EPCC joins taskforce to accelerate convergence between HPC, Big Data and AI in Europe
13 March 2026
Professor Jano van Hemert, EPCC Director of Data Services, has been appointed co-lead of the Big Data Value Association's Task Force on HPC, Big Data, and AI - joining Jeanette Nilsson (RISE) and Carmen Perea Escribano (Bull). This collaboration marks a major step forward in the Edinburgh International Data Facility's mission to drive innovation and integration across the most influential technology sectors.
The task force is dedicated to breaking down silos and accelerating convergence between high-performance computing (HPC), big data, and AI. By aligning with the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) and the AI, Data, and Robotics Partnership, it will foster new opportunities for business, research, and technological breakthroughs.
Current priorities include:
- AI factories: improving access to data and connectivity to data spaces, implementing networking layers that standardise AI Factories at the user level, and supporting the generative AI lifecycle.
- AI workflows and data pipelines over HPC: bridging AI practitioners, data experts, and HPC infrastructure providers to enhance AI performance and scalability.
- AI Software for HPC and quantum computing: creating a group of experts focused on advancing AI software frameworks and tools optimised for both HPC and quantum computing environments.
- Computing continuum: continuing efforts with the Computing Continuum Initiative to tackle key challenges in making data and AI innovations suitable for emerging infrastructures.
Jano van Hemert EPCC Director of Data Services"I'm looking forward to collaborating with our European colleagues to align AI, HPC and big data to facilitate applications that will benefit society."
Further information
Big Data Value Association
BDVA - Big Data Value Association is an industry-driven international not-for-profit organisation. Its focus is on innovation in data and AI.
Learn more about the BDVA HPC – Big Data – AI task force.
Edinburgh International Data Facility
The Edinburgh International Data Facility (EIDF) is a world-class private research cloud infrastructure designed to facilitate data science research, research and development, and innovation. Operated by EPCC, it underpins the Data-Driven Innovation initiative (DDI). EIDF provides computing, data management, IoT and safe haven services, and offers bespoke customisation and service co-creation for DDI partners, researchers and innovators.
UK AI Factory Antenna
In 2025 EPCC, the UK’s first National Supercomputing Centre, was awarded EU and UK Government funding to establish and operate the €10m (£8.6m) UK AI Factory Antenna (UKAIFA). The initiative, led by the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), will focus on helping organisations take their first steps in AI, increasing literacy in the technology and its use, and showing how it can help increase productivity and deliver economic growth.
