ParTec AG and HZDR to Build AI Supercomputer Supporting Research in AI, Quantum Computing, and HPC

Insider Brief:

• ParTec AG and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop and operate ELBJUWEL, an AI supercomputer designed to support scientific research and economic development in AI, quantum computing, and HPC.

• ELBJUWEL is expected to deliver approximately 500 petaflops of performance, with capabilities extending to about 50 exaflops for 8-bit floating-point operations.

• By situating ELBJUWEL in Germany, the partnership creates direct access to advanced computing resources, reducing reliance on international cloud solutions.

PRESS RELEASE — In recent release, ParTec AG, a modular supercomputing company that specializes in HPC, quantum computers, and related system software, and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf research laboratory announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop and operate an AI supercomputer. This central hub for AI technologies will support both scientific research and economic development related to AI and machine learning, quantum computing, and high-performance computing across Saxony and Germany.

Introducing ELBJUWEL

The centerpiece of this collaboration is the supercomputer named ELBJUWEL, which is set to deliver approximately 500 petaflops, with capabilities extending to about 50 exaflops for 8-bit floating-point operations. As noted in the release, ELBJUWEL is intended to become one of the most powerful AI supercomputers globally, equipped with high-performance processors and GPUs optimized for handling complex AI tasks. This specialized computer is designed to serve tasks related to machine learning, neural networks, quantum computing, and large-scale data analysis, making it invaluable for research and industrial applications that demand efficient processing of vast datasets.

Having ELBJUWEL situated in Germany means that researchers and industries will have direct access to advanced computing resources without relying on international cloud solutions. This localized access is essential for supporting technological innovations and collaboration between various sectors within the region, including industry and academia.

Bernhard Frohwitter, CEO of ParTec AG, emphasized the importance of establishing a supercomputer infrastructure that serves Germany and Europe’s digital sovereignty. “The cooperation with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf is a decisive step for us towards establishing a Germany- and Europe-wide supercomputer infrastructure for artificial intelligence” explains Frohwitter. “This is the only way users and machine developers as well as operators can work closely together and benefit from the most valuable synergies that are not possible when a supercomputer is only accessible via cloud. A region that only calculates via cloud, even with the best AI applications of its own, will never be able to exploit the full potential for development and industrial integration that results from the supercomputer being available in its own country.”

According to the release, a significant portion—up to 90%—of the required computing power is sourced from outside Europe, particularly the United States. By developing ELBJUWEL, ParTec and HZDR will be able to provide a computing environment that enables closer collaboration among users and developers. The vision also extends beyond the provision of computational power; it includes training skilled workers and supporting businesses in navigating the challenges of digital transformation and is expected to attract global scientists to Dresden.