The ability to process large volumes of data and efficiently train Artificial Intelligence (AI) models is now a differentiating and competitive factor. In Portugal, the FCCN, digital services unit of Foundation for Science and Technology, has been building this bridge through initiatives that connect the Advanced Computing and the IA.
In this ecosystem, facilitating access to high-performance infrastructure, empowering the community, and promoting programs that enable not only the use of advanced resources, but also... experiment, learn and innovate With AI integrated into HPC solutions, they become fundamental pillars.
AIvLAB: a virtual lab for experimenting with AI using supercomputing.
THE AIvLAB – Virtual Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence This is one of the FCT initiatives that promotes the connection between HPC and AI. This virtual laboratory uses supercomputer resources. Deucalion, financed by Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)for To provide research and innovation communities with a platform that facilitates access to AI tools and algorithms. and machine learning with GPUs.
Each account in AIvLAB is assigned, in an initial phase, a set of resources — such as GPU hours and storage space — which allow users to test models, develop algorithms, and explore AI techniques.Even without prior experience in Advanced Computing environments, this program serves as a true gateway to the use of AI in a supercomputing context.
AIvLAB already supported multiple projects using AI resources at DeucalionFrom automatic seismic event detection to the application of vision transformers in image analysis tasks, highlighting the cross-cutting nature of this initiative.
InovIA: accelerated access for startups and SMEs
In addition to virtual laboratories, FCCN promotes programs that broaden access to Advanced Computing for the business sector, in particular, to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)One such example is InovIA, a program of vouchers innovation that allows easier access to supercomputers such as Deucalion and the MareNostrum 5.
InovIA was designed for Reduce barriers to access to high-performance technologies and Artificial Intelligence.l, providing companies with the resources needed to test, prototype and develop innovative solutions, without the initial costs normally associated with this type of infrastructure.
Through vouchers which include CPU, GPU and storage hours on national supercomputers, as well as access to quotas in AI Factories, to the startups SMEs can explore advanced AI and HPC applications to optimize processes, create differentiated products, and strengthen their competitiveness in the market.
AI Factories: European support integrated with HPC
In a broader European context, the AI Factories They represent specialized environments for accessing large platforms and Artificial Intelligence tools within the scope of this initiative co-financed by EuroHPC, with quotas also dedicated to national users. These environments combine high computing power with advanced tools for the development and training of AI models, facilitating projects that require large-scale computing and high processing capacity.
Participation in AI Factories — both through national quotas and in AI Factory Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), such as through European competitions — integrates Portugal into cutting-edge research networks and industrial application initiatives of AI supported by Advanced Computing.
A stronger community in HPC + AI
The link between Advanced computing and artificial intelligence are having a growing impact on the scientific and technological system. national.
This integrated approach allows academic institutions, research centers, and companies to develop solutions based on AI and HPC. contributing to international competitiveness, the creation of scientific and technological value, and the strengthening of a more robust, collaborative, and sustainable innovation ecosystem.This opens up new opportunities for more projects, researchers, and companies to integrate AI and Advanced Computing into their development strategies.
