The first artificial intelligence research institute in Romania

The first research institute in artificial intelligence in Romania will operate within the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca.

It is an investment of more than 88 million lei, made from the university's own funds.

Work on the institute began yesterday and should be completed in a year and a half.

This institute will bring together teams of researchers who will create new applications in this cutting-edge field, says the rector of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Vasile Topa.

Vasile Topa: We have a builder who has come and committed to everyone that he will complete this work in 18 months. This work has 14.000 square meters, over 30 research laboratories in different fields and we can accommodate around 300 people.

Artificial intelligence is profoundly changing the economy, says university professor Stelian Brad, president of the Cluj IT Cluster.

Stelian Brad: We have to think that in any economic and social activity, artificial intelligence can bring high added value. We don't have to think about science fiction, it can help a small shop, it can help a logistics company, even a hairdresser, a bakery, an architecture company.

The management of the university in Cluj hopes to find European funding to equip the institute with the latest technology.

Translated by: Radu Matei