Author: Halyna Hyryavets

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When Energy Meets Supercomputing: Collaboration with IPEEK

When Energy Meets Supercomputing: Collaboration with IPEEK

On March 20, we met in Nitra with representatives of the Ipeľ Energy and Environmental Cluster (IPEEK). Cieľom stretnutia bolo identifikovať možnosti spolupráce pri využití vysokovýkonnej výpočtovej infraštruktúry (HPC) na podporu projektov v oblasti energetiky, obnoviteľných zdrojov a environmentálnych inovácií. Rozprávali sme sa o viacerých možnostiach spolupráce, ktoré by mohli spojiť odborné kapacity klastra s výpočtovými technológiami a infraštruktúrou, ktorú ponúkame.

Venovali sme sa najmä témam spojeným s energetikou, obnoviteľnými zdrojmi a životným prostredím – a tomu, ako môže spracovanie veľkého množstva dát pomôcť pri efektívnejšom plánovaní, rozhodovaní či vývoji inovatívnych riešení.

We also discussed how joint projects could contribute to education and support the younger generation of professionals. Working with real data, simulations, and modern technologies offers students and young experts a valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain hands-on experience that can help them thrive in the rapidly changing world of energy and environmental science.

Both sides expressed interest in identifying specific areas where our collaboration could grow — whether in research, development, or educational activities. The discussions reflected a strong interest in innovation and openness to technology, creating a solid foundation for a meaningful partnership. We agreed to continue our cooperation and to facilitate access to the Devana supercomputer.

This collaboration is very important to us — it represents a significant step toward innovation in the field of sustainable energy and opens up new opportunities for regional development as well as for supporting a talented younger generation.

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The Future of Innovation in the Nitra Region: Introducing HPC Solutions for Enterprises

The Future of Innovation in the Nitra Region: Introducing HPC Solutions for Enterprises

We participated in the expert seminar "Supporting Innovation to Improve the Growth and Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Nitra Region," which took place at the Regional Centre of the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization (MIRRI) in Nitra. As one of the main speakers, we presented the potential of high-performance computing (HPC) for driving innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises and enhancing their competitiveness in the digital age.

The event, organized by the Regional Centre Nitra under the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic, provided an ideal platform for connecting research, development, and business practice. The National Competence Centre for HPC, implemented by the NSCC, had the honor of being part of this important dialogue and of showing participants how Slovak companies can leverage computing resources and expert support.

In our presentation, we highlighted specific areas where HPC can bring significant added value – from product development and testing, through data analysis and process optimization, to the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Supercomputers are no longer the exclusive domain of research institutions – on the contrary, their computing power is now accessible even to small and medium-sized enterprises seeking innovative solutions and aiming to maintain a competitive edge. We introduced the National Competence Centre for HPC as a “one-stop shop” and the main contact point in Slovakia for access to high-performance computing technologies.

The seminar welcomed several experts and institutions dedicated to supporting innovation and digital transformation. The Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency (SIEA) presented programs focused on energy efficiency and innovative projects. The Research and Innovation Authority (VAIA) provided insights into the state's strategic direction in the field of research and development. The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SPU) showcased outcomes from its research and applied projects, such as AgroBioTech, the Food Incubator, and the SPU Creative Centre. The Slovak Centre for Digital Innovation (SCDI) highlighted the challenges faced by Slovak SMEs in implementing digital solutions, while regional clusters like the Ipeľ Energy and Environmental Cluster and INOVATO CLUSTER emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the fields of energy, technology, and the environment.

The closing discussion revealed a strong willingness to collaborate among the public sector, research institutions, and businesses. Specific synergies and needs were identified that could lead to new joint projects and more efficient use of available resources. Creating space for experience sharing and connecting expert capacities is a key element in developing an innovative business environment and ensuring sustainable growth.

We are glad to have been part of this event and to present the practical benefits of HPC. Our goal is to show that compute-intensive technologies are accessible to everyone who wants to innovate, digitalize, and strengthen their market position. Thanks to initiatives like this one, we are moving closer to the vision of a modern, innovative, and competitive economy—where knowledge, technology, and collaboration are the main driving forces of progress. 

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Why Do Enterprises Need Supercomputers? NCC for HPC at the Innovation Seminar

Why Do Enterprises Need Supercomputers? NCC for HPC at the Innovation Seminar

On March 6, we participated in a seminar titled Support for Innovation to Improve the Growth and Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Nitra Region The event was organized by the Regional Center Nitra of MIRRI SR in cooperation with the Nitra Self-Governing Region, the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, the Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency (SIEA) and the Research and Innovation Authority (VAIA).

As part of the seminar, we presented the activities of the National Competence Center for HPC, which in Slovakia is managed by the National Supercomputing Centre. In our presentation, we focused on the possibilities of utilizing high-performance computing technologies to support the digital transformation of businesses, optimize processes, and foster innovation across various industries.

We discussed:

  • the benefits of supercomputing technologies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • how companies can gain access to HPC technologies and enhance their competitiveness
  • successful collaborations between academia, research organizations, and the business sector

The event provided an excellent platform for discussions on connecting research, industry, and the public sector. It was inspiring to see various stakeholders share their perspectives on digital transformation and support for innovation to drive Slovakia's economic development.

Thank you to the organizers for the invitation and the opportunity to present our activities. We look forward to future collaborations that will contribute to the development of the digital economy and innovation in the business environment!

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Join us for the HPC User Day 2025!

Join us for the HPC User Day 2025!

Are you interested in high-performance computing? Do you use supercomputers, or would you like to learn more about their capabilities? Join us for HPC User Day 2025 This event is designed not only for experienced users but also for those who are just starting to explore HPC technologies. HPC User Day 2025 brings together experts, researchers, and technology enthusiasts in one place. If you want to expand your knowledge, get inspired, and make valuable connections, this event is for you!

What can you expect?

  • Latest Trends and Technologies
    At the conference, you will gain an overview of the latest developments in the world of HPC and insights into the Devana supercomputer, operated by the Computing Centre of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The program will focus on access and configuration of the user environment, efficient application execution on HPC systems, and data storage management and utilization.
  • Presentations and Expert Discussions
    Do you have interesting research results? Don't miss the opportunity to present them in the form of a poster! HPC User Day 2025 offers an ideal platform for sharing experiences, networking, and engaging in discussions with specialists in computational technologies.
  • Networking
    In addition to a high-quality professional program, you can look forward to a welcoming atmosphere. During breaks, coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be available—an ideal opportunity for informal conversations with colleagues from the HPC community.

The event will take place on March 12 in Bratislava.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Don't miss this opportunity— sign up today!

Full program and more information

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Calls-Current General

Protect Your Data! Tomorrow We Celebrate Safer Internet Day

Protect Your Data! Tomorrow We Celebrate Safer Internet Day

On February 11, we observe  Safer Internet Day, (SID), a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about cybersecurity and the protection of personal data. This day serves as an annual reminder of the importance of online safety and promotes activities that help safeguard internet users, especially young people.

SID was established in 2004 as part of the European Union’s first action plan for a safer internet. Initially supported by the SafeBorders project, the initiative was later taken over by the Insafe network. Today, Safer Internet Day is celebrated in over 200 countries, reaching millions of people worldwide.

Its main goal is to create a safe digital environment where both children and adults can securely use the internet for education, communication, and skill development. Since the online world comes with various risks, SID aims to raise awareness about potential threats and provide solutions to minimize them.

5 Key Rules for Online Safety

  • Use Strong and Unique Passwords – combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Each account should have its own unique password.
  • Regularly Update Your Software – keep your devices secure by updating operating systems and applications, as updates often fix security vulnerabilities.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – this extra layer of security reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
  • Beware of Phishing and Fraudulent Links – do not click on unknown links in emails or messages. Always verify the sender's credibility before providing any personal information.
  • Protect Your Privacy Online – regularly review your privacy settings on social media and share only what is truly necessary.
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Devana: Výzva na podávanie projektov pre štandardný prístup k HPC 1/25

Devana: Výzva na podávanie projektov pre štandardný prístup k HPC 1/25

Výzva na podávanie projektov pre štandardný prístup k HPC 1/25 je otvorená. Projekty je možné podávať v rámci otvorených výziev 3 krát do roka. O prístup je možné požiadať výhradne prostredníctvom používateľského portálu register.nscc.sk.

Štandardný prístup k vysokovýkonným výpočtovým prostriedkom je otvorený pre všetky oblasti vedy a výskumu a to predovšetkým pre projekty väčšieho rozsahu. Tieto projekty by mali preukázať excelentnosť v danej oblasti a jasný potenciál priniesť inovatívne riešenia súčasných spoločenských a technologických výziev. V žiadosti je potrebné demonštrovať efektívnosť a škálovateľnosť navrhovaných výpočtových postupov a metód v HPC prostredí. Potrebné dáta o výkone a parametroch zvažovaných algoritmov a aplikácií je možné získať v rámci Prístupu pre testovanie a benchmarking.

Alokácie sa udeľujú na jeden (1) rok s možnosťou požiadať o pokračovanie, ak je to potrebné. Prístup je bezplatný za predpokladu splnenia všetkých náležitostí definovaných v Podmienkach výzvy. Podané projekty vyhodnocuje po technickej stránke interný tím VS SAV a NSCC a kvalitu vedecko-výskumnej časti hodnotia vždy dvaja nezávislí externí hodnotitelia.

Call opening date: 8.1.2025
Call closing date: 7.2. 2025, 17:00 CET
Communication of allocation decision: Up to 2 weeks from Call closing.
Start of the allocation perion for awarded projects: najneskôr 24. 2. 2025

Eligible Researchers O štandardný prístup k HPC môžu žiadať vedci a výskumníci zo slovenských verejných vysokých škôl a Slovenskej akadémie vied, ako aj z organizácií verejnej a štátnej správy. Prístup je poskytovaný výhradne pre civilný a nekomerčný open-science výskum a vývoj. Záujemcovia zo súkromných spoločností môžu využiť služby Hopero and HealthHub.

Allocation period: 1 year

Overall allocation offered in the Call: 26 M CPU core-hours and 92k GPU-hours

Available systems: Devana supercomputer  universal CPU and accelerated GPU module

Expected project outcomes:

  • Final report within 2 months from the end of the project.
  • Peer-review and other publications in domestic and foreign scientific periodicals with acknowledgments in the pre-defined wording, reported through the user portal.
  • Active participation in the Slovak HPC conference organized by the coordinator of this call (poster, other contribution).
  • Participation in dissemination activities of the coordinator (interview, article in the HPC magazine, etc.).
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Odborná konferencia Superpočítač a Slovensko v Bratislave

Dňa 14. novembra 2024 sa v hoteli Devín v Bratislave uskutočnila odborná konferencia s názvom Superpočítač a Slovensko, ktorú zorganizovalo Ministerstvo investícií, regionálneho rozvoja a informatizácie SR. Konferencia sa zameriavala na aktuálne trendy a vývoj v oblasti vysokorýchlostného počítania na Slovensku. Súčasťou podujatia bola prezentácia L. Demovičovej z Národného kompetenčného centra pre HPC.

Vo svojej prezentácii predstavila projekt kompetenčného centra pre HPC, ktoré pomáha firmám a inštitúciám využívať výkonné výpočtové kapacity na riešenie náročných úloh v oblasti výskumu a vývoja. Počas vystúpenia tiež priblížila niekoľko úspešných prípadových štúdií, na ktorých NCC spolupracovalo s rôznymi firmami. Tieto projekty ukázali, ako môže využitie superpočítačov a výpočtových klastrov zrýchliť a zefektívniť inovácie a vývoj produktov v rôznych odvetviach.

Program konferencie zahŕňal pestrú škálu vystúpení odborníkov z oblasti vysokovýkonného počítania (HPC). Úvodné slovo patrilo hlavným organizátorom, ktorí predstavili význam konferencie a aktuálnu situáciu v oblasti superpočítačov na Slovensku. Nasledovala séria odborných prednášok, ktoré pokryli rôzne témy ako napríklad Vývoj a konštrukcia superpočítača Devana. Prednáška predstavila technické aspekty a architektúru superpočítača.

Súčasťou podujatia bola aj panelová diskusia. Odborníci diskutovali o budúcnosti superpočítačov na Slovensku, ich potenciáli pre akademický a súkromný sektor a možnostiach financovania nových projektov.

Účastníci konferencie mali možnosť diskutovať, zúčastniť sa na odborných prednáškach a nadviazať nové kontakty, čím konferencia významne prispela k šíreniu poznatkov a podpore rozvoja inovatívnych výskumných projektov na Slovensku.

Záznam z podujatia

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Konferencia vysokovýkonného počítania v Portugalsku

The 4th High-Performance Computing Meeting 2024 held on November 5-6 at the University of Beira Interior in Covilhã, has established itself as a key gathering for users, technicians, and partners of the high-performance computing ecosystem in Portugal. Organized by the National High-Performance Computing Network  (RNCA) and FCCN the digital services unit of the Foundation for Science and Technology FCT), the event focused on fostering new collaboration opportunities and advancing digitalization with a significant impact on science and industry. The event opened with workshops offering a hands-on perspective on topics such as submitting European applications and demonstrating the Deucalion supercomputer, highlighting practical HPC applications within the European context. The first day featured addresses by institutional leaders, including representatives from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), who outlined developments and future ambitions in computing in Portugal.

Panels on European HPC infrastructure resources, such as MareNostrum 5 and EuroHPC offerings, emphasized European integration in high-performance computing. The second day delivered technical and practical presentations, focusing on subjects like software transfer from X86 to ARM architectures and the use of containers for AI applications. Participants also explored impactful projects, such as DeepNeuronic, which applies machine learning for security camera systems, and initiatives like the Virtual HPCvLab, broadening their knowledge of new HPC applications.

The event also featured interactions with other competence centers as part of the EuroCC2 project, demonstrating the power of international collaboration to accelerate progress and innovation in high-performance computing. NCC Slovakia’s participation affirmed its commitment to knowledge sharing, exchanging best practices, and supporting projects that utilize high-performance computing. During the meeting, we also explored opportunities for collaboration in training and educational activities, further strengthening our international ties and contributing to the development of HPC competencies.

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REGISTRÁCIA OTVORENÁ: Nová séria populárno-náučných prednášok o zaujímavých HPC aplikáciách

Otvorili sme registráciu na sériu prednášok v zimnom semestri 2024, kde sa budeme venovať fascinujúcim témam, v ktorých vysokovýkonné počítanie zohráva kľúčovú úlohu. Tento semester sa zameriame na oblasti ako meteorológia, klimatológia, chémia, veľké jazykové modely a mnoho ďalších.

Prednášky budú pokrývať širokú škálu tém, vrátane využitia HPC a umelej inteligencie v tvorbe klimatických modelov, diskusií o genetickom sekvenovaní, počítačových simuláciách polymérov, DNA a topologických molekúl. Taktiež sa budeme venovať genomickým analýzam, ktoré majú významný presah do biomedicíny, zdravotníctva a epidemiológie. Zaujímavou témou bude aj otázka, či v slovenskom jazyku existuje dostatok slov na trénovanie veľkých jazykových modelov.

Zoznam prednášok:

  • Unraveling the Mysteries of DNA Using High-Performance Computing (Dušan Račko)
  • Climate modelling and current research topics in climate science (Peter Kuma)
  • Analýza veľkých genomických údajov a ich aplikácia v klinickej diagnostike (Jaroslav Budiš )
  • Vysokovýkonné počítanie a jeho využitie v bioinformatike (Michal Tamáš)
  • Destination Earth – Vysokovýkonné počítanie pre počasie a klímu (Jozef Vivoda)

Účastníci budú mať možnosť diskutovať s pozvanými expertmi po prednáškach, ktoré sa budú konať prezenčne v budove FCHPT STU na Radlinského 9 v Bratislave alebo online cez Zoom. Záznamy prednášok budú dostupné na YouTube. Ak máte záujem o konkrétnu tému alebo by ste chceli prezentovať vlastný výskum, contact us.!

We look forward to your participation!

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Privítajte Mistral-sk-7b!

Privítajte Mistral-sk-7b!

After a long time, the Slovak AI community got a new, this time a really big language model for the Slovak language. Almost three years after the release of the first Slovak language model, SlovakBERT, the collective of authors formed by Peter Bednár from the Department of Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence FEI TUKE, Marek Dobeš from the Center for Social and Psychological Sciences SAV and Radovan Garabík from the Ľudovít Štúr Institute of Linguistics SAV used the Mistral multilingual model as a basis -7B-v0.1 with seven billion parameters.

Data from the web corpus "Araneum Slovacum VII Maximum" were used for fine-tuning of all parameters. As the authors state, if necessary, the quality of the pre-trained model can be improved by further training on a specific problem. At the same time, they point out that the model does not contain any moderating mechanism.

The training of the Mistral-sk-7b model was carried out on the currently seventh most powerful supercomputer in the world, Leonardo, procured by the consortium of the same name, of which Slovakia is also a member. The authors obtained the necessary computing time thanks to a successful project within the national challenge for access to the Leonardo supercomputer, which was coordinated by the Computing Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the National Supercomputer Center.

Model Mistral-sk-7b is published under the license "Apache 2.0" on the platform Hugging Face, under the organization "Slovak NLP Community"

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