Accelerating Computing for science
CERN openlab is a unique public-private partnership, through which CERN collaborates with leading technology companies and other research organisations. Together we work to accelerate the development of cutting-edge computing technologies for the research community.
For more than 20 years, CERN openlab has been the bedrock of partnership, providing a structured and collaborative framework for industry and research organisations to engage with CERN researchers. Its framework not only fosters collaboration but also facilitates industry participation and investment. Collaboration is the core of CERN openlab, where industry and scientific researchers co-develop innovative solutions.
Now embarking on its eighth phase, with 23 years of transformative history, CERN openlab embraces a new era of multidisciplinary collaboration, with fresh insights and activities. As the world evolves and new challenges emerge, our dedication to accelerate scientific computing, propelling technologies beyond HEP, and fostering positive societal impacts on a global scale remains unwavering.
To address scientific challenges at the exascale level, CERN openlab has identified two main R&D directions: ‘Sustainable Infrastructures’ and ‘Emerging Technologies’. In sustainable infrastructures, it collaborates on energy-efficient computing platforms, while in emerging technologies, it explores innovations like long-term digital storage materials, scientific digital twins, and quantum computing.
Our primary missions
Establishing strategic industry collaborations
CERN openlab projects provide an ideal incubator for collaborations, where they can be formed and longer-term partnerships can be built. They act as the first step in the establishment of strategic collaborations between CERN and other organisations interested in investing in the future of science and technology.
Fuelling technological innovation
CERN openlab serves as an incubator for new technologies. It forms a dynamic hub where CERN and its partners collaboratively push the boundaries of ICT technology. This cooperative synergy propels the co-development of new ideas and innovative solutions.
Exposing technology to researchers
CERN openlab provides access to new technologies available on the market to its members and the HEP community, supporting critical tasks of evaluation, adaptation, and benchmarking.
Nurturing knowledge and growth in young STEM researchers
CERN openlab plays a crucial role in training the experts of tomorrow. Through various programmes and workshops, it equips the next generation of researchers with essential skills required to navigate the complex landscape of modern computing technologies.
Implementation Model
The CERN openlab implementation model relies on two main approaches:
Establishing a managed portfolio of small to medium-size, agile projects with technology providers with clear impact on the CERN IT Technology Roadmap.
Identifying a few collaborations, especially at the level of the computing infrastructures, of high potential impact and act as an initial incubation step for longer-term collaborations.
Leveraging these approaches, CERN openlab actively pursues collaborations with industry and academia, establishing a foundation of trust for enduring partnerships. This approach not only maximises technical impact but also fully harnesses the potential of innovative technologies, thereby amplifying our core strengths.
