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The European Union has launched an ambitious initiative to reduce its dependence on foreign computing technology with an investment of 240 million euros in the project Digital Autonomy with RISC-V in Europe (DARE SGA1). This effort aims to develop a complete European hardware and software stack that will drive the next generation of supercomputers for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Led by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) and supported by 38 European partners, this project marks a milestone in European digital sovereignty.
The Need for Digital Autonomy in Europe
For years, Europe has relied on non-European hardware and software solutions for its supercomputing infrastructure. This dependency has created security risks, economic vulnerabilities, and a loss of technological competitiveness. DARE SGA1 is part of a broader strategy within the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) to establish a self-sufficient European ecosystem in HPC and AI.
According to Anders Jensen, Executive Director of EuroHPC JU:
“The DARE project marks an important milestone in European digital sovereignty. This initiative will drive innovation in hardware and software technologies, fully leveraging the power of HPC and AI to develop secure, efficient, and Europe-led solutions for the future.”
The project adds to other European efforts such as the European Processor Initiative (EPI) and the SiPearl Rhea1 processor, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to reduce its dependence on American and Chinese technologies.
Key Technological Innovations: European RISC-V Chiplets
One of the fundamental pillars of DARE SGA1 is the development of three RISC-V-based chiplets, each designed for a specific function within HPC and AI:
- Vector Accelerator (VEC) – A vector accelerator for HPC workloads and emerging AI applications, led by the Catalan company Openchip.
- AI Processing Unit (AIPU) – An AI processor designed for accelerating AI inference in HPC applications, developed by Axelera AI in the Netherlands.
- General-Purpose Processor (GPP) – A general-purpose processor optimized for supercomputing applications in Europe, led by Codasip in the Czech Republic.
Why Use Chiplets?
Unlike traditional monolithic chips, chiplet technology allows for more modular and flexible architectures, leading to greater efficiency, scalability, and cost reduction. This is crucial in HPC and AI environments, where power, energy efficiency, and adaptability are critical aspects.
According to Osman Unsal, Principal Researcher of DARE SGA1 at BSC-CNS:
“DARE dares to start from the top of the technological complexity and produce processors designed in Europe for supercomputers, paving the way for European digital sovereignty.”
The Software Challenge: Competing with Nvidia’s CUDA Ecosystem
In addition to hardware, DARE SGA1 recognizes that software optimization is key to achieving high performance and widespread adoption. One of the biggest challenges in AI computing today is Nvidia’s dominance thanks to CUDA, which has created a software lock-in effect in AI data centers worldwide.
To compete, DARE SGA1 will develop a fully optimized software stack for its RISC-V-based processors, which will include:
- HPC and AI applications co-designed with the hardware to maximize efficiency.
- Early access to RISC-V hardware emulation and simulation to facilitate software development.
- Planning efforts for the scalability of future post-exascale supercomputers.
With this focus on developing both hardware and software, DARE SGA1 aims to provide a real alternative to American solutions.
The European Roadmap in Supercomputing: What’s Next?
DARE SGA1 is a three-year project, but it represents only the first phase of a six-year European strategy in HPC. By 2028, Europe expects to achieve:
- A fully operational European HPC system based on RISC-V processors.
- A complete European hardware/software stack for supercomputing and artificial intelligence.
- A roadmap for post-exascale supercomputers, ensuring that Europe remains a global leader in HPC and AI.
The project is part of a broader strategy to ensure Europe’s long-term supercomputing infrastructure, reducing dependence on foreign technologies and strengthening its digital sovereignty.
Conclusion: A Milestone in Europe’s Technological Independence
With the launch of DARE SGA1, Europe demonstrates its commitment to digital autonomy. By investing in RISC-V technology, chiplets, and an optimized software ecosystem, the EU is laying the groundwork for a self-sufficient supercomputing sector that will benefit scientific research, AI innovation, and industrial competitiveness.
As Europe continues to develop its own processors, software, and supercomputing infrastructure, it is taking a decisive step towards a more secure, efficient, and independent digital future. The success of DARE SGA1 could mark the beginning of a new era in European computing, based on innovation, efficiency, and technological sovereignty.
For more information, visit dare-riscv.eu.