Luxembourg to Host MeluXina-AI Supercomputer, Launch National AI Factory

Luxembourg's Ministry of the Economy, the Ministry of Research and Higher Education, Luxprovide and Luxinnovation have announced that Luxembourg will host a supercomputer optimised for artificial intelligence (A) and launch a national AI Factory.

On Tuesday 10 December 2024, the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) initiative selected a national consortium, coordinated by the Ministry of the Economy and the Ministry of Research and Higher Education, to host a supercomputer optimised for AI, called MeluXina-AI, and establish an associated AI Factory. At its meeting on Friday 13 December 2024, the government in council approved this project.

The authorities noted that Luxembourg is thus taking a new step in its ambition to become a major player in AI and digital technology in Europe. The project is expected to position Luxembourg among the European leaders in AI, joining an initial group of six other AI Factories located in centres of excellence in Barcelona (Spain), ​​Bologna (Italy), Kajaani (Finland), Linköping (Sweden), Stuttgart (Germany) and Athens (Greece).

The consortium that presented the project is formed by LuxProvide SA, Luxinnovation, the Luxembourg National Data Service (LNDS), the University of Luxembourg and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). LuxProvide SA, which is already responsible for the MeluXina and MeluXina-Q (quantum) supercomputers, will operate MeluXina-AI and integrate it into the EuroHPC network. In parallel, Luxinnovation will coordinate the activities of the AI ​​Factory, which will rely on this infrastructure to stimulate the national AI ecosystem.

This project is expected to enable:

- a sovereign high-intensity calculation, meeting Luxembourg's strategic needs in terms of digital technology and AI;

- the development of a cutting-edge AI ecosystem, attracting innovative companies, talent and investment;

- strengthened collaboration at European level, through active participation in joint initiatives.

The AI ​​Factory and MeluXina-AI will form the cornerstone of the future national AI strategy, scheduled for publication in spring 2025, alongside the national strategies for data and quantum technologies. This infrastructure will support public and private research, international collaborations and priority national projects. It is thus expected to help meet the technological and economic challenges of tomorrow.

The supercomputer will be integrated into LuxConnect SA's data centres in Bissen and Bettembourg, with 50% of the computing capacity reserved for the EuroHPC network and European countries and 50% dedicated to national needs.

The total cost of the Meluxina-AI supercomputer is estimated at €112 million, distributed as follows: €80 million for the acquisition of the supercomputer, 50% financed by EuroHPC JU; €32 million for its hosting and operation over five years, also 50% financed by EuroHPC JU.

Concerning the AI ​​Factory component, the operating costs over three years (50% covered by EuroHPC JU; €3 million covered by Luxinnovation's own funds) are estimated at €14 million. In total, the Luxembourg State has thus committed itself to co-financing this strategic project to the tune of €60 million.

Luxembourg's Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Les Delles, said: "This project demonstrates our commitment to a digital and innovative economy. By acquiring MeluXina-AI and launching an AI Factory, we are equipping Luxembourg with the tools it needs to meet the challenges of tomorrow, while strengthening our digital sovereignty and international competitiveness in digitalisation and new technologies. MeluXina-AI and the AI ​​Factory will be at the heart of our national AI strategy, and will also support our data strategy, alongside our quantum strategy."

Luxembourg's Minister for Research and Higher Education, Stéphanie Obertin, added: "The acquisition of MeluXina-AI and the launch of the AI ​​Factory are a perfect illustration of the government's commitment to making strategic investments to foster the next wave of innovation, including projects in the fields of AI and quantum technologies. In terms of data management and security, these projects will greatly benefit from Luxembourg's sovereign Clarence cloud. These initiatives complement our ambition to make Luxembourg a leading digital hub. At the same time, we understand that the challenges and benefits of emerging technologies, particularly in the areas of data and AI, require a concerted and collaborative effort between ministries, research institutions and private sector partners."

Arnaud Lambert, CEO of Luxprovide, commented: "With MeluXina-AI, we will establish new contextual artificial intelligence solutions that are accessible, efficient and secure. This new supercomputer, in addition to MeluXina and MeluXina-Q, will allow LuxProvide to offer a complete and unrivaled service offering, meeting the needs of both businesses and research. This unique combination will position Luxembourg as an attractive and competitive player both locally and in Europe."

Sasha Baille, CEO of Luxinnovation, noted: "We are proud of Luxinnovation's involvement in this initiative as coordinator of the AI ​​ecosystem within the framework of the 'AI Factory'. We will ensure that we guide and support innovative startups and companies through the construction of this national AI ecosystem, which will be a truly inspiring and efficient laboratory in Europe."