The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has put the HoreKa 2 Supercomputer into operation. The new system will support researchers in their efforts to address complex scientific issues, such as climate, new materials, particle physics, energy, and mobility as well as AI research, more quickly. For this purpose, it combines powerful high-performance computing and modern AI technologies. The total cost of the facility amounts to EUR 17 million.

Representatives from academia, politics, and industry jointly put the supercomputer into service on Friday, September 25, 2026 in a ceremony held at KIT Campus North.

More Computing Power for Research and Innovation

Modern research addresses questions that cannot be answered without the help of high-performance computing. More precise climate models, the development of new materials, sustainable technologies, or next-generation AI applications: For these tasks, huge amounts of data need to be processed and highly complex simulations be performed. HoreKa 2 lays the foundations for this endeavor.

With its more than 42,000 processor cores, 300 AI accelerators, and a planned peak performance of around 33 petaFLOPS, HoreKa 2 can perform calculations that would take months or even years on traditional computer systems, thereby strengthening KIT’s research infrastructure. The system is also available to researchers from all over Germany.

“If you want to stay ahead in research and innovation, you need optimum computing power. With the new HoreKA 2 supercomputer at KIT, we are launching the next generation of super-efficient high-performance computing. KIT is one of nine nationwide centers of the National High-Performance Computing Network (NHR) and an important player in this field. With its expertise, it contributes to the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe,” said Petra Olschowski, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Science, Research and the Arts.

“HoreKa 2 strengthens the digital capabilities of KIT and combines cutting-edge research with a clear focus on sustainability. It will allow us to create the conditions necessary to conduct data-intensive research and run modern AI applications in an energy-efficient and sustainable manner,” said Professor Kora Kristof, Vice President Digitalization and Sustainability at KIT.

High-performance Computer for Research Efforts in Any Discipline

“Researchers from nearly all disciplines will benefit from the new system,” said Professor Martin Frank, member of the Board of Directors of the KIT Scientific Computing Center (SCC). “With the new system, we are able to double the computing power for simulations and AI applications.”

Besides its focus on Earth system sciences, engineering, materials sciences, and particle physics, the computing capacities are also made available to numerous other disciplines. The integrated graphics processors are designed specifically for AI applications that are being used in almost all areas of science today.

Sustainable High-performance Computing

During the development and procurement phases of the new system, performance and energy efficiency were given equal priority. HoreKa 2 is one of the most energy-efficient supercomputers of its performance class worldwide. For cooling the system, hot water is used, ensuring particularly energy-efficient operation and free cooling all over the year. Power supply at KIT’s Campus North is 100 percent based on renewables. In addition, cogeneration and photovoltaics facilities contribute to a sustainable power supply.

In close partnership with society, KIT develops solutions for urgent challenges – from climate change, energy transition and sustainable use of natural resources to artificial intelligence, sovereignty and an aging population. As The University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT unites scientific excellence from insight to application-driven research under one roof – and is thus in a unique position to drive this transformation. As a University of Excellence, KIT offers its more than 10,000 employees and 23,000 students outstanding opportunities to shape a sustainable and resilient future. KIT – Science for Impact.