New Deep Learning Cluster at the University of Freiburg

Investment in AI research

The University of Freiburg is driving forward research in the field of machine learning with the acquisition of a new high-performance cluster for deep learning. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) as part of the EFRE Baden-Württemberg 2021-2027 program, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the state of Baden-Württemberg.

The new large-scale device expands and modernizes the existing infrastructure in order to significantly strengthen basic research in the field of deep learning. The use of powerful and energy-efficient GPU and CPU computing units as well as expanded storage capacities will enable the development of innovative machine learning methods. This research will cover a wide range of applications, including:

Generative language models
Multimodal models for combining speech and vision
Autonomous driving and robotics
Automated machine learning
Machine learning on small data
Bioinformatics and medical image processing
Energy-efficient machine learning
Foundation models for tabular data

A particular focus of the project is on the sustainable and energy-conscious development of artificial intelligence. The new infrastructure will contribute to researching and establishing resource-saving technologies in order to shape an environmentally friendly digital future.

The project is being financed with a total of € 4,477,103.20, of which € 1,763,662.34 comes from EFRE funds. The funding is provided by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Arts.

Prof. Frank Hutter is in charge of the project. The following professors are also involved: Prof. Abhinav Valada, Prof. Joschka Bödecker, Prof. Thomas Brox, Prof. Rolf Backofen and Prof. Hannah Bast. Together, they are contributing their expertise in various areas of machine learning and artificial intelligence to significantly advance research at the University of Freiburg.

This investment will further strengthen the University of Freiburg as a leading research location in the field of artificial intelligence and will enable decisive progress in AI development for science and society.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Frank Hutter
Department of Computer Science
University of Freiburg
Tel.: 0761/203-67740
E-Mail: fh(at)informatik.uni-freiburg.de

Kerstin Steiger-Merx
Representative Marketing & PR
Faculty of Engineering
University of Freiburg
Tel.: 0761/203-8056
E-Mail: steiger-merx@tf.uni-freiburg.de