MareNostrum 5 (MN5), is a state-of-the-art supercomputer housed at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) and is closely linked to the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). MN5 represents the existing synergy between these two institutions and highlights the crucial role that science and technology (S&T) universities can play in strengthening Europe’s leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC). With a strong computational capacity, MN5 supports cutting-edge AI research, enabling the training and execution of complex models to tackle scientific challenges across diverse disciplines. The partnership between UPC and BSC has been pivotal in developing the five successive MareNostrum machines.
A recent photograph of MareNostrum 5, a state-of-the-art supercomputer housed at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center
An image of ONA, UPC’s quantum computing facility
ONA, Europe’s first analog quantum computer in the form of a quantum annealer, will further enhance the supercomputing landscape. ONA features a first-generation system with at least 10 physical qubits, designed to improve both coherence times and the number of qubits by its third generation. This pioneering quantum system will empower researchers across Europe to address complex industrial, scientific, and societal challenges, offering unique tools for advanced research and innovation while integrating seamlessly with MN5 to drive breakthroughs in AI and HPC.
As a leading technical university, UPC contributes expertise in computer science and engineering, while BSC provides advanced research opportunities and access to world-class supercomputing facilities. This collaboration fosters innovation, allowing UPC students and researchers to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies at BSC. In turn, BSC benefits from UPC’s academic resources and perspectives, strengthening Barcelona's position as a global hub for supercomputing and AI research.
MN5 plays a critical role in advancing AI-driven scientific discovery by processing large datasets, simulating experiments, and generating hypotheses at unprecedented speeds. Its capabilities align with the growing integration of AI into scientific research, catalysing breakthroughs in fields such as astronomy, climate science, large language models (LLM), genomics, and medicine. This synergy between AI and high-performance computing accelerates progress in addressing societal challenges while maintaining Europe’s leadership in technological innovation.
High-performance computing is essential in advancing European AI research and innovation. BSC researchers have developed several LLMs that further enhance its research potential. These include MarIA, AINA, and Aloe. However, challenges include ethical considerations, data privacy, and ensuring equitable access to these powerful resources. Another challenge is the lack of substantial European industrial investment in HPC and AI infrastructure that stems from structural market fragmentation, risk-averse capital markets, and regulatory complexities. To enhance its AI research and development competitiveness, the EU should focus on accelerating the implementation of clear, pro-innovation guidelines for the AI Act and promoting the adoption of AI-based application services across various industrial sectors and public administrations to stimulate productivity growth.
UPC's involvement in MN5 extends beyond technical contributions. The university co-funds the supercomputer alongside the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, the Government of Catalonia, and EuroHPC. This collaboration underscores UPC’s commitment to advancing European science and innovation while positioning itself as a benchmark institution in supercomputing knowledge.
HPC and AI-based technologies are pivotal in advancing European leadership and competitiveness in science and technology. Politically, recent initiatives, introduced by the European Commission, include AI Factories (AIF), the InvestAI initiative (200 billion of investments in AI) and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. All of those underscore Europe's commitment to digital autonomy and technological advancement. The recent selection of seven European AI Factories, including the BSC AIF, exemplifies this commitment as well. These AI Factories are designed as one-stop shops, providing universities, startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), researchers, and citizens with access to supercomputing resources, datasets, and expertise, integrating them as actors in the AI-based industry.
The BSC AIF in Barcelona, which includes an upgrade to the current MN5 supercomputer, will set-up an experimental platform for developing and testing innovative industrial AI-based models and applications, promoting collaboration across Europe. Integrating AI with HPC infrastructure highlights Europe’s commitment to driving innovation, attracting talent, and maintaining a competitive edge in key sectors. These efforts and collaborations, in which the role of S&T universities is pivotal, will help position Europe at the forefront of AI-based innovation while ensuring trustworthy development. It also showcases that S&T universities serve as essential hubs for innovation, talent development and knowledge transfer, playing a key role in curriculum development to ensure that the next generation of professionals is equipped with cutting-edge skills in AI and HPC.
In conclusion, MareNostrum 5 marks a significant milestone in European supercomputing, achieved through the fruitful collaboration between UPC and BSC. By combining UPC’s academic excellence with BSC’s research infrastructure, this supercomputer drives ongoing advancements in science, technology, and societal impact, strengthening Europe’s global scientific leadership today and in the years to come.
Ulises Cortés, full-professor and researcher at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.
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