Official Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Construction of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

The official groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute on the campus of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (UTCN). The development represents one of the institution’s priority investments, aimed at research and education in the field of artificial intelligence applications in construction.

At the event, Attila Puskás, Scientific Director for R&D at KÉSZ România, spoke about the professional importance of the project and its forward-looking opportunities, while also presenting the construction schedule in detail.

Several high-ranking officials from government and education sectors also attended and delivered speeches, including: Marcel Boloș, Minister of Finance; Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalization; Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca; Sorin Ștefan Decă, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Education; Csilla Hegedüs, Interim Director General of the North-West Regional Development Agency; Vasile Țopa, Rector of UTCN; Mircea Abrudean, Secretary General of the Government; and Radu Moldovan, President of Bistrița-Năsăud County Council.

The speakers unanimously emphasized the importance of the project, which will become a central element of regional and national development strategy. The research institute will provide, for example, a platform for various professional communities (medicine, robotics, automotive industry), where master’s students, PhD candidates, and researchers can collaborate – the institution’s goal being to bring together Romania’s top specialists in artificial intelligence.

The AI center will be built on an area of 13,850 square meters, featuring 30 laboratories, 15 workshops, conference rooms, high-performance equipment, and modern research infrastructure. This ambitious development aligns with the Technical University’s strategy for regional innovation and scientific excellence.