- UK firms gain access to European supercomputer funding through the EuroHPC programme
- EuroHPC is a collaborative initiative involving 35 countries, providing resources and funding for supercomputer projects
- The UK re-joined Horizon Europe in September 2023, allowing access to over £770m in EuroHPC funding
- Secretary of State Michelle Donelan emphasizes the importance of supercomputers for research and economic growth
- UK must provide match-funding for European supercomputer grants on a case-by-case basis
Unlocking Opportunities: UK Firms Embrace European Supercomputer Funding
In a significant development, UK businesses and researchers now have access to European supercomputer resources and funding through the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC). This initiative, involving 35 countries, not only provides access to cutting-edge facilities but also opens the doors to enhanced funding opportunities, courtesy of Horizon Europe. After a hiatus of three years post the European referendum, the UK rejoined Horizon Europe in September 2023, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s scientific community.
Expanding Horizons: UK’s Integration into EuroHPC
The bespoke agreement granted to the UK last year allowed for research access to EuroHPC supercomputers. However, the recent development now extends this access to include Horizon Europe-funded portions of EuroHPC, valued at over £770 million. This move has been lauded by Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Michelle Donelan, who emphasized the crucial role of supercomputers in driving innovation and economic growth. Donelan stated, “I have made it my mission to unleash the benefits of AI for the British public and supercomputers are essential tools that our best and brightest researchers need to deliver breakthroughs that will grow the economy and improve all our lives, from healthcare to energy security.”
The integration of UK businesses and researchers into the EuroHPC ecosystem is poised to bolster the country’s reputation as a science and technology powerhouse. By leveraging the expertise and computing capabilities spanning from Finland to Portugal, the UK stands to gain a competitive edge in the global innovation landscape.
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Empowering Innovations: Match-Funding Requirements and Opportunities
One key aspect of accessing European supercomputer grants is the requirement for match-funding from the UK on a “case-by-case basis.” This means that UK entities seeking funding through EuroHPC will need to demonstrate their commitment by providing a portion of the required funds. While this presents a financial obligation, it also signifies a shared investment in driving technological advancements and research breakthroughs.
The recent inclusion of the UK in the European Chips Joint Undertaking further underscores the country’s commitment to fostering innovation. This joint initiative, backed by Horizon Europe, provides funding opportunities specifically tailored for semiconductor businesses and researchers. By tapping into these resources, UK firms can accelerate their research and development efforts, contributing to the advancement of semiconductor technologies on a global scale.
Seizing the Moment: Harnessing EuroHPC for Growth and Progress
As UK firms gain access to European supercomputer funding, a new era of possibilities emerges in the realms of technology, research, and innovation. The collaboration between countries under the EuroHPC framework not only facilitates resource sharing but also encourages cross-border partnerships and knowledge exchange. This interconnected network of expertise paves the way for collaborative projects that transcend geographical boundaries, driving collective progress in science and technology.
The infusion of Horizon Europe-funded resources into the EuroHPC ecosystem signifies a significant investment in the future of scientific discovery and technological innovation. By leveraging supercomputing capabilities, UK businesses and researchers can embark on ambitious projects, tackling complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The integration of UK entities into the EuroHPC initiative not only expands opportunities for growth and advancement but also reinforces the country’s position as a hub for cutting-edge research and development.
The inclusion of UK firms in European supercomputer funding schemes marks a pivotal moment in the country’s scientific landscape. By embracing these opportunities and leveraging the resources made available through EuroHPC and Horizon Europe, UK businesses and researchers are poised to accelerate innovation, drive economic growth, and make significant strides in various fields of study. The collaborative spirit fostered by initiatives like EuroHPC underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing scientific knowledge and shaping the future of technology.
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