Net Zero Innovation Hub joins European AI Testing & Experimentation Facility (AI TEF) for Smart and Sustainability Cities and Communities
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers is proud to announce that it has joined CitCom TEF, one of the European Union’s five new AI Test and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs). With this step, the Hub becomes part of a pan-European effort to accelerate the development of responsible AI and robotics for future cities and communities. This TEF consists of 32 partners in 11 members states,
The EU has launched a €2.2 billion investment to establish TEFs across Europe. These facilities offer technical support for innovators, especially startups and SMEs, to test their latest AI-based software and hardware at scale in real-world environments (Technology Readiness Levels 6–8). This includes full integration, validation, and demonstration of AI solutions that can improve energy, mobility, connectivity, and other sectors central to Europe’s green and digital transition.
By joining CitCom TEF, the Net Zero Innovation Hub strengthens its position a European Hub for sustainable digital solutions, connecting startups, researchers, and industry players with European funding and hub expertise in the journey toward net zero. The Hub is building a network of European testing sites, with a special focus on data centers and their role in the twin transition.
As a designated TEF, the hub has access to public funding and is positioned to leverage public and private scale investments for commercial-scale implementation.
“Joining CitComTEF is a major step for the Net Zero Innovation Hub. It means that innovators in Denmark and across Europe will be able to use our facilities to test, experiment, and validate solutions that contribute to sustainable digital infrastructure,” said Thomas Volder, Project Lead at Net Zero Innovation Hub. “This partnership will also deepen our collaboration with universities such as DTU and strengthen the link between education, innovation, and industry.”
About the Net Zero Innovation Hub
The Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers is a collaboration between Danfoss, Data4, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Vertiv to select, test, and accelerate the deployment at scale of advanced Net Zero solutions in the AI-era. The Hub coordinates the joint efforts of data center operators and solution providers to address key challenges in a systematized methodology, to scale the solutions to the whole industry, thereby enabling data center growth and net zero transition.
About CitCom TEF
CitComTEF is one of five AI Test and Experimentation Facilities launched by the European Union to strengthen responsible AI innovation. CitComTEF is unique among the TEFs, with a cross-domain focus on testing AI and robotics before they enter the spaces where people live and move. Applications may include self-driving cars, telecommunications software, or autonomous equipment for urban environments. With 32 partners across 11 EU countries, CitComTEF provides subsidised access for AI startups and SMEs to virtual and physical test environments. Its mission is to test and validate AI and robotics for smart and sustainable cities and communities before deployment in everyday life.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Alberto Ravagni
CEO
AR@netzerodatacenters.com
Thomas Volder
Project Lead
