of its partners – including large repositories of high-quality data and already developed pilot LLMs. The consortium will commence its work on February 1, 2025, and is being funded by the European Commission with over €20 million under the Digital Europe Programme.

In Germany, the ELLIS Institute Tübingen, the Jülich Research Centre, the Tübingen AI Center (University of Tübingen), Aleph Alpha, the startup ellamind and the Fraunhofer IAIS are participating in the project.

The entire consortium includes

Universities and research institutions

• Charles University (Institute of Formal and Applied Linguistics), Czechia (coordinator)
• Alliance for Language Technologies EDIC (ALT-EDIC), France
• Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands
• ELLIS Institute Tübingen, Germany
• Fraunhofer IAIS, Germany
• Lindholmen Science Park (AI Sweden), Sweden
• University of Helsinki, Finland
• University of Oslo, Norway
• University of Turku, Finland
• University of Tübingen (Tübingen AI Center), Germany
• Research Center Juelich (FZJ), Germany

Companies

• Silo GenAI (AMD Silo AI), Finland (co-lead)
• Aleph Alpha Research, Germany
• ellamind, Germany
• LightOn, France
• Prompsit Language Engineering, Spain

EuroHPC Centers

• Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Spain
• Cineca Interuniversity Consortium, Italy
• CSC – IT Center for Science, Finland
• Juelich Supercomputing Center (JSC), Germany
• SURF, the Netherlands

About the ELLIS Institute Tübingen

The ELLIS Institute Tübingen aims to bring together the most creative minds to conduct outstanding fundamental research in the field of artificial intelligence. In this way, the world's first ELLIS Institute is developing into a recognized center for experts and research, offering state-of-the-art workplaces and excellent conditions for conducting research. The institute emerged from the ELLIS Network, the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS), which is building a Europe-wide network for research in the field of machine learning.

About the Tübingen AI Center

The Tübingen AI Center is a research institution of the University of Tübingen in cooperation with the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS). The researchers aim to advance robust learning systems for the benefit of society and the economy. The Tübingen AI Center brings together 250 scientists in 20 research groups. Together with other researchers in Europe, they contribute to socially valuable technologies as "AI made in Europe." The Tübingen AI Center works closely with the ELLIS Institute Tübingen and Cyber ​​Valley. It is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Research and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

About ellamind

ellamind GmbH is an AI startup based in Bremen, specializing in the development of cutting-edge AI models and applications. ellamind is currently developing an innovative AI evaluation and optimization platform specifically designed for B2B applications. The company's clients include a DAX-listed corporation, one of Germany's largest health insurance companies, and the German Federal Government. ellamind's origins lie in the open-source AI community, and its founders and employees have developed and published some of the most popular open AI models for German-language applications.

About Fraunhofer IAIS

As part of the largest organization for application-oriented research in Europe, the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS, headquartered in Sankt Augustin/Bonn with a branch in Dresden, is one of the leading research institutes in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data in Germany and Europe. Around 380 employees support companies in optimizing products, services, and processes, as well as in developing new digital business models.

☑️ SME support in strategy, consulting, planning and implementation

☑️ Creation or realignment of the digital strategy and digitalization

☑️ Expansion and optimization of international sales processes

☑️ Global & Digital B2B trading platforms

☑️ Pioneer Business Development

 

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) .

I'm looking forward to our joint project.

 

 

Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry with a focus on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.

With our 360° business development solution, we support well-known companies from new business to after sales.

Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.

You can find out more at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus