GNAI Visual Synopsis: A digital cloud illustrating interconnected data points and computing facilities, symbolizing integration and advances in AI and high-performance computing.
One-Sentence Summary
The CLUSSTER1 project, led by French research and industry consortium, is set to bolster France and Europe’s cloud capabilities for artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and eventually quantum computing. Read The Full Article
Key Points
- 1. CLUSSTER1 is a collaborative effort among French academic institutes like GENCI, CEA, CNRS, and Inria, along with industrial partners including Eviden (Atos Group), OVHcloud, and others, to develop a cloud platform dedicated to AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and eventually quantum computing.
- 2. Scheduled to become operational in 2024, the cloud platform will offer a scalable and secure as-a-service model with access to a vast suite of computing services and supercomputers, aiming to democratize high-level computing for both public and private data centres.
- 3. The initiative is a convergence of European efforts to establish a sovereign cloud, tying into initiatives like GAIA-X and the EOSC, and will provide a continuum between open research, confidential research, and industrial activities.
- 4. Services offered will include business vertical software environments, training, support, and technology watch, alongside tools for resource management and analysis of carbon footprint, supported by funding from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research.
Key Insight
The CLUSSTER1 project represents a significant step toward developing a robust local and sovereign cloud ecosystem in France and Europe, catering to progressively complex and demanding computing needs in research and industry.
Why This Matters
By pooling national and European cloud resources, CLUSSTER1 stands to enhance the innovation capabilities of both academia and industry significantly. It enables access to cutting-edge technologies and helps Europe maintain digital sovereignty in a landscape increasingly dominated by global tech giants.
Notable Quote
“A continuum of access to high-performance digital simulation resources and artificial intelligence technologies is a fundamental requirement for research and the development of knowledge and technologies.” – Philippe Lavocat, CEO of GENCI.
