New Nordics AI is being formed through a unique collaboration between five leading national organisations: AI Sweden,AI Finland, Digital Dogme (Denmark), TEK Norge (Norway), and Almannarómur (Iceland), with expected participation from the Baltic states. By joining forces, the Nordic and Baltic countries can become better in developing and adopting new AI technologies and more influential in asserting the interests of the region.
“With geopolitical shifts, the need to boost European competitiveness and to excel in developing and applying AI, NewNordics AI couldn’t have a more important role. As a Nordic-Baltic region we need to be both bold and hungry in using technology to create prosperous societies and businesses. This should be our mindset”, says Mikael Ljungblom, Interim Managing Director.
“The Nordic AI ecosystem is built on unique national strengths, with ambitious initiatives already underway in all countries. By scaling what works and sharing the best learnings across borders, we can accelerate development and strengthen the competitiveness of the entire region”, says Iida Lähdemäki, Interim Managing Director.
Catalyze Nordic-Baltic AI Innovation and Adoption
The new center will serve as a tool to implement Nordic-Baltic collaborative ambitions. Building on the strengths of the national organisations, the center aims to enhance the capacity and capability for AI adoption in the countries and catalyze cutting-edge AI innovation projects between relevant organisations and companies. The center will also help inform and develop policy proposals and support a strongerNordic-Baltic voice in the EU.
Already at the launch the first projects that are being developed are being unveiled. They include an AI ActImplementation Network, A large language models coordination effort and an AI and energy project.
Broad Support for the Center
The center has strong political support, demonstrated by the Nordic Council of Ministers' decision in June 2025to grant the center DKK 30 million in funding, as well as the interest shown bynational governments.
“The AI Center is fundamental to achieving our Vision 2030 — to become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world. Through cross-border and cross-sector cooperation, theNordic-Baltic region has a unique opportunity to lead in responsible AI, strengthening our competitiveness and contributing to a sustainable future. I am proud that the Nordic Council of Ministers is funding and enabling this initiative. In the global AI race, there is a real cost of non-action — which is why I am happy that we are doing this now - and that we are doing it together”, says Karen Ellemann, Secretary General at the Nordic Council of Ministers.
In addition to the Nordic Council ofMinisters, other funders include Google, Microsoft and Nordic Innovation.Nordic Innovation will fund the project to initiate the AI Act ImplementationNetwork.
Watch the launch online
The launch of New Nordics AI can be followed live on the New Nordics website, where you will also find detailed information about the first collaborative projects, including the AI Act Implementation Network, the LargeAI Models coordination effort, and the AI & Energy initiative.
