Georgia Tech Secures $20 Million NSF Grant for AI Supercomputer 'Nexus'

Georgia Tech receives a $20 million NSF grant to develop Nexus, a powerful AI-focused supercomputer.

Key Points

  • • Georgia Tech awarded $20 million by NSF for AI supercomputer named Nexus.
  • • Nexus will perform 400 quadrillion operations per second with extensive memory capacity.
  • • Construction is set to begin in 2025, with completion expected by spring 2026.
  • • The project aims to advance AI research capabilities and foster innovation.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a significant $20 million grant to the Georgia Institute of Technology for the development of a cutting-edge AI-focused supercomputer named Nexus. This initiative is expected to substantially bolster the United States' capabilities in artificial intelligence and scientific research.

Nexus is designed to handle a staggering 400 quadrillion operations per second and will feature 330 trillion bytes of memory along with 10 quadrillion bytes of flash storage, making it adept at managing complex computational tasks and vast datasets. The project's goal, as outlined by Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera, is not only to enhance AI-driven scientific research but also to foster technological advancements that can drive economic growth.

Construction of the Nexus supercomputer is slated to commence in 2025, with the completion target set for spring 2026. This project will be a collaborative effort with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, further integrating resources and expertise across institutions. Approximately 10% of Nexus's capacity will be allocated for Georgia Tech’s own research, underscoring the project’s dual role in serving broader academic scientific needs while also supporting internal endeavors.

The Nexus initiative is anticipated to ignite a new wave of AI-centered innovation and research collaboration, enhancing the national research infrastructure and positioning U.S. researchers to tackle some of today's most pressing scientific challenges. As Georgia Tech embarks on this ambitious project, it is poised to become a significant player in the field of AI research, fostering talent and technological development for years to come.