The Helmholtz Association has announced the launch of HPC Gateway, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide businesses with access to its world-class high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. This initiative aims to accelerate AI-driven innovations in industries such as fintech, energy, telecommunications, digital media, and precision medicine by bridging the gap between research institutions and enterprises.
The one-year pilot phase involves nine Helmholtz Centers across eight locations, offering businesses unprecedented access to HPC infrastructure, AI expertise, and extensive datasets. Companies will receive strategic support in applying machine learning, digital twins, and AI-powered automation to optimize processes and drive innovation. The program also includes training initiatives to ensure the long-term integration of AI and HPC into industrial applications.
Otmar D. Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association, emphasized that HPC Gateway aligns with the German federal government’s AI strategy, reinforcing the nation’s standing as a leader in AI-driven research and economic transformation. He stated that the initiative would play a critical role in future-proofing businesses by fostering AI integration and ensuring sustainable digital transformation.
HPC Gateway is built on the foundation of successful AI projects such as Smart Data Innovation Lab (SDIL) and extends Helmholtz’s collaboration with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The initiative supports enterprises by providing co-designed pilot projects, enabling businesses to develop tailored AI applications alongside leading research institutions.
Among the first projects under HPC Gateway is Artificial Intelligence-driven Corrosion Testing (AICORR), a collaboration between Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon and Airbus to develop AI-powered digital twins for advanced corrosion-resistant materials. Another initiative, Center for Industrial Multiphase Flow Competence, led by Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, works with BASF SE, MAHLE International GmbH, and Sunfire AG to apply Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations in green hydrogen production and CO₂ capture.
With an €18 million investment, HPC Gateway is set to reinforce Germany’s position in AI and HPC innovation, advancing research across Helmholtz locations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Saxony, Hesse, Bavaria, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Berlin. By connecting cutting-edge AI research with industry, Helmholtz is driving the future of AI-powered economic growth and setting new standards in computational science and business transformation.
