Europe invests €240 million in homegrown supercomputer chips
Europe is gearing up to build its own supercomputer ecosystem, reducing reliance on American and Asian companies for crucial technology. A new €240 million project, DARE (Digital Autonomy with RISC-V Europe), aims to develop high-performance computing chips based on the open-source RISC-V architecture.
The ambitious project, hailed as potentially “as groundbreaking as CERN, Galileo, or Airbus,” will be spearheaded by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center – National Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), home to the powerful MareNostrum 5 supercomputer.
Funding a Technological Leapfrog
Half of the DARE funding (€120 million) comes from the European Commission through EuroHPC JU (European Joint Undertaking for High-Performance Computing). Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities is contributing €34.4 million, while the remaining funds are provided by 45 European partners.
Over the next three years, DARE will focus on building the necessary hardware and software infrastructure to support not only next-generation European supercomputers like the future MareNostrum 6, but also technologies such as autonomous vehicles and ethical AI.
Breaking Free from Dependency
The DARE project is significant because it marks a pivotal step towards European technological sovereignty. Currently, Europe relies heavily on American and Asian companies for crucial computing chips, raising concerns about security and autonomy in critical sectors.
RISC-V offers a solution by being an open-source architecture. This means anyone can use, modify, and distribute the design without licensing fees. “DARE will develop the hardware and software ecosystem needed to create absolutely necessary technologies for [Europe’s] future,” said Mateo Valero, director of the BSC.
Building Blocks for a Secure Future
Valero emphasized the importance of having European-designed and controlled technology, stating: “Europe needs its own technology that ensures the security and autonomy of its digital infrastructures.”
“The DARE project will position Spain on the European map for the development of chips, a key strategic sector to address complex issues in areas such as health, climate change, and energy,” added Diana Morant, Minister of Science, Innovation, and Universities.
The BSC has a decade of experience in RISC-V chip development and has previously coordinated the EPI
(European Processor Initiative) project. DARE builds upon this expertise, aiming to position Europe as a leader in the burgeoning field of open-source computing.
How might the expertise and advancements gained through the DARE project benefit other sectors of the European economy, such as the IoT sector?
## Europe Bets Big on Homegrown Supercomputer Chips: A Conversation
**Interviewer:** Today, we’re discussing Europe’s bold move towards technological independence in the field of supercomputing. Joining us is [Guest Name], an expert in [Guest Expertise]. Welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. I’m referring, of course, to the DARE project, a €240 million initiative to develop high-performance computing chips right here in Europe. What does this tell us about the current state of the supercomputing landscape?
**Guest:** This project signifies a significant shift in Europe’s approach to supercomputing. For too long, we’ve relied heavily on American and Asian companies for these crucial technological components. The DARE project reflects a growing desire for digital autonomy and a recognition of the strategic importance of owning our technological future.
**Interviewer:** And this reliance on external sources, what are some of the implications of that for Europe?
**Guest:** Well, dependence on foreign technology can be a vulnerability. It can limit our ability to innovate freely and can create potential bottlenecks in critical areas like research and development. This project empowers Europe to control its destiny in high-performance computing.
**Interviewer:** Focusing on the DARE project specifically, it utilizes the RISC-V architecture, which is open source. How does that factor into the project’s goals?
**Guest:** Choosing RISC-V is a brilliant move strategically. It allows for greater flexibility, transparency, and collaboration in the development process. It also aligns with Europe’s commitment to open-source technologies and fosters a vibrant ecosystem of innovation.
**Interviewer:** We see reports that the European IoT chips market is experiencing significant growth, with Germany leading the way [[1](https://www.kbvresearch.com/europe-iot-chips-market/)]. Does this trend intersect with the DARE project in any way?
**Guest:** Absolutely. The growing IoT sector demands increasingly powerful and efficient chips. The expertise and advancements gained through DARE will undoubtedly benefit the broader European semiconductor industry, contributing to growth in areas like IoT and beyond.
**Interviewer:** This project is described as potentially “groundbreaking,” even being compared to the likes of CERN or Airbus.
**Guest:** It’s not hyperbole. Its ambition is truly remarkable. Developing high-performance computing chips from scratch is a complex undertaking, but the potential rewards are enormous.
This could position Europe as a global leader in supercomputing, driving advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, scientific research, and even climate modeling.
**Interviewer:** We’ll certainly be watching this project closely. Thanks for sharing your insights with us today, [Guest Name].