Ireland is set to gain a significant boost in its AI research capabilities with the unveiling of CASPIr, a mid-range supercomputer capable of performing over 15 petaflops or 15 million billion operations every second. This new system will support cutting-edge AI and machine learning workloads, handling small-scale training and inference tasks as part of larger simulation and data analysis workflows.
The EuroHPC JU’s 15 Petaflops Irish Supercomputer
Once deployed, CASPIr will be a powerful tool for researchers across Ireland and Europe. It is part of the broader European AI Factories (AIF) strategy, which aims to build open AI ecosystems around EuroHPC supercomputing facilities to drive a competitive and innovative AI landscape across the continent. The new system will support the AIF IRL-Antenna, which will serve as Ireland’s central hub for advancing and connecting the national AI ecosystem.
University of Galway’s Role in Europe’s AI Strategy
CASPIr will be operated by the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC), based at the University of Galway. This collaboration underscores the university’s role in driving innovation and research across Ireland. The procurement process for this new supercomputer will be managed by the University of Galway, in collaboration with EuroHPC JU, and is set to begin in the immediate future.
Collaborating with France and Luxembourg for HPC Advancements
While IRL-Antenna will primarily collaborate with AI2F in France and the Luxembourg AI Factory, these efforts will work in a complementary way to accelerate the adoption of HPC and AI technologies both within Ireland and across Europe. This collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships in advancing computational research and development.
CASPIr represents a significant milestone for Ireland’s AI ecosystem, providing researchers with access to powerful computing resources that can drive breakthroughs in machine learning and artificial intelligence. As part of the broader European AI Factories strategy, CASPIr will help foster innovation and collaboration across borders, ultimately contributing to Europe’s position as a leader in advanced technology.
The deployment of CASPIr is part of a larger initiative by the EuroHPC JU to equip Europe with cutting-edge supercomputing infrastructure. To date, the EU has procured 11 supercomputers distributed across Europe, with three of these systems ranked among the world’s top 10 most powerful supercomputers. The EuroHPC JU also oversees the implementation of 19 AI factories across Europe that offer free, customized support to SMEs and startups, further strengthening European national AI ecosystems.
In conclusion, CASPIr will be a game-changer for Ireland’s AI research capabilities, providing researchers with access to powerful computing resources that can drive breakthroughs in machine learning and artificial intelligence. As part of the broader European AI Factories strategy, CASPIr will help foster innovation and collaboration across borders, ultimately contributing to Europe’s position as a leader in advanced technology.
