Minister Klampfer: "A major step towards a better digital future for our country"

SLOVENIA, March 11 - Speaking at a press conference, Minister of Digital Transformation Ksenija Klampfer emphasised that Slovenia's success in the EuroHPC JU call confirms that Slovenia is ready for the digital future. The new supercomputer will significantly enhance Slovenia's research and economic capabilities, enabling cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation. This is an important milestone in the country's digital transformation.

"This is a major step towards a better digital future for our country". Slovenia has achieved a remarkable success, positioning itself among the leading countries in the deployment of a high-performance supercomputer with an AI factory. This achievement is the result of hard work, expertise and a clear vision", said the Minister.

She emphasised that the high rating confirms Slovenia's wealth of top-class experts. She expressed her gratitude to the Institute of Information Science (IZUM) which, in collaboration with a consortium of renowned institutions, had prepared an outstanding application, demonstrating Slovenia's exceptional capabilities and expertise in supercomputing and artificial intelligence: She went on to express her special gratitude to Prime Minister Robert Golob, and Minister of Finance Klemen Boštjančič for their support and confidence in the project from the very beginning.

The new supercomputer will play a key role in accelerating the development of artificial intelligence, big data analysis, biotechnology and environmental sciences. The Minister concluded by saying that while this remarkable achievement is worth celebrating, the focus remains firmly on the future.

Dr Aleš Bošnjak, Director of the Institute of Information Science (IZUM), stressed: "The success of this application builds on the HPC RIVR project and the achievements of the Vega supercomputer, which has earned Slovenia a strong reputation in Europe. The cooperation of key partners—including IJS, Arnes, UL, UM, and others—will enable IZUM to manage the new AI supercomputer. This system will support the development of AI solutions for businesses, research, industry, and public administration. The overarching goal is threefold: to increase competitiveness, foster cross-sector connections, and cultivate the skills and expertise needed for digital transformation.

The supercomputing project is divided into two phases. The initial phase includes the procurement, delivery, and operational set-up of hardware, storage, and service infrastructure, as well as the establishment of the AI factory.

The second phase, scheduled for implementation two years after the system becomes operational, involves upgrading the hardware with state-of-the-art graphics processors and other advanced technologies. This upgrade will ensure that the supercomputer remains technologically competitive. The estimated value of the project is up to EUR 150 million, half of which will be provided by the European Union.

The new supercomputer will serve as a central platform for advanced research and applications, supporting both academic and industrial partners. It will enable the development of complex AI models ranging from climate change prediction to advanced analytics in biomedicine and accelerated simulation of processes in manufacturing and energy.

With this project, Slovenia aims to strategically improve its digital infrastructure, which will help develop advanced solutions and cooperate with leading European research centres. The supercomputer will make better use of data, optimise industrial processes and improve services for citizens and businesses.

This achievement strengthens Slovenia's position as a key player in the European supercomputing landscape, demonstrating its ability to compete with even the largest countries in the industry. The project is expected to create new opportunities for research, industry and business, further strengthening Slovenia's position as an advanced digital country in Europe.