In an effort to strengthen European technological sovereignty and lead innovation in high-performance computing (HPC), the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) announces the launch of the Zettascale Laboratory. This ambitious project, backed by the NextGenerationEU program and the European Processor Initiative (EPI), focuses on developing advanced technology based on the open-source RISC-V architecture.
The mission of the Zettascale Laboratory is to develop high-tech chip prototypes that will be integrated into future European supercomputers, creating a compatible software ecosystem that maximizes the performance of these new processors. This approach aims not only to reduce Europe’s dependence on foreign hardware technologies but also to promote sustainability and energy efficiency through innovative solutions that favor the circular economy.
With flagship projects like MareNostrum and its participation in the PRACE initiative, the BSC has established itself as a global leader in HPC. The foundation of the Zettascale Laboratory represents a new chapter in this trajectory, with the goal of reaching zettascale, equivalent to one sextillion operations per second.
The Zettascale project not only focuses on technological development but also on training and knowledge dissemination. The BSC plans to conduct training programs aimed at industry to educate and expand the use of RISC-V technology, promoting inclusion and diversity in the technological field. Additionally, the laboratory is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values and leverages the diversity of its team, understanding that innovation is fuelled by a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
This project benefits from financial support from the PERTE for microelectronics and semiconductors, framed within the European Union’s NextGenerationEU program. With the launch of the Zettascale Laboratory, the BSC reaffirms its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and research excellence, positioning Europe at the forefront of high-performance computing and bringing us ever closer to the zettascale supercomputing era.