DAEDALUS, the new supercomputer that is expected to transform the research and innovation landscape of Greece, is now entering the final phase of its implementation: the entire system has already been assembled at the HPE factory in the Czech Republic and is under full technical control before its transfer to the final installation site, at the Lavrio Technological Cultural Park of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).
It is a very complex construction of special cabinets with direct water cooling and high power specifications, which incorporates over 2,000 powerful NVIDIA Grace Hopper (GH200) superchips, designed specifically for large-scale artificial intelligence applications.
Extensive tests of the operation of the individual units and their interaction as a single system are currently being carried out in HPE laboratories, so that its stability and performance under real workloads can be documented before its transfer and installation in Lavrio.
The project is financed in phases: "Phase A" is covered by resources from the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the Public Investment Program with a total amount of 29,200,000.00 euros including VAT. "Phase B" provides for the upgrade of the DAEDALUS supercomputer with funding from the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, for a maximum amount of 12,679,900.75 euros excluding VAT. The total investment in equipment, installation, cooling and power supply infrastructure, as well as the creation of the AI Factory is accompanied by additional support, operation and human resources costs that ensure the sustainable operation of the platform in the long term.
"The new national supercomputer DAEDALUS has already been fully assembled and is in the final testing stage, before its transport and installation at the Lavrio Technology Park. This is not another technical project. This is a strategic investment of national importance that places our country at the core of European computing and technological power. In an era where Artificial Intelligence and data determine economic and geopolitical influence, Greece cannot be a simple consumer of technology. DAEDALUS enables us to produce knowledge, innovation and high-value-added applications here, in our country," Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou said.
He added: "As the computing core of AI Factory Pharos, it will offer startups, universities and public bodies access to advanced infrastructures that until now has been the privilege of a few states. From health and sustainable development to the Greek language and culture, we are creating the conditions for Greece to shape - and not simply follow - developments. With DAEDALUS, we are building a new pillar of digital sovereignty. We are putting into practice our choice for an economy of knowledge, technology and extroversion, with a substantial and active role in the European Artificial Intelligence ecosystem."