Europe’s drive to strengthen its synthetic intelligence infrastructure has taken a decisive step ahead with the signing of a serious procurement contract to improve the MareNostrum 5 supercomputer.
The European Excessive Efficiency Computing Joint Enterprise (EuroHPC JU) has confirmed the settlement with a consortium led by FSAS Applied sciences and Telefónica, setting the stage for a big transformation of one in all Europe’s flagship supercomputers.
Hosted and operated by the Barcelona Supercomputing Heart (BSC), MareNostrum 5 is a core pillar of the BSC AI Factory initiative.
With the contract now in place, the undertaking enters a brand new section that can reshape the system right into a devoted platform for superior AI analysis and innovation.
From supercomputing powerhouse to AI specialist
Since April 2025, the BSC AI Manufacturing unit has been supporting European startups and small and medium-sized enterprises by serving to them entry AI-ready knowledge, high-performance computing sources, and knowledgeable technical steerage.
The improve of MareNostrum 5 is designed to help this mission immediately, evolving the system from a general-purpose supercomputer into an AI-optimised atmosphere able to dealing with probably the most demanding workloads.
The improved MareNostrum 5 will characteristic next-generation graphics processing models engineered for large-scale machine studying, alongside specialised acceleration {hardware} suited to deep studying, pure language processing, and superior simulations.
Excessive-speed interconnect applied sciences will allow speedy knowledge motion throughout the system, whereas expanded storage capability will permit researchers to work with huge datasets effectively.
Power-efficient cooling options may also be launched to make sure sustainability as computational depth will increase.
Supporting innovation throughout key sectors
Whereas the upgraded MareNostrum 5 is primarily meant to serve startups and SMEs engaged in analysis and innovation, it’ll stay accessible to the broader scientific neighborhood.
Useful resource allocation will likely be collectively managed by EuroHPC JU and the BSC AI Manufacturing unit consortium, reflecting their respective monetary contributions and strategic priorities.
The system is anticipated to learn a broad vary of sectors, together with well being, local weather science, agriculture, finance, vitality, communications, authorized providers, and the general public sector.
By offering tailor-made AI infrastructure, the undertaking goals to cut back obstacles to entry for smaller organisations that lack entry to large-scale computing sources.
Set up timeline and funding framework
Set up of the upgraded MareNostrum 5 is scheduled to start in early 2026. The broader BSC AI Manufacturing unit undertaking carries a complete price range of roughly €129m, masking acquisition, supply, set up, and ongoing upkeep.
Funding is shared equally between EuroHPC JU and taking part nationwide companions. Half of the funding comes from the Digital Europe Programme, whereas the remaining 50% is collectively financed by Spain, Portugal, and Türkiye as a part of the BSC AI Manufacturing unit consortium.
A part of a rising European AI community
The BSC AI Manufacturing unit is one node inside a quickly increasing European community. EuroHPC JU is presently overseeing the rollout of 19 AI factories throughout the continent, all providing free, customised help to startups and SMEs.
This community is additional strengthened by 13 AI Manufacturing unit Antennas chosen in October 2025, extending attain and influence.
With the MareNostrum 5 improve now underway, Europe indicators its intent to stay aggressive within the international AI panorama, combining world-class supercomputing with accessible innovation infrastructure.
