NTT DATA and Haystack by deepset announce Sovereign AI Transformation model

NTT DATA and Haystack by deepset are launching a new collaboration centered on a Sovereign AI Transformation model: an approach for moving AI from isolated pilots to governed, production systems in regulated and complex environments.

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The model addresses a pattern that has become common across the public sector and regulated industries. Organizations have run AI pilots, often successfully, but struggle to scale them into production while meeting their requirements for data sovereignty, governance, and regulatory compliance. The result is fragmentation: many pilots, few production systems, and limited institutional learning.

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The Sovereign AI Transformation model is designed to close that gap by combining a sovereign AI platform with a structured operating model and institutional governance.

First deployment: AI@EC

The first deepset deployment is for the AI@EC Platform: The European Commission's sovereign AI foundational pillar for moving from isolated pilots to governed, production systems across the institution.

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AI@EC Platform is well supported by DIGIT Centre of Excellence in Data Analytics & AI, which coordinates AI demand across the Commission, sets best practices, and advises stakeholders on effective AI adoption.

How the model works

The partnership brings together three layers:

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- Haystack by deepset provides the sovereign AI platform: self-hosted, modular, with full control over data, models, and deployment. Built on the open-source Haystack framework, the platform supports the development and operation of AI applications including agents, retrieval-augmented generation, search, and assistants.

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- NTT DATA brings the operating model: structured processes, implementation support, and the path from use case to production. NTT DATA's delivery capability operationalizes the model and provides the institutional knowledge needed to scale AI adoption sustainably.

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- The institution provides governance and coordination: managing demand, enforcing standards, and supporting teams across the organization. In the case of AI@EC, this role is held by DG DIGIT's Data & AI Center of Excellence.

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Together, these three layers create a repeatable system for building AI applications under the compliance and sovereignty requirements that regulated organizations operate under.

Designed to be replicable

While the first deployment is with the European Commission, the model is designed to be replicable. Any public sector or regulated organization facing the same challenges — fragmented pilots, governance requirements, and sovereignty constraints — can adopt the same approach.

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The model is platform-agnostic in its delivery shape: the operating model and governance layer adapt to the institution's existing structure, while the sovereign AI platform provides a consistent technical foundation.

About the partnership

NTT DATA and Haystack by deepset are committed to helping European institutions build and scale AI on their own terms. The collaboration reflects a shared view that sovereignty and scale are not trade-offs, and that the right combination of platform, delivery, and governance can deliver both.

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To learn more about the Sovereign AI Transformation model, or to discuss how it might apply to your organization, contact us.