Now, the pilot project selection process for Norway's new supercomputer, Oliva has started. The pilot projects will help push the system to its limits, ensuring all components function optimally before starting full production this autumn.
The new supercomputer features cutting-edge hardware, including powerful NVIDIA Grace Hopper chips and a high-performance x86 CPU partition. These elements, combined with high memory bandwidth and seamless integration with the NIRD storage facility, promise to deliver unparalleled computing power for research.
The selection process will conclude this spring, and pilot projects are expected to begin shortly after. This initiative represents a significant step forward for Norwegian research, opening up new possibilities for computational science, AI, and large-scale data analysis.
How to qualify as a pilot project
To ensure thorough testing, the POWG reviews the project database and selects experienced researchers who can rigorously evaluate the system’s capabilities. The criteria for selecting pilot projects include:
- Expertise in High-Performance Computing: Researchers should have a strong background in utilising advanced computing systems for complex tasks.
- Focus areas: Projects should aim to test the Grace Hopper chip and its high memory bandwidth, evaluate the x86 CPU partition for traditional workloads, and assess the data transfer capability between the supercomputer and the NIRD storage system.
- Workflow diversity: The POWG is particularly interested in projects with applications that utilize GPUs, within AI and traditional HPC.
- Commitment to intensive testing: Researchers should be able to dedicate time over the summer to thoroughly test and evaluate the system’s performance.
An exclusive opportunity to explore Olivia's capabilities
The selected pilot projects will be instrumental in fine-tuning the supercomputer before its full-scale rollout. By pushing the system to its limits in real-world research applications, early users will help optimise performance and identify potential improvements.
Our Preparation for Operation Working Group (POWG)—the team responsible for ensuring Olivia is ready for seamless research use by autumn—is in charge of the selection process.
How to become a selected pilot project?
Even though many projects will be hand-picked and invited by POWG, you can express your interest in participating in Olivia’s pilot phase by applying here: