The European Union has launched an ambitious initiative to reduce its reliance on foreign computing technology by investing in RISC-V processors for high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI). With a funding of €240 million, the Digital Autonomy with RISC-V in Europe (DARE SGA1) project aims to develop a fully European hardware and software stack that will power the next generation of supercomputers. Led by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) and supported by 38 partners, this initiative marks a significant step towards European digital sovereignty.
The Need for Digital Autonomy in Europe
For years, Europe has depended on non-European hardware and software solutions for its supercomputing infrastructure. This reliance has led to security risks, economic vulnerabilities, and reduced technological competitiveness. The DARE SGA1 project is part of a broader effort by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) to establish a self-sufficient European ecosystem for HPC and AI.
According to Anders Jensen, Executive Director of EuroHPC JU:
“The DARE project marks a major milestone for European digital sovereignty. This initiative will drive innovation in both hardware and software technologies, leveraging the full power of HPC and AI to develop secure, efficient, and European-led solutions for the future.”
The project aligns with other European efforts, such as the European Processor Initiative (EPI) and the SiPearl Rhea1 processor, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to reducing dependence on US and Chinese technologies.
Key Technological Innovations: RISC-V-Based European Chiplets
One of the most significant aspects of DARE SGA1 is the development of three RISC-V-based chiplets, each designed for different computing needs:
- Vector Accelerator (VEC) – Designed for high-precision HPC and AI workloads, led by the Catalan company Openchip.
- AI Processing Unit (AIPU) – Focused on AI inference acceleration, developed by Axelera AI in the Netherlands.
- General-Purpose Processor (GPP) – Optimized for HPC applications, led by Codasip in the Czech Republic.
Why Chiplets?
Unlike traditional monolithic chips, chiplet technology allows for modular and flexible architectures, enabling efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. This is particularly important for HPC and AI applications, where performance, energy efficiency, and adaptability are crucial.
According to Osman Unsal, Principal Investigator at BSC-CNS:
“DARE is daring to start from the top of the technological complexity pile and produce European-designed processor chips for supercomputers, paving the way for Europe’s digital sovereignty.”
The Software Challenge: Competing with Nvidia’s CUDA Ecosystem
Beyond hardware, DARE SGA1 recognizes that software optimization is essential for achieving high performance and widespread adoption. One of the biggest challenges in AI computing today is Nvidia’s dominance through CUDA, which has created a software lock-in effect for AI data centers worldwide.
To compete, DARE SGA1 will develop a fully optimized software stack tailored to its RISC-V-based processors. This will include:
- HPC and AI applications co-designed with hardware for maximum efficiency.
- Early access to RISC-V hardware emulation and simulation for software development.
- Pathfinding efforts for future scalability in post-exascale supercomputers.
By focusing on both hardware and software development, DARE SGA1 aims to offer a truly competitive alternative to US-based solutions.
European Supercomputing Roadmap: What’s Next?
DARE SGA1 is a three-year project, but it is only the first phase of a six-year European HPC strategy. By 2028, Europe aims to have:
- A fully operational European-designed HPC system running on RISC-V processors.
- A complete European hardware/software stack for supercomputing and AI applications.
- A roadmap for post-exascale supercomputers, ensuring Europe remains a global leader in HPC.
The project is part of a broader effort to future-proof Europe’s supercomputing infrastructure, reducing its dependence on foreign technologies and reinforcing digital sovereignty.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Europe’s Technological Independence
With the launch of DARE SGA1, Europe is making a bold statement: it is serious about digital autonomy. By investing in RISC-V technology, chiplets, and an optimized software ecosystem, the EU is laying the foundation for a self-sufficient, high-performance computing sector that will support scientific research, AI innovation, and industrial competitiveness.
As Europe continues to develop its own processors, software, and supercomputing infrastructure, it is taking a decisive step towards securing its digital future. The success of DARE SGA1 could mark the beginning of a new era in European computing—one that is innovative, efficient, and free from foreign dependence.
For more information, visit dare-riscv.eu.
