Revolutionizing High-Performance Computing: EPI’s Innovative Path to Success

The European Processor Initiative is dedicated to attaining digital sovereignty in high-performance computing through the development of processors made in Europe. Approximately a decade ago, the European Commission recognized the necessity for a Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) focused on the concept of a European-made processor, whether produced or designed within Europe. This initiative was incorporated into the Horizon 2020 programme before the establishment of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. The European Processor Initiative (EPI) consortium was formed to address this topic under the LEIT: ICT work programme. The EPI successfully secured the FPA in 2018 and embarked on Specific Grant Agreement 1 (SGA1) to support the creation of a European High-Performance Computing ecosystem.

The primary goal was to develop European low-power microprocessor technologies to support future exascale-class HPC machines. This initiative aimed to foster an HPC ecosystem capable of producing new European technology, particularly low-power HPC chips. The first stage, SGA1, brought together 28 partners from ten countries to work towards delivering a European-made processor and roadmap for the EPI. Despite facing challenges, including the global pandemic, the first stage concluded in 2021, paving the way for the Arm family and RISC-V family of processors.

The second stage, SGA2, commenced in January 2022 with 30 partners from ten countries, now under the guidance of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. The focus was on continuing the development of European microprocessors and accelerators to enhance technological autonomy and sovereignty. Two main pillars emerged from the EPI’s plan: an Arm processor family by SiPearl and a RISC-V-based European processor (EPAC).

In November 2023, the EPI celebrated the successful Manufacturing and Silicon Demonstration of the EPAC Accelerator chip version 1.5, a significant achievement in high-performance computing. The roadmap included the development of processors like Rhea1, designed to cater to traditional HPC workloads and AI inference workloads. Rhea1 was set to be integrated into the JUPITER supercomputer, while Rhea2 was selected for Europe’s newest supercomputer, Alice Recoque.

As the project nears completion, an updated roadmap has been unveiled to guide future developments beyond the EPI. Consortium partners have already started showcasing results, such as the open-source release of VPSim by French institution CEA-List and the creation of Proactive Compute by a research group in Zagreb. More Intellectual Properties (IPs) are expected from EPI partners in the coming period, with research groups preparing to disseminate final results through various publications.

The EPI project has made significant strides towards achieving digital sovereignty in high-performance computing through European-made processors. The collaboration between industry and research participants has been essential in driving innovation and advancing Europe’s position in the global tech landscape. As the project draws to a close, the focus remains on delivering cutting-edge technology that will empower European research and development in the years to come.