A factory located in Angers in Maine-et-Loire has been selected to develop a European supercomputer dedicated to artificial intelligence. This ambitious project, known as LUMI-AI, is based on a contract worth 387.8 million euros, aimed at propelling European scientific research. The machine will be assembled in Angers before being delivered to the city of Kajaani, Finland, in the second half of 2027.
Strategic Choice of Bull for LUMI-AI
The company Bull has been appointed by the European joint undertaking EuroHPC to lead this project. LUMI-AI represents a significant advance for research in the field of artificial intelligence, increasing the computing power available to researchers and companies. This project brings together several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Poland, demonstrating an ambitious collaborative approach.
Computing Power at the Service of Research
With LUMI-AI, the supercomputer aims to multiply current capacities dedicated to artificial intelligence by ten, while nearly doubling the high-performance computing power of its predecessor, the LUMI supercomputer. Thanks to its BullSequana XH3500 architecture, this new equipment will be equipped with AMD processors and graphics chips suitable for the heavy processing required in the field of AI.
A Bold Investment for the Future of AI in Europe
This project constitutes a critical investment for the future of AI in Europe. According to Emmanuel Le Roux, CEO of Bull, LUMI-AI represents a crucial step for both the company and the European research community in artificial intelligence. The consortium of countries involved in this project relies on the power of this supercomputer to revolutionize the scientific approach in many areas, such as health and climate.
An Innovative and Sustainable Supercomputer
Besides its computing power, LUMI-AI is also designed to be eco-friendly. Bull has integrated a direct liquid cooling system, thus reducing energy consumption. Moreover, the heat generated by the supercomputer will be recovered to supply the local district heating network in Kajaani, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable development.
Support for Research and Innovation
This supercomputer will not only allow for training artificial intelligence models but also for conducting extensive scientific simulations. The ultimate goal is to put this computing power at the service of European research and industry, thereby facilitating innovation in critical sectors. A booming market is emerging as AI continues to transform our relationship with technology and information.
An Impact That Goes Beyond the Hexagon
The LUMI-AI project goes well beyond French borders. By collaborating with a variety of partners across Europe, Bull is actively contributing to the creation of a robust ecosystem dedicated to artificial intelligence. Several other similar systems are currently on order in Europe, reinforcing the notion of a future where advanced computing infrastructures will be essential to remain competitive on the global stage.
For a deeper analysis of the role and implications of artificial intelligence in our society, various articles on related topics can be explored, such as the cost of AI compared to that of a human developer, the revolutionary hopes it may offer for our climate, and the concerns raised by the release of OpenAI models.
To learn more about the impact of AI, here are some useful resources: AI costs, climatic impact of AI, concerns around AI, AI platform, and guide on AI.
