This week, Intel and RIKEN announced they had signed an MOU to work together to identify a common path to Zettascale computing. By that, the businesses have pledged to work together in support of Zettascale, that will make use of Intel, as well as RIKEN's research capabilities and know-how of the former's manufacturing. One of the important components of the MOU, which gains access to Intel's Foundry Services by RIKEN, its production division in charge of accommodating designs from outside clients.
In the ongoing ascent of computing power, humanity is approaching a new milestone known as Zettascale, a level ten to the power of twenty-one, a thousand times greater than Exascale. This imminent breakthrough holds immense potential for revolutionary technologies. Among them are artificial intelligence and ChatGPTs, some of which have captured our affections more than others. Additionally, High Performance Computing (HPC), the driving force behind the world's fastest classical supercomputers like Summit, and the elusive quantum computing, a long-desired vision aiming to harness extraordinary computing capabilities at the subatomic level, are integral components of this transformative journey.
The MOU specifically establishes collaboration in the areas of supercomputers, artificial intelligence, silicon-based quantum computing, quantum simulation, and prototyping in association with Intel Foundry Services.
The significance of Intel's extensive expertise in producing both classical and quantum components for RIKEN cannot be overstated. This partnership proves to be an ideal match for RIKEN's TRIP (Transformative Research Innovation Platform of RIKEN platforms) program, which was recently initiated. The program aims to align the institution's interests in supercomputing, large-scale synchrotron radiation facilities, and bioresource initiatives. It strives to accelerate and foster digital transformation in research (research DX) while serving as a catalyst for societal transformation, as stated by the institution itself. With Intel's ongoing efforts in silicon-based quantum computing, it is evident that everyone is leveraging their unique capabilities to contribute to this collective pursuit.
Intel gains access to the research resources and body of knowledge of RIKEN. It's unclear whether RIKEN will use Intel's feedback to improve its roadmap or whether they will work closely together to develop solutions for a common roadmap. Given that these are the most sophisticated technological systems ever created by humanity and that the route to Zettascale only leads to an uncertain future, it makes sense to combine as much brainpower as possible.
An intriguing revelation came from Professor Satoshi Matsuoka of RIKEN, who took to Twitter to clarify that RIKEN is currently engaged in developing FugakuNEXT, the anticipated successor to the former fastest Arm-based supercomputer in the world. While Intel is considered a potential primary vendor for FugakuNEXT's feasibility studies, it is just one of several contenders. As Satoshi mentioned, there are other vendors equally devoted to this endeavor, equipped aggressive strategies.