Germany puts “Jupiter,” Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, in orbit. So to speak.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated the Jupiter supercomputer at the Juelich research centre, marking Europe’s first Exascale-class supercomputer and the world’s fourth-fastest computing system. The milestone represents a strategic push by Germany and Europe to compete with the United States and China in AI development and high-performance computing capabilities.

What you should know: Jupiter represents a major technological achievement for European computing infrastructure and research capabilities.

• The supercomputer can perform one billion times one billion calculations per second, equivalent to the power of about 10 million standard notebook computers.
• It was assembled through a collaboration between Nvidia (the chip manufacturer), French IT group Atos, and German modular supercomputing company ParTec.
• The system will support scientific research across multiple fields, from biotechnology to climate research.

The big picture: European institutions are working to reduce dependence on overseas digital services while staying competitive in the global AI race.

• Merz acknowledged that “the U.S. and China were leading the race towards an AI-driven economy” but emphasized that Europe has “all the opportunities to catch up and then to hold our own.”
• The initiative reflects broader European efforts to maintain technological sovereignty and avoid over-reliance on foreign computing infrastructure.

Why this matters: Jupiter positions Germany at the forefront of global high-performance computing and creates new opportunities for AI development across Europe.

• The supercomputer will improve conditions for AI development and provide critical infrastructure for European researchers and companies.
• Access to high-performance computing is essential for advancing AI capabilities and maintaining competitiveness in the global technology landscape.

What they’re saying: Industry leaders see Jupiter as a transformative development for European technology.

• “We are today witnessing a historic European pioneering project,” Merz said during the inauguration ceremony.
• Ralf Wintergerst, head of digital business association Bitkom, noted that Jupiter “will put Germany at the forefront of global high-performance computing and improve the conditions for the development of AI.”
• Wintergerst emphasized that access should be “made as unbureaucratic as possible for start-ups and established companies.”