FFplus

FFplus is a Research and Innovation Project launched by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) that will empower SMEs and startups to take advantage of the opportunities that high-performance computing (HPC) offers. This also includes using large-scale HPC resources to develop generative artificial intelligence models such as foundation models and large language models. FFplus will help SMEs and startups in accessing state-of-the-art EuroHPC JU supercomputing resources, including pre-exascale and exascale supercomputers. It will also provide support in tackling technical challenges, fostering business development, and encouraging the creation of novel applications.

Coordinated by HLRS, FFplus will issue six open calls that invite European SMEs and startups to submit proposals for business experiments and innovation studies that demonstrate the benefits of HPC and generative AI. Successful applicants will receive startup funding and support from FFplus to conduct these experiments.

As FFplus continues, it will document productive applications of HPC and generative AI in success stories. These profiles will in turn be used to promote the uptake of these advanced technologies across Europe, showing how SMEs and startups can gain competitive advantages by integrating them into their business practices.

FFplus builds on the methods and accomplishments of the Fortissimo projects, which have left an invaluable legacy in the European HPC and business landscapes. Beginning in 2013, the Fortissimo, Fortissimo 2, and FF4EuroHPC projects executed more than 130 experiments involving 330 partners, resulting in 120 success stories. These success stories have encouraged actors across the European industrial landscape to implement new digitalization technologies in manufacturing (Industry 4.0), and to develop new products and services that bolster the EU economy.