Date: 10. November 2025
Time to read: 5 min
Slovenia is entering a new digital era. By 2027, a state-of-the-art data centre featuring a high-performance supercomputer and an artificial intelligence factory is expected to become operational. This development will place the country among Europe's leading centres for artificial intelligence. The supercomputer will support scientific and industrial research, academic work and public services.
A faster route to new medicines? Better adaptation to climate change? More accurate weather forecast? Supercomputers make it possible to solve complex problems that would be extremely time-consuming – or even impossible – on ordinary computers. Does your computer sometimes seem slow? Compared to a supercomputer, it certainly is. A supercomputer is as powerful as about 500,000 personal computers. And while a personal computer is switched off after use, a supercomputer operates at full capacity around the clock.
Slovenian supercomputer and artificial intelligence factory
The new supercomputer will significantly upgrade the capabilities of the existing Vega supercomputer, offering around sixteen times greater performance.
It will be housed in a modern data centre being built near the Mariborski otok hydroelectric power plant. This location is key, as the supercomputer will require vast amounts of electricity. At the same time, the heat it generates could be used to provide heating for the residents of Maribor.
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This is what the exterior of the new data centre will look like. Photo: MVZI
The data centre will be complemented by the Slovenian Artificial Intelligence Factory (SLAIF). Working in partnership with industry, SLAIF will promote innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.
It will be housed in a modern data centre being built near the Mariborski otok hydroelectric power plant. This location is key, as the supercomputer will require vast amounts of electricity. At the same time, the heat it generates could be used to provide heating for the residents of Maribor.
Accelerating breakthrough discoveries in science
High-performance computing plays a vital role in science and research by enabling faster studies and more efficient work. It enables scientists and researchers to explore new theories and hypotheses, quickly process and analyse big data, and conduct complex simulations and models. For less demanding projects, the benefits of the new technology will also be available to students and academics.
Greater innovation and productivity for businesses
In sectors such as the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing industries, as well as energy and healthcare, supercomputers can be used for simulations and visualisations of new products, process improvements, data analysis and the design of innovative products and services. Start-ups specialising in artificial intelligence will have priority access to these resources.
Better public services for citizens
Supercomputing tools will also be available to civil servants, enabling them to process large volumes of data more efficiently and manage complex administrative procedures with ease. This will enhance decision-making processes, increase transparency, simplify bureaucracy and boost the overall efficiency of public services. A modern, data-driven and user-friendly public administration will thus bring tangible benefits to every resident.
Part of European artificial intelligence ecosystem
The European Union is striving to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence and to strengthen its position as a global leader in the field. To this end, it plans to establish a network of interconnected AI factories. These will support both national AI strategies and the broader European ecosystem.
An important advantage of the new Slovenian supercomputer will therefore be access to European and international AI resources for Slovenian researchers and scientists and other users, while the Slovenian artificial intelligence factory will actively contribute to Europe's shared development.
Slovenia is a knowledge-based society, investing increasingly in science and research. The new and increasingly accessible technology will open up countless opportunities in education, research and innovation, strengthening the country's international competitiveness. More information about the project and the use of supercomputing capacities is available on the SLING National Competence Centre website.
