The Barcelona Zettascale Laboratory develops advanced computer chips, designed in Europe, for artificial intelligence and supercomputing. The project focuses on creating and testing new processors based on RISC-V, an open and flexible hardware architecture. These processors are designed to support future European supercomputers and advanced industrial systems, helping Europe build its own high-performance computing technology.

Problem

Europe relies heavily on computer chips designed and manufactured outside the region. This limits control over key aspects such as performance, security and long-term availability. Additionally, there is a lack of local expertise covering the full chip development process, from initial design and testing to manufacturing using the most advanced technologies. This dependency affects not only supercomputing, but also critical areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and essential digital infrastructure.

Solution

The project addresses this gap by designing processors in-house, focusing on architectures optimized for AI and high-performance computing workloads. The full development process is carried out within Europe, including architecture design, implementation, verification and physical design, followed by fabrication through an industrial partnership with Intel, using Intel 3 and Intel 18A processes. Once manufactured, the chips are brought up, tested and demonstrated in real systems, creating a complete and repeatable pipeline that builds European expertise.