NCC to Unveil Groundbreaking 21 Exaflop Computer

Government to Build £225 Million Supercomputer

The government has announced plans to invest £225 million in the construction of a state-of-the-art supercomputer. The supercomputer, named Isambard-AI, will be powered by 5,448 Nvidia Grace Hopper SoCs, making it one of the most powerful machines in the world. With a processing power of 21 exaflops, Isambard-AI is set to become one of the top ten fastest supercomputers globally. The project is expected to be completed and operational by next year.

Isambard-AI will be located at the National Composites Centre (NCC) in the Bristol and Bath Science Park. This strategic placement is significant as it aligns with the government's focus on advancing manufacturing capabilities. The NCC is one of the country's seven manufacturing research centers, and the supercomputer will play a crucial role in driving innovation and technological advancements in this sector.

The U.K.'s Frontier AI Taskforce, a leading research group dedicated to the safe development of frontier AI technologies, will also be a major user of Isambard-AI. The taskforce aims to explore the potential of AI in various fields, including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. With the supercomputer's immense processing power, researchers will be able to conduct complex simulations and data analysis, accelerating the progress of AI-driven solutions.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is responsible for building Isambard-AI in collaboration with the University of Bristol. In addition to its computational capabilities, the project also emphasizes energy efficiency. HPE and the University of Bristol are working together to develop energy-efficient plans that align with the British government's net-zero carbon targets. This commitment to sustainability ensures that Isambard-AI will not only be a powerful tool but also an environmentally responsible one.

The construction of Isambard-AI represents a significant investment in the future of AI and manufacturing in the U.K. With its cutting-edge technology and collaborative approach, the supercomputer is poised to drive innovation, support research efforts, and propel the country's AI capabilities to new heights. As the world continues to embrace AI, Isambard-AI will play a crucial role in shaping the future of various industries and positioning the U.K. as a global leader in AI research and development.