Collaboration on AI Supercomputer Colosseum by Vertiv, Nvidia, and iGenius
AI Supercomputer in Italy: A Collaborative Effort
Introduction to the Partnership
Vertiv, Nvidia, and iGenius have joined forces to create a state-of-the-art AI supercomputer in Italy, known as the Colosseum. This significant project aims to bolster computational capabilities in sectors that require high levels of data processing, such as finance, healthcare, and public administration.
Details of the Colosseum Supercomputer
What is Colosseum?
Colosseum will be an Nvidia DGX AI supercomputer, powered by advanced Nvidia Grace Blackwell chips. The system is designed to handle an immense amount of computational tasks, efficiently serving industries that rely on data-driven insights.
Deployment Timeline and Location
The supercomputer is scheduled to be deployed this year and will be situated in southern Italy. The choice of location is strategic, as it benefits from a surplus of renewable energy, making it an ideal spot for such a power-intensive installation.
Technical Specifications
Infrastructure Foundation
The supercomputer will utilize Vertiv’s 360AI reference architecture, specifically engineered for the Nvidia GB200 NVL72 systems. This architecture is described as modular and scalable, allowing for flexible expansion and optimization based on future needs.
- Power Requirements: The system supports a massive 7MW deployment, accommodating up to 132kW per rack.
- Computing Power: Although specific compute capabilities of the Colosseum supercomputer have yet to be disclosed, it has been suggested that it will be among the largest Nvidia DGX AI supercomputers globally, with previous estimates predicting a capacity of 115 exaflops, utilizing 80 Nvidia GB200 NVL72s.
Meeting Industry Demands
Applications in Regulated Sectors
The primary goal of the Colosseum supercomputer is to address the computational demands of highly regulated industries. This includes:
- Finance: Enhancing data analytics and fraud detection processes.
- Healthcare: Supporting advanced medical research and real-time patient data analysis.
- Public Administration: Streamlining government processes and improving data management systems.
Insights from Company Executives
Vision for Sovereign AI
Uljan Sharka, CEO of iGenius, emphasized the transformative capabilities of this project, stating, “Harnessing the power of Nvidia’s cutting-edge accelerated computing and Vertiv’s innovative infrastructure expertise, Colosseum stands as a testament to the transformative potential of sovereign AI.” He highlighted the role of modular systems and infrastructure that meet specific software needs, paving the way for a new era in mission-critical AI deployment.
Focus on System-Level Efficiency
Karsten Winther, president of Vertiv for the EMEA region, added insight into the evolving nature of computing, declaring, “The unit of compute is no longer the chip – it’s the system, the AI Factory.” This perspective underscores the need for data centers to serve as unified computing entities, which facilitates the rapid adoption of AI-driven power and cooling systems.
Innovative Deployment Strategies
The Digital Twin Approach
Before its physical deployment, the Colosseum supercomputer was simulated as a digital twin using Nvidia’s Omniverse Blueprint. This innovative approach allows real-time collaboration among Vertiv, iGenius, and Nvidia, resulting in a projected reduction in deployment time by up to 50 percent.
Background on iGenius
iGenius specializes in artificial intelligence solutions tailored for organizations in heavily regulated sectors, such as financial services and government. Earlier this year, the company announced an ambitious data center project in southern Italy, involving a $1 billion investment over five years. CEO Sharka revealed plans to complete the facility by summer of this year, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to leveraging renewable energy in its operations.
Through this groundbreaking initiative, Vertiv, Nvidia, and iGenius are setting a new benchmark in AI technology, with the potential for significant impacts across various industries.
