In a landmark event for Denmark’s technology landscape, the nation’s first AI supercomputer, Gefion, has been officially inaugurated. This momentous occasion promises to expedite drug discovery and address a variety of societal challenges. The Novo Nordisk Foundation, a principal player in the project, has generously pledged DKK 600 million (approximately US$87.4 million) towards the center housing Gefion, underscoring its potential to accelerate innovation within Denmark and beyond. Symbolically activated at an event held on October 23, 2024, in Copenhagen, the supercomputer was brought to life by the combined efforts of King Frederik X of Denmark, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, and DCAI CEO Nadia Carlsten. The achievement came remarkably quickly, marking a significant milestone from announcement to completion in just six short months.
Gefion stands on the cutting-edge NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD infrastructure, setting a new bar for technological capability within Denmark. The supercomputer is currently gearing up for a pilot phase where select users will leverage its AI prowess to innovate in areas such as quantum computing, drug discovery, and the green energy transition. Danish Minister for Industry, Business, and Financial Affairs, Morten Bødskov, emphasized Gefion’s vital role in propelling the green transition forward, creating customizable solutions, and boosting the global competitiveness of Danish companies. As a crucial enabler for future advancements, the AI supercomputer is positioned to support ongoing innovation amidst an increasingly competitive international landscape.
Accelerating AI and Supercomputing Capabilities
The establishment of Gefion resulted from a robust public-private partnership between the Novo Nordisk Foundation and EIFO. This collaboration led to the formation of DCAI, which will own and operate the new supercomputer. Nadia Carlsten of DCAI lauded the joint efforts that made the deployment of this state-of-the-art technology possible. Jensen Huang of NVIDIA highlighted the importance of domestic AI infrastructure to stimulate innovation in key sectors like life sciences and climate research, emphasizing how crucial this infrastructure is for national progress.
Gefion boasts an impressive configuration with 1,528 NVIDIA #00 Tensor Core GPUs, all interconnected via NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand. Before Gefion, Denmark lacked the GPU-accelerated supercomputing power necessary for significant advancements in AI research. Comprehensive consultations with stakeholders identified this gap as a primary obstacle impeding Denmark’s AI research ecosystem. Housed by Digital Realty in a sustainably designed, AI-ready data center powered entirely by renewable energy, the supercomputer was assembled by Eviden, a European leader in high-performance computing. This setup ensures that Gefion not only pushes the frontiers of technological capability but also aligns with global sustainability goals.
In addition to the major financial commitment by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, EIFO contributed a substantial DKK 100 million (approximately US$15 million) and maintains a 15% minority share in DCAI. Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, stressed that Gefion aligns perfectly with the foundation’s mission to foster improved health outcomes and sustainability. The supercomputer is expected to catalyze international collaborations aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This concerted effort underscores a broad recognition of the transformative power of AI and high-performance computing.
Enhancing Research and Global Competitiveness
In a significant development for Denmark’s tech industry, the country has inaugurated its first AI supercomputer, Gefion. This milestone event aims to speed up drug discovery and tackle various societal challenges. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has committed DKK 600 million (about US$87.4 million) to the center housing Gefion, highlighting its potential to drive innovation both within Denmark and globally. The computer was symbolically activated on October 23, 2024, in Copenhagen by King Frederik X of Denmark, along with NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and DCAI CEO Nadia Carlsten, reflecting a rapid development from announcement to completion in just half a year.
Gefion is built on the advanced NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD infrastructure, setting new standards for technological capabilities in Denmark. As it moves into a pilot phase, selected users will be able to utilize its AI capabilities for advancements in areas like quantum computing, drug discovery, and green energy transition. Danish Minister for Industry, Business, and Financial Affairs, Morten Bødskov, highlighted Gefion’s essential role in advancing the green transition, developing tailored solutions, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Danish companies. Positioned as a key driver for future advancements, the AI supercomputer will support sustained innovation in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
