EU and Philippines launch lab to support business AI adoption

The European Union and the Philippines have launched the EU-Philippines AI Industry Lab to improve business productivity and global competitiveness. Backed by 40 million euros in funding, the initiative forms part of digital cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. It is established as an allied lab under the Department of Science and Technology’s National AI Center for Research and Innovation program.

The lab will focus on infrastructure and data, skills development, governance and security, and market access and investment. Businesses will gain access to cloud services and datasets, including Earth observation data from the EU’s Copernicus program and Philippine science department programs. Applications will target energy, health, environmental protection and disaster resilience.

Connections with European Digital Innovation Hubs, AI factories, companies and universities will support the integration of AI into business operations, curricula and engineering. The lab will apply EU frameworks for cybersecurity, data protection, intellectual property and human-centered AI governance while promoting common technology standards.

A “test before invest” framework will let micro, small and medium enterprises, startups and other businesses assess solutions before committing resources. The initiative aims to accelerate technology transfer, attract investment and help Philippine and European enterprises participate in global value chains.