The launch took place today at an event organised by the Finnish-Åland presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers. Several Nordic ministers took part in the programme, among them Finland’s Minister for Nordic Collaboration, who stated that AI must be used responsibly, with the human perspective in focus – and that our region has much to gain by joining forces in this effort.

The Nordic Council of Ministers – the official body for intergovernmental cooperation in the Nordic region – is funding the center’s startup phase with DKK 30 million over three years, viewing the investment as a wise and strategic move.

„There is a clear cost associated with falling behind when we consider how quickly AI is changing our societies. We in the Nordic and Baltic countries have both a responsibility and a unique opportunity to be pioneers in responsible AI. I am therefore both happy and proud that we are taking this step now, and taking this step together”, – said Karen Ellemann, Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Thanks to a unique collaboration between five national AI organisations from Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, New Nordics AI will be a platform that promotes collaboration, provides expertise, and supports policy development on AI in the region.

Nordic Innovation as a catalyst

A pilot project funded by the Nordic institution Nordic Innovation marked the first step towards a Nordic-Baltic AI centre, based on one of the recommendations presented in 2024 by the Nordic Ethical AI Expert Group. Nordic Innovation is a catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation in the Nordic Region and connects stakeholders and businesses to enable them to develop solutions that boost competitiveness.

New Nordics AI is comprised of the following national AI organisations:

• AI Sweden
• AI Finland
• Digital Dogme (Denmark)
• TEK Norge
• Almannarómur (Iceland)

In addition, the Baltic countries are due to be represented soon. Visit the New Nordics AI website here: https://www.newnordics.ai/