Europe is preparing for the next frontier of computing with the launch of the Strategy for Post Exascale (SPE) project. Coordinated by Inria, SPE brings together 23 leading organisations to build a dynamic European vision for the convergence of High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing Systems (QCS) from 2026 to 2029, strengthening and paving the way for Europe’s leadership in the post-Exascale era. The project started in April 2026 and officially launched on 10 June during its kick-off meeting at the Campus Cyber, in Paris La Défense.

SPE lays the foundations for a European strategy to shape the future of post-Exascale computing

The post-Exascale transition is a major technological and strategic challenge for Europe. In a new era driven by AI disruptions, future computing systems are at the heart of the EU’s sovereignty, digital and industrial leadership. These systems will need to combine unprecedented performance with energy efficiency, software sustainability, industrial relevance, scientific excellence, sovereignty and advanced skills. SPE will address this challenge by identifying research and innovation gaps, emerging needs, disruptive technologies and new players across applications, algorithms, software environments, hardware technologies and systems.

The project aims to deliver an agile and continuously updated European roadmap for post-Exascale computing. It will be supported by a Policy Paper Factory, producing targeted policy notes, and by a Community of Practice gathering experts from academia, research infrastructures, industry, civil society and European organisations, including AI Factories and Giga-Factories. Through workshops, cartography work, challenge-based initiatives, user forums and world cafés, SPE will stimulate cross-domain collaboration and identify opportunities for disruptive innovation. SPE initial vision will be delivered by September 2026, followed by roadmap updates, policy papers and community activities.

A roadmap built with and for the European community

“SPE is about helping Europe anticipate rather than react. It will enable Europe to master the convergence of HPC, AI and Quantum, while ensuring that future technologies serve science, industry and society,” said Jean-Yves Berthou, SPE project coordinator and Inria Deputy CEO. “SPE will provide a collective framework to align strategic priorities, mobilise new communities and position Europe as a key contributor to global post-Exascale discussions. We invite researchers, industry leaders, innovators, policymakers and emerging stakeholders to join the Community of Practice and help shape Europe’s vision for the post-Exascale era.”

Through the International post-Exascale (InPEx.science) initiative and collaborations with major European and worldwide organisations and events, SPE will ensure European priorities both shape and benefit from global discussions on the future of advanced computing.

About Strategy for Post Exascale (SPE)

SPE is a Horizon Europe-funded project launched on 1 April 2026 and will run for three years with a European Union contribution of 2.5 million €.

Coordinated by Inria, the French National Institut for Digital Science and Technology, the SPE consortium gathers 23 leading European organisations representing the fields of HPC, AI and QCS: the DAIRO/BDVA, ETP4HPC, QuIC, University of Bordeaux, GENCI, CEA, SiPearl, Neovia Innovation, Fraunhofer, ParTec, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Technical University of Munich, BSC, CSC, GRNET, ICSC, CINECA, INFN, and University of Turin, PCSS, CERN, and the University of Edinburgh. Together, these industrial alliances, research organisations, universities, supercomputing centres and technology companies from across Europe will work with European and international initiatives to support policy, funding and strategic decision-making for the post-Exascale era.