Sustainable AI: Isambard-AI Ranks Among the Greenest Supercomputers Globally

University of Bristol Receives £225 Million Investment for AI Research

The UK Government has announced the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the nation to drive renewal efforts. Bristol, renowned for its history of AI innovation, is highlighted as a key contributor to these goals in Matt Clifford's AI Opportunities Action Plan. The University of Bristol, recently awarded 'AI University of the Year' at the National AI Awards, has received a £225 million government investment to establish Isambard-AI. This initiative was rapidly developed by the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing (BriCS) team, leveraging their extensive expertise. Isambard-AI, located at the National Composites Centre (NCC), is set to become the UK's fastest and most powerful supercomputer, purpose-built for AI research. Expected to be completed by Summer 2025, it will provide unmatched capacity for AI exploration in robotics, big data, climate research, and drug discovery, while also establishing the UK's sovereign AI capability.

Professor Simon McIntosh-Smith, Director of BriCS and HPC expert, expressed pride in the University of Bristol’s role in advancing the UK’s AI vision with Isambard-AI, the nation’s fastest supercomputer. He emphasized that Isambard-AI, which can perform in one second what would take the entire global population 81 years, marks a transformative leap. Already operational, it is set to increase the UK's AI capability by 20 times in a few years, offering faster, more cost-efficient results than commercial alternatives. McIntosh-Smith called it a pivotal moment for AI in the UK.

Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, stated that Isambard-AI's development was a major vote of confidence for the University and the city. Universities were acknowledged for their vital role in research, innovation, and long-term economic growth. It was noted that AI offers significant opportunities to fulfil this role, with Isambard-AI serving as a tool to nurture talent through training and support for students and researchers, while fostering interdisciplinary research in the UK and globally.

Peter Kyle, Secretary for Science, Innovation, and Technology, stated that AI has the potential to transform lives, but the UK has been a cautious bystander. He emphasized that the new plan would make the UK an active participant in AI advancement, building on strengths like its role as the cradle of computer science and its position as the third-largest AI market. Kyle affirmed the government’s commitment to keeping the UK competitive in the global AI race, with actions to spread AI benefits nationwide. He stated this would lay the foundation for their Plan for Change.

Phase one of Isambard-AI, built in a climate-controlled modular data centre, was fully installed over the winter of 2024 and is now operational. Current projects include researching blood vessel inflammation in heart disease, tracking livestock health, and developing new vaccines. Isambard-AI is the UK's most sustainable supercomputer and the second-greenest globally, ranking in the top two of the Green500 list. Built-in a low-carbon data centre, it can recycle waste heat for nearby infrastructure. From summer 2025, users will have early access to phase 2, with 5,280 additional Nvidia Grace Hopper Superchips. Researchers and startups can now express interest in accessing Isambard-AI for large-scale projects.

Overall, the Isambard-AI supercomputer at the University of Bristol marks a significant milestone in the UK's AI advancement. With its unmatched capabilities and sustainability, it is set to drive transformative research and innovation across various fields, positioning the UK as a leader in global AI development.

Editor’s Note:

The introduction of Isambard-AI marks a pivotal moment for the UK in the AI landscape, significantly enhancing the nation’s research capabilities. This advanced supercomputer not only strengthens the UK’s position in global AI research but also underscores the importance of sustainable technological advancements. With substantial government investment and the collaboration of the University of Bristol and the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing (BriCS), the UK demonstrates its commitment to staying competitive in the global AI market.

Skoobuzz believes that sectors such as robotics, big data, climate research, and drug discovery will experience unprecedented progress, with Isambard-AI driving once unimaginable innovations. In the coming years, this supercomputer is poised to reshape the UK’s future, propelling it to the forefront of AI research and technological leadership.