amd department of energy announce 1 billion AMD has entered into a significant $1 billion partnership with the US Department of Energy to develop two advanced supercomputers, Lux and Discovery, in collaboration with Oracle and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).
amd department of energy announce 1 billion
Overview of the Partnership
This groundbreaking initiative will see both supercomputers housed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The first of the two, Lux, is expected to become operational in early 2026, while Discovery is slated to follow in 2029. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of supercomputing capabilities in the United States, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and scientific research.
Building on Previous Successes
The development of Lux and Discovery builds on the technological advancements achieved with the Frontier supercomputer, which is also located at ORNL. Frontier was recognized as the fastest supercomputer in the world until the introduction of El Capitan at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory last year. AMD played a crucial role in the development of both Frontier and El Capitan, showcasing its expertise and commitment to advancing high-performance computing technologies.
AMD’s history of collaboration with the US government on supercomputing projects has established a strong foundation for this new partnership. The company’s experience in developing cutting-edge processors and systems positions it well to meet the ambitious goals set forth by the Department of Energy.
Lux: The AI Factory
According to a press release announcing the partnership, Lux is being described as the nation’s first dedicated “AI Factory” for science, energy, and national security. This supercomputer is purpose-built to train, fine-tune, and deploy AI foundation models, which are essential for accelerating discovery and engineering innovation.
Advanced Architecture
Lux is designed with an advanced architecture optimized for data-intensive and model-centric workloads. This specialization allows it to handle the vast amounts of data generated in scientific research and AI applications efficiently. The ability to process and analyze large datasets quickly will be crucial for researchers working in various fields, including climate science, genomics, and materials science.
Implications for Research and Development
The implications of Lux’s capabilities extend beyond mere computational power. By providing researchers with the tools to harness AI effectively, Lux is expected to facilitate breakthroughs in numerous domains. For instance, in energy research, Lux could help optimize renewable energy sources and improve energy storage solutions, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
Discovery: Bandwidth Everywhere
Discovery, the second supercomputer in this partnership, is characterized by its “Bandwidth Everywhere” design. This innovative approach aims to enhance both performance and energy efficiency compared to its predecessor, Frontier. By delivering more computing output at a similar cost, Discovery is poised to support a wide range of scientific research initiatives.
Applications Across Multiple Disciplines
According to the press release, Discovery will drive breakthroughs in several critical areas, including:
- Energy
- Biology
- Advanced materials
- National security
- Manufacturing innovation
Each of these fields stands to benefit significantly from the enhanced computational capabilities that Discovery will provide. For example, in the field of biology, researchers could utilize Discovery to model complex biological systems, leading to advancements in drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Focus on National Security
National security is another area where Discovery is expected to make a substantial impact. The ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately can aid in threat detection and response, ensuring that the United States remains vigilant against emerging security challenges. This focus aligns with the Department of Energy’s broader mission to leverage advanced computing technologies for national defense and security purposes.
Collaboration with Oracle and HPE
The partnership with Oracle and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) further strengthens the initiative. Both companies bring unique strengths and expertise to the table, enhancing the overall capabilities of the Lux and Discovery supercomputers.
Oracle’s Role
Oracle is known for its robust cloud infrastructure and data management solutions. The company’s involvement in this project will likely focus on optimizing data storage and retrieval processes, ensuring that researchers can access and analyze the information they need efficiently. This capability is particularly important given the data-intensive nature of AI and scientific research.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Contributions
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has a long history of providing high-performance computing solutions. HPE’s expertise in developing scalable and efficient computing architectures will be instrumental in the design and implementation of both Lux and Discovery. The collaboration aims to leverage HPE’s cutting-edge technologies to ensure that these supercomputers meet the demanding requirements of modern scientific research.
Future Implications for Supercomputing
The partnership between AMD and the Department of Energy represents a significant step forward in the field of supercomputing. As AI continues to evolve and become more integral to scientific research, the need for powerful computing resources will only increase. Lux and Discovery are poised to meet this demand, providing researchers with the tools they need to tackle complex problems and drive innovation.
Global Competitiveness
Investments in supercomputing capabilities are crucial for maintaining global competitiveness in technology and research. Countries around the world are racing to develop their own advanced computing infrastructures, and the United States must continue to lead in this area. The development of Lux and Discovery not only enhances the nation’s research capabilities but also reinforces its position as a leader in high-performance computing.
Long-Term Vision
The long-term vision for Lux and Discovery extends beyond immediate research applications. These supercomputers are expected to serve as platforms for future innovations in AI and computing technologies. As researchers push the boundaries of what is possible, the insights gained from using Lux and Discovery could lead to new methodologies, algorithms, and applications that will benefit society as a whole.
Conclusion
The $1 billion partnership between AMD and the US Department of Energy to develop the Lux and Discovery supercomputers marks a significant milestone in the evolution of high-performance computing. With their advanced architectures and focus on AI, these supercomputers are set to drive breakthroughs across multiple disciplines, from energy and biology to national security and manufacturing innovation. As the project unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the advancements made and the impact these supercomputers will have on scientific research and technological development in the coming years.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: October 28, 2025 at 3:36 am
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