Merz Launches Europe’s Fastest Supercomputer to Boost AI Capabilities

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated Europe’s fastest supercomputer, known as Jupiter, on March 15, 2024, in Juelich, Germany. During the event, Merz expressed confidence that Europe can close the gap in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, currently dominated by the United States and China. “The United States and China are in a neck-and-neck race to compete for future market share in an AI-supported global economy,” he stated.

Jupiter is a groundbreaking machine that can perform at least one quintillion calculations per second, a significant leap in computational power. Housed within a facility approximately half the size of a football pitch, the supercomputer is equipped with around 24,000 Nvidia chips, which are highly regarded in the AI sector. Experts believe this is the first supercomputer in Europe that can be deemed internationally competitive for training AI models.

Merz emphasized the importance of developing sovereign computing capacities in Germany and Europe. “We need sovereign computing capacities that are on a par with our international competitors,” he remarked. He added that this endeavor is crucial not only for competitiveness but also for the security of the nation.

The 500-million-euro (approximately $580 million) supercomputer will have applications extending beyond artificial intelligence. Researchers from various fields will utilize its capabilities to enhance climate forecasts, which can aid in predicting extreme weather events, as well as to advance medical research and studies related to the energy transition.

The inauguration of Jupiter marks a significant step for Europe in the AI landscape, as it aims to position the continent as a key player in the rapidly evolving technology sector. The supercomputer’s development is seen as a response to increasing competition from global leaders in AI and a commitment to fostering innovation within Europe.

With a diverse workforce of 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, Jupiter is set to become a hub for cutting-edge research and development in the heart of Europe. As the demand for advanced computing power continues to rise, the launch of Jupiter could pave the way for Europe to regain its footing in the global technology arena.