EU (European Union) has introduced a groundbreaking program
In a strategic move to boost indigenous AI startups, the European Union (EU) has introduced a groundbreaking program, providing these startups access to the computational prowess of the EU’s supercomputers for model training. Launched in September and officially underway since last month, the program has already seen early engagement from Mistral AI in France, according to the latest EU updates. However, early observations underscore the necessity for specialized support to equip AI startups with the skills required to optimize the EU’s high-performance computing resources fully.
During a recent press briefing, a senior EU official emphasized the program’s need not only for granting access but also for establishing facilities that impart skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience available at the hosting centers. The blueprint involves the creation of “centers of excellence” geared towards aiding the development of tailor-made AI algorithms compatible with the EU’s supercomputing infrastructure.
AI startups typically lean towards utilizing dedicated compute hardware from U.S. hyperscalers for their model training needs. Recognizing this, the EU is augmenting its high-performance computing access program with additional support. An upcoming “AI support center” is in the pipeline, designed with a dedicated track to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, ensuring they can harness the EU’s supercomputing capabilities effectively.
Over the past five years, the EU has significantly escalated its investment in supercomputers, with plans to interconnect a cluster of eight machines across the region, forming a federated supercomputing resource accessible via high-speed networks.
The EU’s commitment to AI is evident in its plans to roll out exascale supercomputers in Germany next year and in France by 2025. Additionally, the EU is integrating quantum computing by co-locating quantum simulators with supercomputers, creating a hybrid resource.
In terms of applications, the EU is leveraging its supercomputing capabilities for projects such as Destination Earth, which simulates ecosystems for climate change and weather modeling, and creating a digital twin of the human body to advance medical science.
In a recent strategic move, the EU announced the “Large AI Grand Challenge,” a competition aimed at European AI startups experienced in large-scale AI models. This initiative aims to select promising startups, providing them with 4 million hours of supercomputing access and a substantial €1 million prize pool.
Despite being in its early stages, the EU’s “supercompute for AI” program aligns with its broader vision to empower SMEs and startups, unlocking the potential of supercomputers to drive innovation in the development of secure, reliable, and ethical AI algorithms.
