$10 million in NSF funding will let the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center build Bridges-3, a next-generation flagship system aimed at widening advanced computing access across the United States.
Bridges-3 is meant to meet surging demand from larger AI models and more complex scientific workloads, using NVIDIA B200 GPUs, high-core-count AMD CPUs, large memory and fast storage.
The new machine will preserve Bridges-2 software tools and integrate selected existing nodes, easing the transition for thousands of current users while extending established workflows.
ACCESS and the NAIRR Pilot will allocate most of the system, targeting researchers, educators and students—including institutions without local high-performance computing resources.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is expected to begin construction in early 2027 at PSC's new data center, with full operations planned for summer 2027.
Can a $10M public supercomputer keep pace with Big Tech's billion-dollar AI investments?
How will this NSF-funded project secure American research against growing global cyber threats?
As AI models learn to deceive, how will this new supercomputer help us build more honest AI?
Bridges-3 Supercomputer: $10 Million NSF Investment to Advance U.S. AI Research and Workforce
Overview
The National Science Foundation awarded a $10 million grant to the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center to develop Bridges-3, a next-generation supercomputer that continues PSC’s four-decade legacy of supporting U.S. research and education. Bridges-3 is designed to help institutions without local high-performance computing resources, foster new research programs, and welcome users new to advanced computing. Its powerful capabilities will be accessible nationwide through programs like ACCESS and the NAIRR Pilot. PSC will also expand workforce development by building on successful training and educational programs established with Bridges-2, ensuring broad participation in computational research.