Alphabet Inc. unveils the game-changing Willow quantum chip
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise has been commissioned to develop a supercomputer named Blue Lion for the Leibniz Supercomputing Center in Bavaria.
- The €250 million project will enhance research capabilities in various scientific areas, including astrophysics and quantum physics.
- This collaboration strengthens Germany's position as a leader in supercomputing and AI innovation.
On December 13, 2024, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) announced its collaboration with the Leibniz Supercomputing Center (LRZ) to build a next-generation supercomputer named Blue Lion. This project is funded jointly by Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research and Bavaria's State Ministry of Science and the Arts, totaling approximately €250 million (about $263 million). Set to launch in 2027, Blue Lion aims to significantly enhance computing capacity for various scientific research areas such as astrophysics, quantum physics, fluid mechanics, and life sciences. Blue Lion is expected to deliver thirty times the performance compared to its predecessor, SuperMUC-NG, promoting advanced research initiatives within Germany. Additionally, this supercomputer will integrate advanced NVIDIA processors and accelerators, leveraging next-generation HPE Cray technology. Notably, the system is designed with 100% direct liquid cooling, utilizing warm water up to 40°C to maximize waste heat efficiency, supporting sustainable practices in computing technology. The project is seen as a major step in reaffirming Germany's position as a leading hub for supercomputing and artificial intelligence innovations. The Head of LRZ, Professor Dieter Kranzlmüller, expressed enthusiasm for the project's potential impact on scientific advancements, emphasizing that the focus is not solely on speed but on supporting cutting-edge research with high-performance infrastructure. HPE's Executive Vice President, Heiko Meyer, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of this computing capacity in bolstering national competitiveness in the scientific landscape. As the technological landscape evolves rapidly, research institutions worldwide are increasing their investments in supercomputing technology to support burgeoning fields. The collaboration between HPE and LRZ signifies a pivotal moment in Europe’s supercomputing advancements, reinforcing the importance of computational power in addressing complex scientific challenges. Blue Lion's development is set against the backdrop of the growing need for advanced computational resources, with implications for national and international research initiatives aimed at innovation and discovery.