Europe's AI Ambition Takes Flight: JUPITER, World's First Exascale Supercomputer, Launched

Europe's First Exascale Supercomputer: JUPITER Enters the AI Race BERLIN — On September 5, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated JUPITER, Europe's first exascale supercomputer, marking a significant milestone in computing power. According to officials, this achievement puts Europe on par with global leaders in artificial intelligence (AI) research. JUPITER surpassed one quintillion operations per second, joining an elite group of exascale supercomputers. The device is powered by 100% renewable energy and holds the top spot for energy efficiency among its peers. "This milestone is absolutely a big deal for Europe," said Kirk Cameron, a computer scientist at Virginia Tech. "JUPITER gives European researchers access to their own top-level supercomputer, reducing reliance on machines in the United States and elsewhere." The JUPITER supercomputer will primarily focus on pushing the boundaries of research in AI, weather modeling, astrophysics, and biomedical research. Its computational speed is expected to accelerate breakthroughs in these fields. Background European researchers have long relied on foreign supercomputers for their work. This has hindered innovation and competitiveness in areas like AI, where the US and China have dominated the landscape. The EU has been investing heavily in its own supercomputer infrastructure, with JUPITER being a key component of this effort. Perspectives from Experts Kirk Cameron emphasized the significance of JUPITER's achievement: "Having our own exascale supercomputer will allow European researchers to tackle complex problems without relying on external resources. This is a major step forward for Europe in the global AI race." Additional Developments JUPITER's inauguration marks the beginning of a new era for European research and development. As more projects are initiated, it remains to be seen how this supercomputer will impact the global AI landscape. Status Update As of September 5, JUPITER has officially reached exascale status, solidifying Europe's position in the global AI competition. With its unparalleled computing power and energy efficiency, JUPITER is poised to drive innovation across various research fields. Next Steps The EU plans to continue investing in its supercomputer infrastructure, with a focus on expanding JUPITER's capabilities and applications. As European researchers begin to harness the full potential of this exascale supercomputer, the world can expect significant advancements in AI and related fields. *Reporting by Nature.*