European supercomputing has taken a significant step forward with the completion of fifteen European projects backed by the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU). These projects are designed to position Europe at the forefront of high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing, supporting both scientific research and industry.
Importance of Supercomputers
Supercomputers are advanced systems with extremely high computing capabilities. These devices are capable of performing calculations that require more power than traditional computers, providing solutions to some of the world’s most computationally complex problems. High-performance computing (HPC) services offered by these supercomputers are essential for a variety of critical applications, including the discovery of new drugs, accelerating the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, modeling climate change, predicting severe weather conditions, enhancing cybersecurity, and developing more sustainable and efficient products.
Challenges and Solutions
The development and construction of supercomputing systems present numerous challenges, from designing powerful microprocessors and architectures to efficiently managing thousands of individual processing cores. EuroHPC JU is investing in hardware and software design that enables these systems to work efficiently together, reducing high energy consumption and heat generation.
EuroHPC Joint Initiative
Established in 2018, EuroHPC JU is a joint initiative that brings together the resources of the European Union, thirty-five European countries, and three private partners. Its goal is to make Europe a global leader in supercomputing and quantum computing. EuroHPC JU is acquiring and installing supercomputers across Europe, benefiting scientists and users from the public and industrial sectors in solving complex scientific problems. Additionally, a quantum computing infrastructure is being deployed to integrate various quantum technologies into different European supercomputers.
Highlighted Projects
This CORDIS results pack highlights fifteen EuroHPC JU projects that have contributed to Europe’s technological leadership and digital autonomy. These projects include:
ACROSS and eFlows4HPC: Managing extremely high data volumes and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of supercomputers.
DEEP-SEA, IO-SEA, and RED-SEA: Providing advanced solutions for data management and energy efficiency.
OPTIMA, exaFOAM, and MAELSTROM: Developing computer accelerators and software solutions to improve the performance of supercomputing systems.
HEROES, LIGATE, and MICROCARD: Supporting specific applications in personalized medicine, cardiac modeling, and disaster reduction.
NextSim and SCALABLE: Improving computational simulations in aerodynamics and fluid dynamics.
Future of Supercomputing in Europe
Starting in 2024, EuroHPC JU also has a new mandate to develop and operate artificial intelligence (AI) factories. These open ecosystems, centered on EuroHPC’s supercomputing facilities, will support the growth of a highly competitive and innovative AI ecosystem in Europe.
In summary, the investment in supercomputing by EuroHPC JU not only drives competitiveness and innovation in Europe but also enhances the quality of life for its citizens by enabling advancements in various scientific and technological areas. The continuation of these efforts will ensure that Europe maintains its leadership position in the high-performance computing and quantum computing revolution.
Source: Cordis Europa