Indra and Barcelona Supercomputing Center Join Forces to Strengthen European Technological Sovereignty with Advanced Dual-Use Technologies

Indra and Barcelona Supercomputing Center Join Forces to Strengthen European Technological Sovereignty with Advanced Dual-Use Technologies

(IN BRIEF) Indra and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) have signed an agreement to collaborate on developing dual-use technologies, including supercomputing, AI, and quantum systems, aimed at boosting Spain’s and Europe’s technological sovereignty. This partnership will focus on advancing key programs like the NGWS/FCAS defense initiative and establishing new supercomputing infrastructure. The agreement is expected to drive innovation across multiple industries, strengthen technological leadership, and enhance strategic autonomy in Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) BARCELONA, 16-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Indra and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center-Centro Nacional de Supercomputación (BSC-CNS) have signed an agreement to accelerate research and development in critical dual-use technologies. This partnership aims to enhance Spain’s and Europe’s technological sovereignty by focusing on supercomputing, artificial intelligence, and quantum systems, which have applications in both civil and defense sectors.

The agreement, signed by Indra Chairman Marc Murtra and BSC Director Mateo Valero, strengthens collaboration between the two entities, particularly for advancing projects such as the Next-Generation Weapon System/Future Combat Air System (NGWS/FCAS), a joint initiative led by Spain, Germany, and France to develop future defense capabilities.

Through this partnership, Indra and BSC will share scientific and technical expertise, create new opportunities for collaboration, and facilitate staff training. The agreement also emphasizes the development of new supercomputing infrastructures, providing the computing power necessary to address increasingly complex challenges in both technology and defense.

Marc Murtra, Chairman of Indra, highlighted the importance of integrating BSC’s and Indra’s expertise, stating, “This partnership is a significant step towards European strategic autonomy and will strengthen our ability to lead technological programs crucial for society’s well-being.”

BSC Director Mateo Valero added, “As systems and technological innovations grow more complex, we need cutting-edge digital tools and extraordinary computing capabilities. This agreement will help build a strong innovation ecosystem to enhance Spain’s and Europe’s technological sovereignty.”

This collaboration covers a broad range of advanced technologies, including AI development, quantum computing, simulation, and high-performance computing. It establishes a framework for continuous communication and lays the foundation for joint efforts to push the boundaries of technological innovation in Europe.

About the BSC
The BSC is one of the leading supercomputing centers in Europe and it houses the MareNostrum5, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. Its specialty is HPC (High Performance Computing) and its function is twofold: to provide supercomputing infrastructures and services for Spanish and European scientists and to generate knowledge and technology so that they can be transferred to society. The BSC Consortium is made up of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of the Government of Spain (60%), the Ministry of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia (30%) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (10%). The center manages the RES (Spanish Supercomputing Network) and it’s the entity that hosts the EuroHPC JU, the European initiative leading large-scale investments and the provision of HPC in Europe.

About Indra
Indra is a leading Spanish multinational and one of the foremost global defence, air traffic and space companies that, through technology, protects our current way of life and anticipates the needs of the future. Its committed team of experts, its in-depth knowledge of the business and the latest technologies, and its unique innovation and systems integration capabilities make it the trusted technology partner for key operations and digitalization for its customers around the world. Thanks to its leadership in major European programs and projects, as well as its spirit of collaboration and partnership strategy, it drives the industrial and innovative ecosystem in these sectors.

About Indra Group
Indra Group is a holding company that fosters technological progress. It is made up of Indra, one of the leading global defense, air traffic and space companies, and Minsait, a leader of the digital transformation and information technologies in Spain and Latin America. Indra Group paves the way to a safer and better-connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships and the very best talent. Sustainability is an integral part of its strategy and culture in order to overcome current and future social and environmental challenges. In the 2023 financial year, Indra Group posted revenues totaling €4.343 billion, with more than 57,000 employees, a local presence in 46 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.

Media Contact:

Antonio Tovar
atovar@indra.es
+34 683 667 916

SOURCE: Indra