Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has entered into a significant partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE), committing $1 billion to the development of two cutting-edge supercomputers named Lux and Discovery. This collaboration also involves Oracle and Hewlett Packard Enterprise and will take place at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Set to commence operations in early 2026, Lux is designed as a dedicated facility for artificial intelligence (AI), termed an “AI Factory.” Its primary function will be to train, fine-tune, and deploy AI foundation models, which are crucial for enhancing scientific discovery, energy efficiency, and national security. The advanced architecture of Lux is optimized for handling data-intensive and model-centric workloads, aiming to accelerate AI-driven scientific research.
Discovery, the second supercomputer, is expected to follow Lux, becoming operational in 2029. It features a “Bandwidth Everywhere” design that enhances both performance and energy efficiency compared to the existing Frontier supercomputer, which was previously recognized as the fastest in the world. Discovery will facilitate major advancements in various fields, including energy, biology, advanced materials, and national security. The supercomputer aims to contribute to the development of next-generation reactors, batteries, catalysts, semiconductors, and other essential materials.
This initiative builds on AMD”s previous collaborations with the government, including its role in the development of the Frontier supercomputer. The partnership underscores a growing commitment to utilizing supercomputing power for scientific research and innovation.
