The U.K.’s most advanced supercomputer, Isambard-AI, is now operational, promising to significantly enhance artificial intelligence training and research efforts. Situated in Bristol, approximately two and a half hours southwest of London, this state-of-the-art supercomputer represents a $272 million investment and features cutting-edge technology from Nvidia and HPE. The first phase went online on May 13, 2023, enabling researchers, including teams from the newly established AI Safety Institute, to commence innovative projects aimed at advancing AI research.
“This launch marks a transformative moment in the U.K. for science, innovation, and technology,” remarked Viscount Camrose, the U.K. Minister for AI. “With this world-class equipment, we are set to revolutionize our research capabilities. Institutions like the AI Safety Institute will leverage one of the planet’s most powerful computing systems to propel their crucial research initiatives.”
The initial phase of Isambard-AI boasts an astonishing performance capability, delivering 647 petaflops per second of eight-bit floating-point calculations. To contextualize its extraordinary speed, if every individual on Earth performed a calculation simultaneously, it would take 2.3 billion years to process the same task—something Isambard-AI can accomplish in just one second.
Professor Simon McIntosh-Smith, director of the University of Bristol’s Center for Supercomputing, noted, “The level of performance we’ve achieved is remarkable, especially given the compact size of the system.” The first phase features an HPE Cray EX2500 supercomputer, powered by 168 Nvidia GH200 Superchips. Future expansions will introduce over 5,000 additional Nvidia GPUs, with an increase in overall performance projected by a factor of 32.
Matt Harris, HPE’s managing director for the U.K., Ireland, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the efficiency of the project’s rollout, stating, “From concept to live operation, phase one of this unique supercomputer was completed in just three months. This system serves as a vital resource for U.K. Government-backed AI research, enabling organizations like the AI Safety Institute to scale their generative AI model training. Research outcomes are expected as early as May.”
**Recognized for Eco-Friendliness**
As phase one launched, Isambard-AI earned immediate recognition as the second greenest supercomputer worldwide, according to the prestigious Top500 list, which ranks supercomputers based on various criteria, including performance and energy efficiency. While Isambard-AI was lauded for its eco-conscious design, it ranked 128th in powerful computing, positioned between the U.S. government’s PupMaya supercomputer and the Artemis system in the United Arab Emirates, operated by the technology company G42.
Viscount Camrose remarked, “Isambard-AI not only stands out for its incredible speed but also sets a benchmark for sustainable computing practices, leading the way toward greater efficiency.” Topping the latest list was Intel’s Frontier, which maintained its status as the most powerful non-distributed supercomputer for the third consecutive ranking.
**U.K.’s Entry into EuroHPC Program**
The launch of Isambard-AI also coincided with the announcement of the U.K.'s participation in the EU’s EuroHPC program. This partnership will grant U.K. researchers and academics access to Horizon Europe’s funding, totaling over $966 million from 2021 to 2027.
“Access to state-of-the-art supercomputing resources is crucial for businesses, researchers, and academics aiming to develop and refine AI models in collaboration with our closest trading partners,” stated Joe Cassidy, head of technology, media, and telecoms at KPMG UK. “This development will foster new AI applications that contribute positively to society, including advancements in healthcare and clean energy solutions, emphasizing the social benefits these technologies can offer.”
With the unveiling of Isambard-AI, the U.K. solidifies its position as a key player in the global AI research landscape, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations and collaborative efforts that will shape the future.
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