Japan's Zetta-Scale Dream: FugakuNEXT Aims for Unprecedented Power with NVIDIA

Japan is once again setting its sights on the pinnacle of high-performance computing with the ambitious FugakuNEXT project. This monumental undertaking, spearheaded by the renowned RIKEN Center for Computational Science, is poised to redefine the capabilities of supercomputing, targeting an astonishing zetta-scale performance by the turn of the decade.

With an estimated budget of ¥115 billion (approximately $740 million), FugakuNEXT is not just an upgrade; it's a revolutionary leap.

Following in the illustrious footsteps of its predecessor, Fugaku – which currently holds the second spot globally on the TOP500 list and dominated the HPL-AI benchmark – this next-generation supercomputer is designed to push the very limits of what's computationally possible.

A critical component of this groundbreaking endeavor is the integration of next-generation NVIDIA GPUs.

While the original Fugaku harnessed the power of Fujitsu's ARM-based A64FX CPUs, FugakuNEXT is slated to leverage NVIDIA's cutting-edge graphics processing units, likely the Blackwell series or its successors. This strategic pivot highlights the increasing reliance on GPU acceleration for achieving the immense computational throughput required for zetta-scale operations.

The vision for FugakuNEXT is expansive.

Slated for launch in 2029 and full operational status by 2030, this supercomputer will be a linchpin for advanced scientific research. Its unprecedented processing power will be instrumental in tackling some of humanity's most complex challenges, from accelerating drug discovery and materials science to developing sophisticated AI models and running highly detailed climate simulations.

The global race for computational supremacy is intensifying, with nations like the United States and China also heavily investing in exascale and zettascale supercomputers.

Japan's commitment to FugakuNEXT signals its unwavering dedication to remaining at the forefront of this technological frontier. The project not only promises to enhance Japan's scientific prowess but also solidify its position as a global leader in innovation and high-performance computing. FugakuNEXT isn't just a machine; it's a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.