The First ‘Zeta-Class’ Supercomputer: A Game-Changer in Science by 2030
Japan is set to redefine the future of computing with the world’s first-ever ‘zeta-class’ supercomputer, slated to go live in 2030. Dubbed Fugaku Next, this machine promises to be 1,000 times faster than today’s most powerful supercomputers, marking a significant leap in technology that could transform scientific research and technological advancements globally.
Supercomputers have already made incredible contributions across various fields. They’ve tackled complex mathematical problems, simulated vast physical systems, and accelerated breakthroughs in fields like biology and medicine. The computing power of these machines is measured in FLOPS (floating-point operations per second), with current top-tier supercomputers achieving exaFLOPS — around one quintillion calculations per second. Japan’s Fugaku Next is aiming for an even more impressive milestone: reaching zetaFLOPS, which translates to a thousandfold increase in speed, enabling unparalleled computational capabilities. The project is being spearheaded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), with an estimated budget of $775 million. The initial phase of development will see an investment of $29 million in its first year alone, as part of a longer-term strategy to solidify Japan’s dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) computing power.
RIKEN, one of Japan’s most prestigious research institutions, is leading the development of the supercomputer, with assistance potentially coming from either Japan’s Fujitsu, which co-developed the previous generation Fugaku, or American tech giants such as Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Nvidia, or Intel.
The primary aim of the project is to ensure Japan remains at the forefront of AI advancements. As Satoshi Matsuoka, director of the RIKEN Center for Computational Science, explained, “Other countries are ahead in supercomputer technology for AI. We would like to incorporate their knowledge and evolve Japan’s core technologies into technologies that can win in the international market.”
If successful, Fugaku Next could revolutionize the way the world approaches data processing, AI development, and scientific discovery. The immense computational power of this zeta-class machine could unlock solutions to problems that are currently out of reach, from complex climate modeling to detailed simulations of the human brain.
As the race for computational supremacy intensifies, Japan’s ambitious move puts it in a prime position to lead the next wave of global supercomputing innovation. However, while Fugaku Next may propel Japan to the top of the supercomputing world, it’s likely only a matter of time before other nations follow suit, sparking even more rapid technological advancements.
By 2030, the world will be eagerly watching to see just how much Fugaku Next will push the boundaries of science and technology, shaping the future in ways we can only imagine today.
