Xinhua News Agency, Athens, February 20 - On the 19th, Greek government officials announced that the Greek AI platform initiative, dubbed 'Lighthouse,' is set to become fully functional in the first quarter of 2026. This platform will offer computational resources, data, and technical assistance to startups, universities, and research entities, thereby spurring innovation in the field of AI. The project's primary objective is to tackle the challenges of high computational costs and technical hurdles encountered by SMEs and other entities engaged in AI research and development. It places particular emphasis on bolstering AI applications in healthcare, culture & language preservation, and sustainable development. Spearheaded by Greece's Ministry of Digital Governance, the project boasts a total budget of €30 million, with the Greek government and the EU each contributing half of the funds. It stands as one of the 13 projects within the EU's 'AI Factory' network, showcasing Greece's commitment to advancing AI technology on a broader scale.