Europe's AI Ambition: JUPITER Supercomputer Reaches Exascale Milestone

EUROPE'S FIRST EXASCALE SUPERCOMPUTER: JUPITER TAKES AIM AT GLOBAL AI RACE BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 - In a significant milestone for European research, the supercomputer JUPITER officially reached the exascale threshold on September 5, joining an elite group of machines capable of performing over one quintillion operations per second. This achievement marks a major breakthrough in computing power and positions Europe to compete more effectively in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race. According to Kirk Cameron, a computer scientist at Virginia Tech, "The milestone is absolutely a big deal for Europe." JUPITER's computational speed will enable researchers to push the boundaries of AI, weather modeling, astrophysics, and biomedical research. This marks a significant shift in the European Union's ability to conduct top-level research without relying on machines located outside its borders. JUPITER, named after the Roman god of the sky, is powered by renewable energy and ranks first in energy efficiency among supercomputers. The device boasts an impressive 100 petaflops (one hundred thousand trillion calculations per second) and has secured a spot as the fourth-fastest computer in the world. The inauguration of JUPITER was attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the importance of this achievement for European research. "This supercomputer is a testament to our commitment to innovation and scientific excellence," he said. In recent years, the US and Chinese technology firms have dominated the AI landscape, leaving Europe struggling to keep pace. However, with JUPITER's arrival on the scene, the EU has taken a significant step towards bridging this gap. JUPITER's capabilities will enable researchers to tackle complex problems that were previously unsolvable. "This is not just about computing power; it's about unlocking new discoveries and advancing our understanding of the world," said Cameron. As Europe's first exascale supercomputer, JUPITER represents a major investment in research and development. The device is expected to have far-reaching implications for various fields, from climate modeling to medical research. The European Union has pledged to continue investing in cutting-edge technology, with plans to develop even more powerful machines in the future. As the global AI landscape continues to evolve, JUPITER's arrival marks a significant turning point for Europe's participation in this critical field. In related news, the EU has announced plans to establish a new research center focused on AI and machine learning, further solidifying its commitment to innovation and scientific excellence. With JUPITER at the forefront of European computing power, the continent is poised to make significant strides in the global AI race. *Reporting by Nature.*