TL;DR:
- FAU is enhancing its AI computing capacities through investments in cutting-edge processors.
- The Free State of Bavaria is funding this initiative under the High-tech Agenda, totaling up to 55 million euros.
- NHR@FAU aims to offer researchers swift access to resources within 48 hours.
- Emphasis on energy efficiency includes optimizing processors and innovative cooling techniques.
- Collaboration between NHR@FAU and LRZ in Garching solidifies their position as AI computing centers.
- Plans include co-locating AI systems at FAU Campus Erlangen South by 2030.
Main AI News:
In a significant move poised to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) computing, FAU is embarking on a transformative journey to bolster its computational capabilities. The Erlangen National High-Performance Computing Center, in conjunction with strategic investments, is gearing up to unveil a state-of-the-art AI cluster equipped with cutting-edge processors. With unwavering support from the Free State of Bavaria under the High-tech Agenda initiative, this initiative is set to elevate NHR@FAU not only as a premier hub for computing and AI expertise within FAU but also as a beacon of innovation serving scientific institutions across Bavaria.
“Amidst the current AI renaissance in scientific research, there’s an imperative for robust computing infrastructures,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Gerhard Wellein, the visionary leader steering NHR@FAU towards this groundbreaking endeavor. While acknowledging the existing prowess of NHR@FAU in offering sophisticated high-performance and supercomputing capabilities for intricate numerical tasks, Dr. Wellein underscores the indispensability of fortified clusters with cutting-edge processors to meet the evolving demands of AI and deep learning.
To realize this ambitious vision, the Free State of Bavaria has committed substantial funding. Collaborating with the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (LRZ) in Garching, NHR@FAU stands to receive up to 55 million euros in the forthcoming double budget of 2024/25. “Our primary focus will be on acquiring AI-specific hardware and deploying diverse AI accelerators integrated within an application-centric storage landscape,” reveals Dr. Wellein. Furthermore, an augmentation of the NHR@FAU team is on the cards to furnish researchers with unparalleled guidance and support, ensuring swift access to resources within a turnaround time of 48 hours or even sooner for urgent inquiries.
Central to this initiative is a steadfast commitment to energy efficiency. Deliberate efforts have been made to optimize the graphics processors for AI applications, not solely in terms of performance but also in curtailing energy consumption. Additionally, NHR@FAU is pioneering innovative cooling techniques utilizing warm water to mitigate energy usage further. The overarching goal is to allocate no more than ten percent of the total energy consumption towards cooling operations. Concurrently, endeavors are underway to devise a comprehensive strategy for harnessing waste heat within FAU premises.
Through strategic investments in these cutting-edge systems, NHR@FAU and LRZ in Garching are poised to emerge as preeminent AI computing hubs, catering to the diverse needs of universities and scientific establishments across the Free State. Building upon existing synergies, both centers are forging closer collaborations centered on high-performance computing and energy efficiency. At FAU, NHR@FAU is set to roll out AI services and centralized storage systems in tandem with the Erlangen Regional Computing Center. Anticipated plans include co-locating AI systems alongside NHR@FAU and segments of the RRZE within a new facility at FAU Campus Erlangen South by 2030. The Free State of Bavaria has earmarked up to 260 million euros for the development of this forthcoming northern Bavarian high-performance computing nexus.
Conclusion:
The establishment of FAU as a leading AI computing center in Bavaria signifies a significant advancement in the regional technological landscape. With substantial investments and strategic partnerships, FAU is poised to drive innovation in AI research and applications, fostering collaboration and propelling Bavaria to the forefront of AI computing globally. This initiative underscores the region’s commitment to technological progress and positions FAU as a key player in shaping the future of AI-driven industries and academia.
