Estelle Hutschka

Today’s booming digital technologies require the processing and storage of vast amounts of data. For this, supercomputers are essential. The development of artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing all depend on these structures. Whether it’s the rapid development of medicines and vaccines, improving the aerodynamics of aircraft and other vehicles to reduce energy consumption, or simulating a nuclear explosion for deterrence purposes, the applications are diverse. But above all, they raise political and societal stakes for the major powers: Europe, the USA and China are engaged in a frantic race for supercomputers.