Intel and RIKEN announced earlier this week that they had reached a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on finding a common path towards Zettascale computing. Through this, companies Agree to cooperate in joint efforts towards Zettascale, leveraging both the research expertise of Intel and RIKEN and the manufacturing know-how of the former. RIKEN’s access to Intel’s Foundry Services (IFS), the manufacturing arm responsible for handling designs from external customers, is one of the key aspects of the MOU.
Concluded an MOU with RIKEN on collaboration to accelerate joint research in the field of next-generation computing such as @Intel, #AI, #HPC, and #quantum computing @Prof. Matsuoka: MOU on research. No commitments regarding Fugaku NEXT https://t.co/hZhjzZrGAmvia @HPCwire @riken_en pic.twitter.com/DlvDhsWF38May 19, 2023
The next hilltop in the rise of human computing power, the Zettascale (10 to the 21st power, 1,000 times greater than Exascale), is poised for high-impact technology. Out of this world AI and ChatGPT are some of the things we love more than others. But so is High Performance Computing (HPC), powering the world’s fastest classic supercomputers such as Summit. And fabled quantum computing is a running dream of unlocking extraordinary subatomic computing power.
Specifically, the MOU will establish cooperation in areas related to supercomputers and AI. Silicon-based quantum computer technology and quantum simulation technology. We are working with Intel Foundry Services on prototyping.
For RIKEN, the benefits of Intel’s expertise as a leading classical and quantum manufacturer cannot be overstated.Perfect match with RIKEN’s TRIP (RIKEN Platform’s Disruptive Research Innovation Platform) Program, it was just introduced this year. Essentially, it aims to combine the agency’s interests in supercomputing, large-scale synchrotron radiation facilities, and bioresource projects. Accelerate and develop digital transformation (research DX), literally “providing the engine of social change”. Considering Intel’s own silicon-based quantum computing efforts, it seems like everyone is playing to their strengths.
With Intel, you get access to RIKEN’s research capabilities and body of knowledge. It is unclear whether RIKEN will incorporate Intel’s input to finalize the roadmap, or work closely to develop solutions towards a shared roadmap. Considering that these are humanity’s most advanced technological systems, it is wise to gather as much intelligence as possible, although with the additional difficulty that the road to Zettascale only ends in a vague future. It seems to me that
As a reminder, Intel is one of the major vendors doing Fugaku NEXT feasibility studies with us. So we are both committed in that regard and the possibilities for the future are exciting. But our competitors have vendors working as well…May 19, 2023
Interestingly, RIKEN professor Satoshi Matsuoka said on Twitter that while RIKEN has been busy developing Fugaku NEXT (the successor to the once-fastest Arm-based supercomputer in the world), Intel is still a possibility. I made it clear that there was only one. In fact, Intel is competing as the primary vendor candidate for Fugaku NEXT’s feasibility study, but as Satoshi said, “other vendors have similar competitive plans.”
