UK launches Isambard-AI, its most powerful supercomputer, in Bristol
The Isambard-AI supercomputer is now fully operational in Bristol. The machine was officially switched on by UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle as part of fresh government AI plans.
The system joins the existing Dawn supercomputer in Cambridge, together forming the UK’s public AI computing resource for projects like cutting NHS waiting lists and tackling climate change. 
Part of Isambard-AI was already used early this year for vaccine research. Now the full system is live. It packs over 5,400 Nvidia GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips with Hewlett-Packard backing.
The government plans to expand this public AI resource 20-fold in five years. Scotland and Wales are also set to receive billions in AI Growth Zone investments.
Peter Kyle spoke on the launch with BBC economics editor Faisal Islam, highlighting AI’s impact.
"AI would enable ‘huge, unimaginable advances in the cure of disease’.
‘But it’s also going to change the workplace. In order to benefit from that, you have to be prepared.’"
The UK aims to train a million students and 7.5 million workers in AI skills soon.
"AI is going to happen to Britain," Kyle added.
"What we can do, and what we have a choice over, is how it happens in Britain."
Dawn uses Intel chips and Dell tech, while Isambard-AI is ranked 11th among the world’s top 500 commercial supercomputers. The project is led by the University of Bristol with public funding.
David Hogan, Nvidia’s European VP, called Isambard-AI a "truly transformational machine" but said it’s just the starting point.
A government-led group of AI experts, including Google DeepMind’s Pushmeet Kohli, is preparing an AI strategy due this autumn.
The UK wants to be an AI maker, not just a taker, competing globally for tech and talent.
