The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has launched a call for tender to procure the INNOVATE supercomputer, the first EuroHPC system designed exclusively for industrial applications.
The new platform will be installed in Italy and aims to give European businesses secure access to advanced high-performance computing resources.
Hosted by CINECA at the DAMA Tecnopolo in Bologna, the INNOVATE supercomputer will deliver computing infrastructure tailored to the needs of industry.
The system is intended to support demanding AI, simulation and data-intensive workloads while prioritising security, confidentiality and operational flexibility.
Once operational, the platform is expected to strengthen Europe’s industrial competitiveness by enabling companies to accelerate innovation, improve digital capabilities and tackle complex computational challenges across sectors ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to climate modelling and logistics.
First EuroHPC system built for industry
Unlike previous EuroHPC systems that primarily support scientific research, the INNOVATE supercomputer has been designed specifically to meet industrial requirements.
The platform will combine dedicated CPU and GPU resources in a flexible architecture capable of supporting AI training and inference, scientific visualisation, large-scale simulations and emerging digital services.
This approach is intended to provide organisations with computing resources that can adapt to a wide variety of commercial and industrial workloads while maintaining high standards of data protection and integrity.
The procurement process is now underway, with EuroHPC JU seeking a supplier responsible for the acquisition, delivery, installation and long-term maintenance of the new system.
Supporting AI, digital twins and advanced manufacturing
The INNOVATE supercomputer will be capable of powering a diverse range of advanced applications that are becoming increasingly important across European industry.
Expected use cases include digital twins, large language model fine-tuning and deployment, big data analytics, robotics and automation, advanced manufacturing, personalised healthcare, climate and weather modelling, supply chain optimisation and virtual prototyping.
By providing dedicated industrial computing infrastructure, the system aims to reduce barriers to adopting advanced AI and simulation technologies while helping companies develop new digital products and services more efficiently.
Consortium brings together Italian industry leaders
The project is coordinated by CINECA and delivered through the INNOVATE Consortium, which brings together organisations from across Italy’s research and industrial ecosystem.
Consortium members include Almawave, Autostrade per l’Italia, BI-REX, Fondazione ICSC, Fondazione IFAB, SNAM and Unipol Assicurazioni. CINECA will serve as the hosting entity, while Fondazione ICSC represents the private-sector partners involved in the initiative.
Project backed by EU and industry funding
The INNOVATE project has a total budget of €11.6m, with €4.07m provided by the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme. The remaining funding is being contributed by the industrial partners participating in the consortium.
Organisations interested in supplying the INNOVATE supercomputer have until 8 September 2026 at 17:00 CET to submit their tenders.
Once deployed, the system is expected to become a key component of Europe’s high-performance computing infrastructure, providing businesses with secure access to advanced computing resources that support AI, digital transformation, and next-generation industrial innovation.
