Supercomputer

• The UK government announced a £1.1 billion ($1.47 billion) strategic plan on June 8 to expand domestic AI computing capacity. • The initiative focuses on the construction of a new national supercomputer and provides critical funding to support homegrown semiconductor firms. • This investment aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and strengthen Britain's competitive position in the global AI hardware race.

• NERSC, at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, launched an open call for projects using the Perlmutter supercomputer to advance AI in scientific domains like climate, physics, and biology through January 19, 2027. • Proposals require deep learning expertise, scientific domain knowledge, and proof-of-concept; evaluated on innovation, DOE relevance, feasibility, and scale readiness, with submissions rolling until April 30, 2026, for priority. • NERSC supports 11,000 scientists annually, producing 2,000 peer-reviewed papers and aiding seven Nobel winners.