The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has recently signed an agreement with Lenovo for the installation of a powerful new supercomputer at the STFC Hartree Centre. This new supercomputer, developed by Lenovo and cooled directly by water, is ten times more powerful than its predecessor while using less power overall, making it ideal for artificial intelligence research in the United Kingdom.
The supercomputer is a key component of the £210 million Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation (HNCDI) program, which aims to provide cutting-edge digital technology and knowledge to UK industries. It will be housed at the new £30 million supercomputing center currently under development at the HNCDI.
The Hartree Centre is engaged in research on novel reactors for clean nuclear fusion energy in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Additionally, organizations such as the Met Office, Unilever, and Rolls Royce, with whom the Hartree Centre has longstanding partnerships, will benefit from the new supercomputer’s capabilities to accelerate research breakthroughs and reduce costs.
This collaboration between STFC and Lenovo represents a significant advancement in the field of artificial intelligence research in the UK, with the potential to drive innovation and technological advancements across various industries. The installation of this powerful new supercomputer marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance digital innovation and research capabilities in the country.