The United Kingdom welcomes the launch of its fastest and most potent supercomputer, Isambard-AI, situated in Bristol, costing $272 million to develop. This cutting-edge system, powered by Nvidia and HPE hardware, is poised to revolutionize AI training and research workloads.
Isambard-AI phase one, operational as of May 13, offers an impressive 647 petaflops per second of eight-bit floating point, making it one of the most formidable computer systems globally. Its computational power is so immense that it can execute calculations equivalent to the entire Earth's population performing a task in just a second.
Viscount Camrose, the U.K. minister for AI, hails this achievement as groundbreaking for science, innovation, and technology in the UK. He emphasizes the transformative impact this supercomputer will have on research endeavors, particularly highlighting the advancements expected from the country's AI Safety Institute.
Phase one of Isambard-AI comprises an HPE Cray EX2500 supercomputer fueled by 168 Nvidia GH200 Superchips. The project is set to expand with over 5,000 Nvidia GPUs expected to arrive, boosting performance significantly.
Isambard-AI not only ranks among the fastest supercomputers but also stands out for its energy efficiency. It was recognized as the second greenest supercomputer globally, aligning with the UK's commitment to sustainability.
The UK's involvement in the EU's EuroHPC program signifies a commitment to collaboration in the field of high-performance computing. This partnership will grant UK researchers access to substantial funding and resources, fostering innovation and advancement in AI research.
The deployment of Isambard-AI and the UK's participation in EuroHPC hold promise for diverse applications, ranging from improved medical treatments to clean energy solutions. The collaborative efforts aim to harness AI for the collective benefit of society, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in advancing technology for social good.
