2nd edition of Call Advanced Computing: Artificial Intelligence in the Cloud

The 2nd edition of the Advanced Computing Call: Artificial Intelligence in the Cloud, which runs from 1 June to 26 July 2023, will provide 1 million US dollars in credits on the Google Cloud platform to research, innovation or development projects.

This Call is part of the collaboration agreement between FCT and Google, which aims to support research projects in the area of Artificial Intelligence in Portugal. The support translates into the availability of credits in Artificial Intelligence (AI) services on the Google Cloud platform and allows to complement the existing support provided by FCT through the RNCA - National Network for Advanced Computing.

As in the 1st edition, the objective is to support research and development projects that use the Google Cloud Platform offer in the following areas:

- 80% of the resources are reserved for the areas of Natural Language Processing and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence;

- 20% of the resources are reserved for the remaining scientific areas using the Google Cloud Platform offer in artificial intelligence and data analysis algorithms, or more if there are not enough applications to fill the quota referred to in the previous point.

If the resources requested in the areas mentioned above do not exhaust the computational resources available in the Call, the remaining part may be allocated to any other areas.

Applicants must choose the type of access that best adapts to their computing project. Fixed Access accepts projects up to 25,000 USD and Variable Access accepts projects up to 150,000 USD. It is the responsability of the applicant to justify the need for computing resources, with the help of Google Cloud online calculator.

Applications may be submitted by public or private institutions developing R&D activities, companies developing R&D activities and individuals operating in Portugal who wish to develop advanced computing projects in any scientific area.

On 22 June Google Cloud Day Lisbon will take place in Lisbon, where it will be possible to attend keynotes, business talks and technical sessions, led by Google Cloud experts, partners and industry leaders, which will address several topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data, Security, Sustainability, Productivity and Collaboration.

On 15 June, starting at noon, an online information session will take place so that applicants and interested parties can clarify their doubts about the types and resources available. Information on the FCT page dedicated to Call.