Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has announced its ambitious project to build a cutting-edge supercomputer. A significant leap towards strengthening the generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities within the country, the supercomputer will be developed under the auspices of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), an institution affiliated with METI.
Designed to provide 2.5 times the computing capability of its current counterpart, the supercomputer is projected to be operational by 2024. By enhancing the country’s computational infrastructure, METI aims to make a substantial impact on the growth and innovation in generative AI technology.
Generative AI, a technology that enables computers to autonomously generate content such as images, videos, and even music, is the primary focus of this venture. The supercomputer will be a critical tool in supporting Japanese companies in their drive to develop advanced generative AI capabilities, an initiative that is hoped to spur economic growth.
Once the development is completed, the supercomputer’s processing power will be made available to domestic companies via a cloud service. This provision means businesses can tap into the supercomputer’s significant computational resources remotely, eliminating the need for physical access to the machine. The cloud-based service offers enhanced flexibility and scalability, empowering companies to adjust their computing resources according to their specific needs.
Furthermore, by democratizing access to this advanced computing technology, METI aims to inspire collaboration among companies and researchers in their quest to develop generative AI. This joint effort is predicted to expedite the advancement and application of generative AI technology across a spectrum of industries in Japan, setting the stage for a new era of technological innovation.
This commitment to constructing a new supercomputer underscores Japan’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of AI innovation. With its superior computing capability, the new machine is set to make a significant contribution to the evolution of generative AI, unveiling new avenues and powering economic growth in Japan.
This news is based on the article from ai2.news.