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Japan is embarking on a monumental technological endeavor with its plans to develop FugakuNEXT, a supercomputer that promises to redefine the limits of computational power. With an investment of over $750 million, this project is expected to significantly accelerate advancements in AI and scientific research. At the helm of this initiative is RIKEN, a leading research institute, and Fujitsu Limited, a Japanese tech giant, entrusted with the design of this next-generation flagship supercomputer. This undertaking highlights Japan’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of global technological innovation, particularly as the demand for faster computing systems continues to rise across the world.
A Brief History of FugakuNext
FugakuNEXT is set to build upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Fugaku supercomputer, which made its debut in 2020. Reaching an impressive 415.5 Linpack petaflops, Fugaku quickly ascended into the upper echelons of the Top500 supercomputer list. Developed over a decade-long collaboration between RIKEN and Fujitsu, Fugaku was instrumental in simulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its prowess in handling complex computations. However, by 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) had already initiated plans to develop FugakuNEXT. As of 2023, feasibility studies are underway, with four teams conducting research to determine the viability and potential benefits of this ambitious project. The feasibility studies, which started in August 2022, are funded with a budget of approximately $3 million USD and are scheduled to continue until March 2024.
The Grand Vision for FugakuNext
Japan’s vision for FugakuNEXT is nothing short of extraordinary. The objective is to create a zetta-supercomputer, a machine about 1,000 times faster than current supercomputing capabilities. Fugaku, the predecessor, achieved remarkable performance with 442 petaFLOPS and secured the fourth position on the Top500 list. FugakuNEXT aims to surpass all existing benchmarks, including the United States’ Frontier supercomputer, renowned for its exascale performance. The staggering budget required for this supercomputing marvel is estimated at $750 million. This investment underscores Japan’s dedication to pioneering technological advancements and securing a leading role in the global race for computing supremacy.
Advanced CPU for FugakuNext Supercomputer
The heart of FugakuNEXT lies in its cutting-edge CPU technology. Fujitsu will deploy its advanced FUJITSU-MONAKA3 CPU, designed for high performance and energy efficiency. This new supercomputer will seamlessly integrate with GPUs and other accelerators, enhancing its ability to handle diverse tasks from AI workloads to intricate scientific simulations. The FUJITSU-MONAKA and its successor, MONAKA-X, represent the pinnacle of CPU innovation, providing the necessary computational power to fulfill the demands of modern science and industry. Fujitsu’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in their dedication to building a system that meets dynamic customer needs, leveraging their vast experience from the original Fugaku project.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | FUJITSU-MONAKA3 and MONAKA-X |
| Performance Target | 1000X current supercomputers |
| Budget | $750 million |
Japan’s Strategic Leap in AI for Science
The rise of Generative AI has heralded a new era in computing, necessitating the development of more powerful supercomputers. Japan recognizes the critical role of AI in scientific simulations and real-time data processing, encapsulated in the concept of AI for Science. This strategic focus places Japan at the forefront of nations prioritizing the integration of AI in scientific and technological advancements. By harnessing the capabilities of FugakuNEXT, Japan aims to empower its scientific community to perform large-scale experiments and simulations with unparalleled speed and accuracy. The collaboration between RIKEN and Fujitsu is a testament to Japan’s commitment to fostering innovation and reinforcing its position as a global leader in technology.
As Japan progresses with its ambitious plans for FugakuNEXT, the world watches with anticipation. This groundbreaking project not only promises to elevate Japan’s technological landscape but also sets the stage for future innovations in computing. With the development of such unprecedented computational power, one might wonder: how will the emergence of zetta-scale supercomputers transform the future of science and industry on a global scale?
Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
Wow, 1,000 times faster than the US? That’s insane! 😮
How will FugakuNEXT impact global tech dominance, really?
Is $750 million enough for such an ambitious project? 🤔
Fujitsu and RIKEN are a powerhouse team! Looking forward to the results.
Will FugakuNEXT be accessible to international researchers too?
Can’t wait to see how AI for Science evolves with this supercomputer!
Are there any environmental concerns with such powerful supercomputers?
Sounds like Japan is aiming for the stars with this one! 🚀
Someone has to fund the tooling for these advanced chip designs that are just collecting dust at this point.
This is propganda fluff piece that doesn’t pass the si.plest of sniff tests. If you believe this article you are the definition of a low information perosn. 750 million? Thats a joke of a budget. While google and tesla and Microsoft etc r dumping 50 to 100 billion EACH . But yeah sure Japan will be 1k times faster on 3/4 of a billion. Is it 1982?
And to what end? Faster for what really? Faster bills, faster hacking, faster depleting our bank accounts, faster accumulation of interest for credit cards? Will it cure cancer? Will it stop all wars? Will it make Earth better? Will it end homelessness, joblessness, discrimination, and hate? I bet no, it will just make very few richer.