CSC – the Finnish IT Center for Science, is making waves in the field of high-performance computing with its state-of-the-art Lumi supercomputer, currently ranked as the world’s third most powerful computer. Recently, our team from Oulu had the opportunity to tour the impressive data center facility located in Renforsin ranta, Kajaani, where Mr. Mikko Kerttula, a project manager responsible for ecosystem development, served as the host.
As part of the national research system, CSC develops, integrates, and offers cutting-edge IT services to education, culture, public administration, and businesses. With a budget of €202 million, Lumi is jointly owned by several European countries, with Finland being the largest individual owner. What sets Lumi apart is its commitment to sustainability, as it currently runs on 100% green renewable energy, making it a remarkable achievement in the field of high-performance computing.
The combined computing power of Lumi’s older siblings – Puhti, Mahti, and Allas supercomputers – is a staggering 7.5 petaflops per second, but Lumi actually raises this to another level all the way to 375 petaflops, making it a formidable resource for solving complex scientific and societal challenges through data analytics and artificial intelligence.
One of the most exciting aspects of Lumi is the opportunity it presents for businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access its resources. In fact, 20% of Lumi’s capacity is reserved for businesses, and the pricing is highly competitive compared to commercial market rates. Additionally, there is a possibility of receiving funding from Business Finland (HPC Grant) ranging from €30,000 to €100,000 for projects with a Business Finland-backed initiative.
Accessing Lumi is also made easier with its location in Kajaani, Finland. The city’s stability and expertise in hosting data centers and supercomputers make it an ideal location for businesses looking to leverage Lumi’s capabilities. Furthermore, Lumi contributes to Kajaani’s district heating, providing 20% of the city’s annual heat demand and resulting in a 40% reduction in heating costs, making it a carbon-negative solution.
“We need to understand and harness this resource in different ways, not only for Oulu, Finland, but for the world,” says Mr. Mikko Kerttula, the project manager at CSC. He encourages interested parties to get in touch with him or the team at ICTOulu to learn more about the opportunities and support available for utilizing Lumi’s capabilities.
In conclusion, CSC’s Lumi supercomputer is revolutionizing the field of high-performance computing and creating new opportunities for businesses, including SMEs, in Kajaani, Finland. With its impressive computing power, commitment to sustainability, and favorable pricing, Lumi is poised to drive innovation and tackle complex challenges in various domains. Businesses are encouraged to explore the possibilities and connect with CSC to tap into the potential of Lumi.
