{"id":23795,"date":"2026-10-19T20:22:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T17:22:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grnet.gr\/?p=23795"},"modified":"2026-10-19T20:22:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T17:22:22","slug":"national-supercomputer-daedalus-inaugurated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grnet.gr\/en\/2026\/10\/19\/national-supercomputer-daedalus-inaugurated\/","title":{"rendered":"National Supercomputer \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 inaugurated \u2013 Greece is among the 14 countries with the strongest supercomputing presence worldwide"},"content":{"rendered":"

The inauguration of the new National Supercomputer \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 took place on Monday, 19 October 2026, at the Lavrion Technological Cultural Park of the National Technical University of Athens, with the presence of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, symbolically placed into operation the most powerful computing system Greece has ever acquired, marking an important milestone for research, innovation and the development of Artificial Intelligence applications.<\/span><\/p>\n

As of June 2026, with a measured computing performance of 85.69 PetaFlops, \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 ranks 31st in the global TOP500 list and 23rd in the Green500, which assesses the energy efficiency of the world\u2019s most powerful supercomputers. With \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019, Greece is now among the 14 countries worldwide with the strongest presence in the global supercomputing rankings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated:<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cGreece\u2019s journey in technology, from lagging behind to being at the forefront, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence, has indeed been and continues to be extremely exciting. I would like to thank everyone who worked to make this project a reality. I can see the emotion in many people\u2019s eyes, because I know how hard you all worked in order for us to reach this point today, where, as a country, we have one of the world\u2019s most powerful supercomputers, while at the same time having it installed in a building of such great historical and cultural significance. We are building a \u2018bridge\u2019 from the Second Industrial Revolution, from the early 20th century, when we generated electricity in this space, to having installed a supercomputer with exceptional capabilities in the very same building. Now we are taking the next step: making this incredible computing power available to Greek researchers, the Greek business community, start-ups, and larger enterprises alike. Wishing all the good fortune ahead for DAEDALUS operations\u201d.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Dimitris Papastergiou stated:<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is something truly special about this place. It takes us on a journey from the Second to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Where electricity was once generated, today we are transforming energy, data and human talent into Artificial Intelligence. With \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019, Greece becomes the 14th country in the world to acquire such infrastructure. And this is a huge step forward. \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 is going live today and, once the necessary tests and technical adjustments have been completed, it will begin providing its services in December. We want our country to produce Artificial Intelligence, to have its own infrastructure and to make the most of its data here, in Greece and across Europe. We must provide universities, researchers and start-ups with the tools to create, innovate and the ability to retain talent in the country. With \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019, the new supercomputer coming to Kozani, and the capabilities of the AI Factories, we are building the infrastructure that can make Greece a leading player in the wider region. I would like to thank everyone who has worked to make this great project a reality. Because today, from historic Lavrio, we are taking a giant step towards the future.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Thomas Skordas, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission\u2019s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT), stated:<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a great honour to be in Lavrion today for the inauguration of the \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 supercomputer. At a time when technological sovereignty and competitiveness are crucial, Europe is investing strategically in advanced computing. With EUR 36 million in support, \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019\u00a0 strengthens Greece\u2019s position at the heart of the digital future. Greece is among the first seven European countries to host an AI Factory, placing it firmly on the global supercomputing map. As the computing infrastructure of the PHAROS AI Factory, it will turn research into tangible social and economic impact by providing world-class computing power to Greek talent. Together, we are ensuring that Greece and Europe help shape the future.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

During the inauguration event, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took part in a discussion with technology journalist Timos Kouremenos, who hosted and moderated the event. The discussion focused on the progress of Greece\u2019s digital transformation since 2019, the importance of technological sovereignty and the opportunities created by Artificial Intelligence for the country. Particular emphasis was placed on opportunities for young researchers and Greek start-ups, the use of Artificial Intelligence in the public sector and in citizens\u2019 everyday lives, as well as the long-term contribution that \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 can make to the country\u2019s development.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rector of the National Technical University of Athens, Professor Ioannis Hatzigeorgiou, delivered a welcome speech. The role of \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 as a national High Performance Computing infrastructure was highlighted by Professor Stefanos Kollias, Chairman of GRNET, while Professor Nectarios Koziris, Greece\u2019s National Representative of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, presented its position within the European supercomputing ecosystem. Afroditi Sevasti, CEO of the PHAROS AI Factory, focused on the potential use of computing power for research and innovation, while the European dimension of the project was presented by Thomas Skordas, Deputy Director-General of DG CONNECT at the European Commission.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 is implemented by GRNET – The National Infrastructures for Research and Technology, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, under Greece\u2019s National Recovery and Resilience Plan \u201cGreece 2.0\u201d, with funding from the European Union \u2013 NextGenerationEU and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Computing power for science, the economy and the public sector<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 is based on advanced Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) architecture, featuring NVIDIA GH200 accelerators and direct liquid-cooling technology. Its computing power will be used across a broad range of applications, from physics, chemistry and biomedical research to personalised healthcare, weather forecasting, climate and environmental modelling, energy, transport and cybersecurity.<\/span><\/p>\n

It will also support the development of Generative AI applications and Large Language Models, as well as solutions for the Greek language, culture and the promotion of cultural heritage. The infrastructure will be available to the Greek and European scientific communities, universities, research centres, start-ups and SMEs, industry and the public sector, enabling the processing of large volumes of data, the execution of complex simulations and the development of new products and services.<\/span><\/p>\n

The computing core of the PHAROS AI Factory<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 forms the computing core of Greece\u2019s PHAROS AI Factory, one of the first AI Factories in the European network. PHAROS combines computing resources, data, expertise and specialised support for the development of Artificial Intelligence applications, with a focus on three key areas: Health, Language and Culture, and Sustainability. Its objective is to transform research knowledge into Greek technological solutions, strengthening the country\u2019s technological autonomy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Implementation and funding<\/b><\/p>\n

\u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 represents a total investment of EUR 58.9 million, including VAT, implemented by GRNET in two interconnected stages.<\/span><\/p>\n

The procurement and installation of the computing equipment, storage systems and software, as well as the provision of training services, were carried out by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with a budget of EUR 41 million, including VAT.<\/span><\/p>\n

The development of the electromechanical infrastructure and the Data Centre at the Lavrion Technological Cultural Park was carried out by MainSys S.A., with a budget of EUR 17.9 million, including VAT.<\/span><\/p>\n

14 Questions and Answers on the National Supercomputer \u201cDAEDALUS\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

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  1. What is \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 and why is it important for Greece?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 is Greece\u2019s new National Supercomputer and the most powerful computing system the country has ever acquired. It is a modern High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure capable of processing enormous volumes of data and performing highly complex calculations at very high speed.<\/span><\/p>\n

    With \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019, Greece gains new capabilities in scientific research, Artificial Intelligence and the development of advanced technological applications, strengthening its presence in the European and international supercomputing ecosystem.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. How powerful is \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 and where does it rank internationally?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 has a measured computing performance of 85.69 PetaFlops, meaning that it can perform approximately 85.69 quadrillion computational operations per second.<\/span><\/p>\n

      It ranks 31st in the global TOP500 list of the world\u2019s most powerful supercomputers and 23rd in the Green500, which evaluates their energy efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

      With \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019, Greece is now among the 14 countries worldwide with such a strong presence in the global supercomputing rankings.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. When will the first users be able to access \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        User access to \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 will begin gradually in December, following the system\u2019s full configuration.<\/span><\/p>\n

        The relevant calls, terms and access guidelines will be announced by GRNET.<\/span><\/p>\n

        The objective is to ensure that use of the infrastructure begins in an organised and technically secure manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Who will be able to use its capabilities and through what process?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          The computing power of\u00a0 \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 will be available to the Greek and European scientific and academic communities, universities and research centres, start-ups and SMEs, industry and the public sector.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Access will be provided through specific procedures and calls issued by GRNET, the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and the\u00a0 PHAROS AI Factory, depending on the scope of each activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Interested users will submit project proposals, which will be evaluated on the basis of their scientific or technological merit, computing requirements and the availability of resources.<\/span><\/p>\n

          The exact eligibility criteria and deadlines will be announced when the system enters production operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. What can \u2018DAEDALUS\u2019 do in practice? Are there specific examples?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Its applications cover a particularly broad range of fields, from healthcare and biomedical research to climate change, energy, transport, industry and cybersecurity.<\/span><\/p>\n

            <\/b><\/b><\/b><\/b>Examples include<\/b>:<\/span><\/p>\n