Imagine a world where supercomputers are not confined to research labs, but are the driving force behind everything from AI advancements to the next generation of self-driving cars. This is the vision of Spoke 1, a key component of the FutureHPC initiative, which aims to unlock the full potential of high-performance computing (HPC).
Spoke 1 is all about innovation. It focuses on developing cutting-edge hardware and software technologies that will power the supercomputers of the future. This includes tackling the complex challenges of scientific computing and high-performance computation, while also exploring how these technologies can be applied in diverse sectors like cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and autonomous vehicles.
Shaping the Future of Computing
The FutureHPC initiative recognizes that supercomputing is no longer a niche field, but a crucial driver of progress across scientific and industrial domains. The explosion of data, the rise of AI, and the growing popularity of cloud computing all demand powerful computing systems to unlock their full potential.
Spoke 1 is poised to meet this challenge by:
- Developing innovative hardware and software solutions that are open, energy-efficient, and high-performance.
- Simplifying the use of complex computing systems through the development of user-friendly tools and methodologies.
- Building bridges between research and industry to ensure that cutting-edge technologies are quickly adopted and integrated into real-world applications.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Innovation
The Spoke 1 is not a solitary effort, but a dynamic collaboration involving 15 universities and research institutions, 9 major industries, and two living labs located at the University of Bologna (UNIBO) and the University of Turin (UNITO).
These partners are working together in five scientific-technological “flagships”, which are focused on specific areas of HPC research. This collaborative approach allows for cross-fertilization of ideas, pooling of expertise, and efficient development of innovative solutions.
The living labs serve as physical spaces where flagship research is translated into tangible prototypes and demonstrators. This hands-on approach fosters technology transfer and ensures that the Spoke’s work has a real impact on industry and society.
In addition to the flagships and living labs, Spoke 1 also utilizes cascade funding calls, which support local SMEs and help to build a robust high-performance computing supply chain.
A Commitment to Openness and Collaboration
Methodologically, Spoke 1 embraces open licenses for both hardware and software. This approach has proven to be a powerful driver of innovation, leading to higher-quality products and more sustainable business models.
The Spoke’s commitment to openness is further reflected in its adoption of RISC-V, an open-source instruction set architecture that is rapidly gaining popularity. By embracing open standards and collaboration, Spoke 1 is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future for high-performance computing.
Flagships of Innovation: Driving Progress in Key Areas
The Spoke 1’s scientific themes are organized around five flagships, each focused on a critical area of HPC research and development. These include:
These flagships represent the diverse areas of research that Spoke 1 is actively involved in. By bringing together the best minds in hardware and software development, Spoke 1 is poised to drive progress in key areas of computing, enabling the development of next-generation technologies that will shape the future of science, industry, and society.
