The Armagh-Monaghan Digital Corridor (AMDC) is conducting a high-performance computing (HPC) pilot programme in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Technology Centre at Queen’s University Belfast to demonstrate and promote the business use of HPC in manufacturing technology.
Funding for three selected pilot schemes – located at AMDC’s state-of-the-art A:tek building in Armagh – was secured from Armagh City and District Council and the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme. The facility that houses the pilot has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland.
“The HPC programme will provide a powerful magnet for both start-ups and larger companies conducting research and development activities and will enable ICT businesses to grow and prosper in the border region,” explained Bernard Conlon, business development manager with AMDC.
“HPC offers practical solutions to businesses by lowering the costs of developing new projects and speeding up production rates.
“Following the pilot programme there will be a very strong case for establishing a permanent HPC facility and ultimately forming a specialist software cluster within the region,” Conlon explained.
At present, the Northern Ireland Technology Centre offers a range of manufacturing technology services that make use of HPC. Typical applications include product design and development, computer aided design and manufacturing and rapid prototyping, process simulation and optimisation with production cell and factory layout, business process improvement and the design and development of automated machinery.
By John Kennedy
