The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new era in scientific computing with the unveiling of a powerful new supercomputer that merges traditional high-performance computing with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI). Scheduled to arrive in 2026, the machine will be installed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a key DOE research facility located near the University of California, Berkeley.
Named in honor of Jennifer Doudna a Berkeley biochemist and Nobel Laureate renowned for co-developing the CRISPR gene-editing technology the supercomputer marks a significant step in the fusion of scientific simulation and AI computation. Historically, these two domains operated on different hardware and relied on distinct computing approaches. However, the upcoming system, built in collaboration with Dell Technologies and powered by Nvidia chips optimized for both AI and scientific modeling, represents a transformative shift.
According to Jonathan Carter, Associate Laboratory Director for Computing Sciences at Berkeley Lab, the Doudna system is expected to deliver more than ten times the performance of the lab’s current most advanced machine. This leap in computing power will enable researchers to conduct far more complex simulations and accelerate the training of sophisticated AI models for scientific discovery.
“By combining traditional simulation with modern AI, we’re creating a hybrid approach that will redefine how we tackle the hardest scientific problems,” said Carter.
The supercomputer will be instrumental in a variety of critical research areas, including energy innovation, climate modeling, materials science, and genomics. The use of Nvidia GPUs — known for their superior capabilities in AI workloads — will help scientists generate new insights faster than ever before, potentially leading to breakthroughs in everything from renewable energy technologies to advanced drug discovery.
With this initiative, the DOE reaffirms its commitment to remaining at the forefront of computational science while honoring a leading figure in biotechnology. The Jennifer Doudna supercomputer not only celebrates scientific excellence but also symbolizes a new era where AI and scientific inquiry progress hand in hand.
